MICHIGAN RUNNING GAME
VS. NOTRE DAME RUN DEFENSE
There was first-half success for Michigan, with
its four ball carriers (excluding quarterback Devin
Gardner) carrying 11 times for 71 yards, a robust
6.4 average. At that point, though, the Wolverines
trailed 21-0 and had to rely much more on the pass
to get back into the game, and finished with just 100
yards on 35 attempts (2.9 yards per carry).
Sophomore linebacker Jaylon Smith's speed, among
other factors, helped contain Gardner, who rushed for
a game-high 82 yards versus Notre Dame last year. In
this meeting, he was held to five yards with no gain
more than nine yards.
ADVANTAGE: Notre Dame
MICHIGAN PASSING GAME
VS. NOTRE DAME PASS DEFENSE
Beyond junior Devin Funchess (nine catches
for 107 yards), Michigan did not have a consis-
tent, reliable second option for Gardner. The U-M
signal-caller completed 19 of 32 throws, but for
only 189 yards (just under 6.0 yards per attempt,
a strong barometer for a defense) with three
interceptions.
Notre Dame forced nine quarterback hurries, led
by junior defensive tackle Sheldon Day's four, and did
a good job of sending in safeties or the nickel back
on blitzes to mix it up.
ADVANTAGE: Notre Dame
ON PAPER REVISITED BY LOU SOMOGYI
Sophomore safety Max Redfield and the Irish defense limited the Michigan rushing attack to a mere 100
yards on 35 carries (2.9 yards per attempt).
PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL
