Michigan vs. Notre Dame Preview part 2: Keys to a Michigan Victory

Keys to Michigan Victory

Freshmen:
How do Michigan’s freshmen and other inexperienced players react to first road game? In addition, this one in very hostile place, Notre Dame can be extremely intimidating. Seen too many times where bad first quarter puts team in deep hole they can never dig their way out of.

Special Teams:
Must do better job of changing field position especially with young inexperienced offense, shorter the field the better.

Offense:
Quarterback needs to rush for 40 yards or more, must avoid turnovers, pick up blitz, connect on some of those missed passes. Improve blocking from last week, limit penalties, and negative plays. This offense is in trouble if it is consistently in 2nd and 3rd and long situations.

Defense:
Allow NO big plays. Notre Dame’s Offensive line is not the best we will see this year. Not sure Notre Dame can consistently drive the field on Michigan. Must create some turnovers and give offense some short fields. STOP the run and make Claussen try to beat us with his arm. In addition, much of Notre Dame Offense comes off, or is generated by being able to run the ball. Hit Claussen hard and often and as always, sound crisp tackling, have to limit yards after contact this week.

Predictions will be part 3 at 4:00pm EDT today.

written by CoachBt and ErocWolverine