Duds and Studs Michigan

Just as Notre Dame was better than the 21-13 score over SDSU, they were worse than 35-17 over Michigan; UM had 6 turnovers, and while a few of the turnovers were the result of great plays by the defense, several of them were blatantly UM gaffs. These plays which Rodriguez referred to as 'unforced errors' may have skewed the score somewhat, but for now I'll definitely take a 35-17 rain soaked win, no matter how we attain it.


Duds


Michigan Coaching: Speaking of Rodriguez, did anyone get a chance to watch the post-game media session? Weis showed up with a 'blown up' knee, soaking wet, and still wearing all of his coaching gear. Rodriguez, appeared much later, issuing an apology to the press for taking so long to 'take a shower and get ready to leave as soon as possible.' I understand why he wanted to get out of South Bend so quickly following the loss, but keeping the media waiting in a damp smelly room for an hour is just another example of Rodriguez not understanding college football etiquette. Additionally, I'm pretty sure I could have performed Corwin Brown's job on Saturday; how hard is it to stop an offense that either runs: 1. HB off tackle or 2. play action pass? I realize that the team is still installing its new offense, but after 3 games, the playcalling seemed pretty bland.

Armando Allen: With Aldridge back in the lineup and Hughes looking like he did at the end of last year, Allen saw a huge drop off in carries last weekend, running the ball only twice for four yards and dropping the only pass thrown to him. Even returning kicks, the speedster managed just 9 yards on two attempts. Perhaps Weis limited his action because he thought UM's front seven was stronger on the outside and elected to pound it inside more with the bigger backs; let's hope he can eventually deliver on his big play potential.


Rush Defense: For the second straight week, ND let up a higher per carry average (3.8) than its offense was able to produce (3.3). If it weren't for UM fielding such a green offensive line, the McGuffie virus could have really run wild on the Irish. If you think that 131 yards on 25 carries is a big game for a running back, wait until next week when Notre Dame will have to face a running back with 3 more years of experience, a much better line, and NFL scouts willing to bet a first round draft pick on him.

Pops: I got my first prediction of the year wrong as I predicted an Irish loss in a low scoring game, but as consolation, I did write this in my Michigan preview:

"If the Irish are successful in this one, it will be due to ND’s defense drumming up come circa 2002 turnovers, and Michigan's defense surrendering one or two big plays on offense and special teams."and "Notre Dame’s best bet [at moving the ball] will be to stretch the field"


Also, Weis mentioned in his post game talk that the two main elements of ND's game plan were:

1. To air the ball out because Weis didn't think he could succede by 'nickle and diming' UM's talented front seven, and
2. Win the turnover battle. Weis was convinced that turnovers would decide this game.

So I'll accept flak for being too pessimistic, but at least give me the benefit of an asterisk on this loss.


Studs

David Bruton: Here's a write up from Blue and Gold that sums up the stellar play of the senior:

"the All-American candidate added two more big plays against Michigan when he foiled two Wolverine drives deep in Irish territory. The first was a forced fumble at the 5-yard line that helped Notre Dame preserve a precarious 28-17 lead that could have become 28-24. Bruton later added an interception at the 5-yard line that he returned 39 yards in a play he almost broke for a touchdown."
Asked about his knack for creating big plays, Bruton says that it is just a result of executing what he has been coached:


“Practice what we preach, especially in wet conditions, ripping at the ball.”


Mike Anello: An obvious snub from the Week 1 Studs list, the undersized but speedy walk-on had another phenomenal game, causing one fumble and recovering another on special teams. It was great to see #37 get some action at CB towards the end of the game; you can't argue that he didn't deserve it.


Golden Tate: The Tennessee native accounted for 86% of Notre Dame's receiving yards (127/147) despite only catching 4 passes. It was nice to see Tate have a big game against SDSU last week, but if he can keep this pace up for the rest of the season, I don't think an All-America honor is out of the question. Floyd also looked good again, drawing some key pass interference penalties, and opposing defenses better hope that both of ND's top receivers don't develop to their full potential, otherwise they could be in some serious trouble.

O-Line: For the first time since 2003, Notre Dame's offensive line kept the QB upright for consecutive games. This was expected against SDSU, but it still baffles me that Michigan's front seven was unable to sack Clausen on Saturday. Even a freshman got in the action as Trevor Robinson stepped in after Stewart left with a minor ankle injury. Because Robinson contributed to the zero sack total, his first appearance in Blue and Gold should be looked at as a positive, but he doesn't quite seem to be able to drive off the line like the Titan from Texas just yet. Hopefully Chris will be back for MSU.


Brian Smith: With two fumble recoveries, a touchdown, pass deflection, and a plethora of tackles, Smith gets the last spot in the Studs list this week; linebackers dream of having stat lines as sexy as this. Beyond the numbers, however, Irish fans should appreciate the fervor with which Smith plays the game. He is an emotional leader on a defense that dug deep and made plays when it had to against Michigan.

Other Notes: How awesome was Hughes' fake-right-go-right juke move that made a Wolverine defensive player actually fall over? For the second straight week, Weis elected to use play action passes in 3rd/4th and short situations. I thought the kicking game was good, especially considering the weather; Anello and Bruton aren't the only reason that opponents haven't been able to do much on kick returns. Finally, Kudos to Weis for handling his injury with such poise; watching him on the field and at his press conference reminded me of some of his better characteristics, like his devotion to his team and this university. Good luck on the recovery.

Go Irish!