Observations on the win over Notre Dame, 41-30
Michigan converted five red zones into 31 points including one Irish turnover into a TD while Notre Dame gained 17 points in five red zone trips. The two turnovers, and the two red zone misses killed their chances.
Offense looked great except one colossal mistake. Gardner was 21 of 33 for 294 yards and 4 TDs, and ran for 82 yards on 13 carries for a TD. Jeremy Gallon had 8 catches for 184 yards, and 4 TDs. Fitz Touissaint had 22 carries for 71 yards. Devin Funchess and Drew Dileo had 3 catches each, and Dileo's TD grab with 4:18 to play iced the win. We had 460 net yards in 72 plays with an eight minute time of possession advantage, and 25 first downs. We were forced into two three and outs, and one punt plus the turnover. Michigan was 6 of 12 in 3rd down conversions.
Defense was led by Ramon Taylor with 11 tackles, and Thomas Gordon had 7; Desmond Morgan, James Ross, and Blake Countess had six each, and Countess grabbed two interceptions. Rees was 29 of 51 for 314 yards, 2 TDs and 2 interceptions. Amir Carlisle had 12 carries for 64 yards, and George Atkinson had 5 carries for 37 yards. Irish had 410 net yards in 72 plays with 23 first downs. Notre Dame was 8 of 17 in 3rd and 4th down conversions.
Brendon Gibbons sets a Michigan record with 16 field goals in a row, and converts on two. Dennis Norfleet recovers his fumble on a punt return, and and Irish punt return goes for 18 yards. We gave up a 50 yard kickoff return.
We'll savor this win! It should mean we are undefeated when we go the East Lansing in November. Go Blue!
Player Participation Box Score Highlights
Observations on the first half with Notre Dame
Brady Hoke on Notre Dame on September 5 Jeremy Gallon Devin Funchess
Greg Mattison Press Conference on September 3 Al Borges
Brady Hoke Press Conference on September 2 Taylor Lewan Devin Gardner