Observations on the first half with the Irish, 0-21

Notre Dame came up with two red zones for 14 points. Michigan drove twice inside the Irish 25, but missed two field goals.

Devin Gardner was 9 if 15 for 80 yards with four completions to Devin Funchess; the Wolverines were one of six on 3rd down conversion opportunities with 131 net yards of offense for 8 first downs. Two punts and two missed field goals in five drives with the last drive ending at halftime. The big 17 yard fumble caused by Jarron Jones pushing Jack Miller into Gardner really hurt, and reduced our net rushing yardage to 56 yards with Norfleet, Green and Smith gaining carries.

Notre Dame steamrolled our defense with 3 TDs. Their final scoring drive just before half took less than a minute to go 6 plays and 56 yards after a 13 play, 80 yard TD drive in the second quarter with their first drive moving 71 yards in 9 plays. In the first scoring drive by Notre Dame, Jourdan Lewis contributed to the Irish cause with two pass interference calls including one that placed the ball on the 2. The Irish had 215 net offensive yards including 169 in the air for 15 first downs. Countess couldn't handle Fuller (4 catches, 24 yard TD), Hollowell couldn't handle Amir Carlisle (3 catches, 1 yard TD). We did force them into using all 3 time outs in the first quarter. Golson was 16 of 21 with 3 TDs. Raymon Taylor left the game after the first defensive series with some type of leg injury, and Jabrill Peppers is still unable to play due to an ankle injury. Bryan Mone and Willie Henry put two hurries on Golson.

Not much positive to say about horrid special teams that missed two scores that could have changed the complexion of the game. Chesson looked good on punt coverage. Will Hagerup had two punts of 48 and 43 yards, one was fumbled and we couldn't recover and the other was brought back 11 yards setting up their final score.

The second half will be a mountain to climb to get back in this one rather than an uphill struggle. The Irish have all the momentum and confidence.