Can Notre Dame stop Denard Robinson in their quest to a BCS Bowl?

Last year’s nightmare collapse will be on many minds at South Bend

The Fighting Irish are also flourishing thanks to sublime Special Teams play. Punter Ben Turk was honored last week as FBS Independent Special Teams player of the week averaging 42.3 yards on eight punts, with four of his boots downed inside the 20 yard line.

Notre Dame Defense

The Fighting Irish defense has been punishing. Its 30 total points allowed over three games is its lowest total since the team’s championship winning season in 1988. The stout squad has not allowed one rushing TD. Their 866 total yards against is the lowest since 2002. This surge is partly due to the outstanding play of LB Manti T’eo (30 tackles). The All-American was selected as FBS defensive player of the week with 12 tackles, a game high, two pass break ups and an 8-yard fourth quarter fumble return against Michigan State. S Zeke Motta (19 tackles) and LBDan Fox (16 tackles) play strong supporting roles on defense.

The Notre Dame defensive line is anchored by defensive tackle Louis Nix III who will look to contain Michigan’s running attack, especially the scrambling of dangerous quarterback Denard Robinson. His work in the middle will free up DE Stephon Tuitt (2nd in the nation with 5 sacks) and Prince Shembo (9 tackles and a sack against MSU) to wreak havoc on Robinson and the Wolverine offense.

Denard Robinson is just as dangerous in the air as on the ground. His threat to run forces backfields to play conservative opening them up for big plays like the killer throw from Robinson to Roy Roundtree last year. The Fighting Irish backfield  will have their hands full especially with the season-ending injury to S Jamoris Slaughter.

Michigan Offense

Two words. Denard Robinson. Coming off a game totaling of 397 total yards against UMASS, the athletic Michigan QB has been a thorn in Notre Dame’s side each year since his 2010 500 total yard (258 rushing, 244 passing) effort for the ages. In last year’s victory Robinson went off in the 4th quarter for 28 points leading the blue and maize back from being down 24-7 on four touchdown drives. Coach Kelly understands the importance of stopping this Wolverine dynamo who already has notched 351 yards and four touchdowns this season. Denard’s Achilles heel is interceptions. He surrended two in a crushing loss to top team Alabama.

Denard has capable weapons in WR Devin Gardner (155 yards, 3 TDs), TE Devin Funchess (140 yards, 2 TDs).

RB Fitz Touissant adds a second running threat for the Notre Dame offense. Against UMASS last week he totaled 85 yards and an 11 yard touchdown.

Michigan Defense

The defense is led by Safety Jordan Kovacs and his 23 tackles. A key to the defense’s success is the play of LB Kenny Demens. He is Mr. Consistent having started 41 straight games at the position with 12 tackles on the season, He will be called upon to have a big game against the Blue and Gold. The 6’5” DT William Campbell is a beast in the middle. Prediction  Notre Dame 30 Michigan 14

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