09-15-2006, 02:40 PM
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Machiavelli Incarnate
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Join Date: Jun 2006
Location: Mid-south
Posts: 12,129
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ND/Mich
This is from the Fox Sports people:
Quote:
No. 11 Michigan at No. 2 Notre Dame — Saturday at 3:30 p.m. ET
Line: ND -6
One way or the other, a flock will be converted. There are still some doubters out there about Notre Dame even after a 41-17 whupping of Penn State and disrespected, tough 14-10 win over Georgia Tech. Maybe the Nittany Lions aren't any good? Didn't the Yellow Jackets sort of beat themselves with ther conservative play calling? Has this defense really faced a talented, balanced offense?
While the trip to East Lansing to face a thorn-in-the-side Michigan State team will be a tough test, this week's battle with Michigan probably represents the last real shot for a possible Notre Dame loss until the regular-season ender at USC. For Michigan, this is as much a must-win game for Lloyd Carr as any against Ohio State. While recent Big Ten titles are great, a large segment of the Maize and Blue fan base is getting a little itchy waiting for Michigan to once again be a player in the national title race. Under Carr, the Wolverines have been out of the hunt before the leaves have turned losing their opening road game in each of the last six seasons and in seven of the last eight years. Losing three of the last four to the South Benders hasn't helped.
A win would propel Michigan into a BCS race and generate a major buzz going into the Big Ten opener against Wisconsin. With Penn State appearing to be average and the toughest Big Ten games at home until the season-ending showdown at Ohio State, a win might mean clear sailing until late November.
Never screw with a streak. This is a new Michigan team with several new coaches and a leaner, meaner attitude, but it's still Michigan in a road opener. Notre Dame will know it's been in a fight.
Prediction: Notre Dame 23 ... Michigan 20
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