Game of a Lifetime

And here we are, a mere 48 hours away from the huge Michigan/Notre Dame showdown. But this game is not large in magnitude solely due to the history of these two football powers. Nor is it because this contest lines up the #2 and #11 ranked teams in the Nation. Although bragging right are significant in this series, the true identity of this game cannot be found there, either.

No, this game can be compared to one of those solar eclipses that come once every 20 years or so. I for one, cannot remember in all of my years of watching Michigan football a more important game on the schedule. I'm not referring to its importance from a record standpoint. Sure, the 1997 games vs. Penn State and Ohio State were undeniably big time. The 2003 & 2004 Rose Bowls vs. USC and Texas were also colossal match-ups.

But this game goes deeper. It's not so much about the record this time. For the 1st time since General Bo paced the sidelines in his 1st year, the Michigan football program is in question. Where is it heading and what will become of it?

Will it endure the painstaking streaks that many power houses have fell victim to over the last couple of decades, which includes: Oklahoma, Nebraska, Penn State, Notre Dame, Miami, USC etc.? All these programs hit bottom at one point or another in the last 20 years. In contrast, since Bo arrived in 1969, only 1 school has a better winning % than Michigan. Frankly, Michigan fans have been spoiled with Big Ten Championships, Rose Bowls, a bowl streak of 31 years, and a National Championship. Few of us have experienced the depths of irrelevancy when it comes to Michigan football.

Some may look at this and disagree that Saturday's game means so much, as it's only 1 game. But the program is at the precipice of hitting the crossroads. The question is what path will Michigan take?

A victory on Saturday could ignite the engine to this sleeping giant. A loss could bring Michigan one step closer to losing its grip on the college football landscape. It may bring them mere inches away to dark days so many reputable programs have faced.

In my eyes, I've yet to see a larger football game than what we'll witness on Saturday since Bo spoiled 'ole Woody's season some 37 years ago.


Now to some key points to the game:

Offense

Michigan's game plan needs to focus on limiting ND's possessions. Each minute the ND offense is on the sideline holds a better chance of success in winning this contest. Possession time, of course, is led by a sound and efficient running game that can churn out first downs. I'm not advocating going into a shell offensively, instead we need to pick our spots to unleash an aggressive aerial assault as well as trick plays. However, focus cannot be lost that this game will be won in the trenches and Michigan must dominate running the football.

A healthy dose of Mike Hart attacking off-tackle and on screens should keep the ND defense busy. I'd also like to see Grady and Minor get their fair share of carries between the tackles to wear down the defense with the physical running style they bring. I truly believe Minor could have a significant impact in this game if he is allowed to see the field, consistently.

Defense

There is no question here that the defensive line holds the key to stopping Quinn and the ND offense. If the front four can apply consistent pressure on Quinn and rattle him, it will greatly improve Michigan's chance to leave South Bend victorious. However, English cannot solely rely on a four man rush to pressure Quinn as Penn State did. He must be willing to bring the heat from both the linebacker and safety positions. It is also imperative that he mix his packages up to create confusion during blitzes such as, dropping Woodley back into zone coverage to combat against the quick dump off to Walker underneath as well as receivers running quick slants.

English must, and I mean must, keep ND off balance with his scheming. Walker should be spied upon in the passing game as he will most likely be the weapon that Weis will use to open up the attack and spread Michigan's defense out. If Crable and or Burgess can limit his success of catching the ball out of the backfield, Weis will be forced to throw the ball downfield with Quinn being pressured, which could result in turnovers.

Special Teams

Let's just say, this area is simple. Michigan needs to convert FG's as well as open up some space for Breaston to make his mark. Conversely, the kicking/punting coverage teams need to avoid allowing big plays while putting the Michigan defense in good spots relative to field position.

All in all, Lloyd and his staff must bring it. Nothing should be left on the field unanswered. They've been waiting for this game for 8 months now. It's time to show us all what you've learned, changed, and taught.

Go Blue!


DP