Notre Dame Gets Revenge on Nemesis Michigan

Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees came off the bench to help lead the Fighting Irish to victory over Michigan. (Jonathan Daniel)

For the past three years, no team has tormented Notre Dame quite like Michigan. The Wolverines were happily 3-0, while the Fighting Irish were left winless and frustrated. Notre Dame's defense would be stout, but then would give up the big play. Their quarterback play would be solid, but then would make untimely errors. Coaching and playing mistakes down the stretch would be their demise. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson had feasted on the Fighting Irish defense in his career.

Following last Saturday's destruction of Michigan State in East Lansing, Notre Dame was one of the top stories around the country and in the media. However, the Fighting Irish football team was focused on the task set before them for this week, a home game against Michigan. This was the team that had put them in their place and exposed them like no other team had each of the past three seasons.

Notre Dame came into Saturday's game focused. It could especially be seen on defense. The Fighting Irish came in with a game plan for Robinson and executed it to perfection. The defense recovered six turnovers, including five from Robinson. The Michigan quarterback was threw four interceptions and was forced into a costly red-zone fumble in the third quarter. Robinson was limited to 13-for-24 passing for only 138 yards. The Fighting Irish defense kept the Wolverines out of the endzone all night.

On the other side of the ball, things weren't as pretty for the Notre Dame offense. Their first play from scrimmage was deep in their own territory when starting quarterback Everett Golson threw an interception. Backup quarterback Tommy Rees, who had previously struggled against the Michigan, came into the game in relief of Golson. As the first half winded down to a close, Rees drove the Fighting Irish offense into the redzone. From two yards out, he rushed the ball into the endzone for the only touchdown of the game.

As the game wore on, Rees and the Notre Dame offense made enough plays when they were needed to. In the closing minutes, Rees completed a 38-yard pass to senior tight end Tyler Eifert to help seal the win. Notre Dame is now a perfect 4-0 on the season and should be in the top ten when the new polls are released next week. The Fighting Irish will get a much need week off to rest and prepare for the remainder of their challenging schedule. Notre Dame has overcome their recent nemesis. Now, it remains to be seen how much more they can accomplish the remainder of this season.