College Hockey Pre-Season Highlights

It's the most wonderful time of the year.

College hockey season is about to be back in full-swing in only a matter of weeks. Exhibition games open up next Saturday, while the official season-openers start the week after.

New Hampshire didn't rank to start the year, but has potential to make a statement this season.

I'm excited. I've waited over five months for this.
Drop the puck, already.

USA-Today released the preseason polls earlier this week (which is the start of my excited and nervous jitters for this season to start). There weren't a ton of surprises up at the top of the table. Boston College. Minnesota. Michigan. You know, the usuals.

On the flip side, some surprises included UMass-Lowell landing a top ten spot, while NCAA runner-up Ferris State dropped from 2nd to 14th to start the year. Clearly, the underdogs in last years tournament are still just that--underdogs. Meanwhile, Notre Dame snagged the final top-ten spot, projecting Jeff Jackson's Irish to have a better ending to this season than last year's squad had.

Boston College. Michigan. Notre Dame.
Let's take a sneak-peek at them, shall we?

The Eagles from BC are undoubtedly the strongest team in the nation. I mean, they are the defending national champions, after all. But it's more than just winning the NCAA title (does that sound crazy? stay with me). It's how they won. And the how of how they won is a little number crunching that looks like this: 16-2. That's how badly they outscored their opponents during the NCAA tournament. That's...that's just unheard of.

The Eagles are the team to beat yet again this season. Watch out for a repeat as the champions.

Backstopping the Eagles is senior Parker Milner, who was basically a god-on-ice last year. He ended the year with a .937 save percentage, and posted five shutouts (three of those in a four-game span, as well as back-to-back shutouts to open the NCAA tournament). That's insane. What else is insane is that sophomore Johnny Gaudreau put up 44 points last season...as a freshmen. This kid is good. Scary good.

Heck, this team is good. Scary good.

Then there is the Michigan Wolverines. U of M is a perennial contender for both the conference and national championships. Last year, however, the Wolverines choked in the first round of the NCAA tournament to Cornell--an upset that caught just about everyone by surprise (despite Michigan losing the CCHA championship to Western Michigan). That sets the stage for doubters. This is true, especially when you consider the fact that goaltender Shawn Hunwick graduated, allowing either Janecyk or Dwyer to take over between the pipes for Michigan.

On the plus side, this team has a solid roster. It's been said that "Michigan doesn't rebuild, it reloads." And unfortunately for every team it plays, that is scarily accurate. It's a team with solid leadership, with 11 upperclassmen, and a solid set of young underclassmen joining or returning to the winged helmet. This team, as usual, has the potential to go deep.

The Wolverines have the talent to avoid an early tournament exit, and get their first title since '98.

The question is, will they choke again--or will that bad taste push them to claim the NCAA title.
A title, by the way, which has evaded them since 1998. It seems unreal.

Finally, we come to Jeff Jackson's Fighting Irish. Notre Dame seems to be fortunate to have such a high pre-season ranking (fortunate, you know, if pre-season rankings actually meant anything. No offense USA-Today). Notre Dame barely finished above .500 last year--they went 19-18-3. They were eliminated by Michigan with two-straight losses and failed to even make the NCAA tournament.

That's...that's horrible. For a storied program like Notre Dame, at least.
Maybe they need to add a "Goal-Scoring Jesus" outside the arena.

Notre Dame's offensive power and goaltending prowess should push them deep in the tournament.

However, here's why they are ranked 10th: they are solid. They can score. They can defend. And they have a flippin' leprechaun, for crying out loud (okay, maybe that's not the reason. This isn't "Robin Hood, Men in Tights"). But they have the return of senior goaltender Mike Johnson, who looked unbeatable during Notre Dame's 11-game unbeaten streak last season. The kid is solid.

Additionally, they have the duo of TJ Tynan and Anders Lee putting the Irish on the scoreboard way more than their opponents would like to see. They are virtually unstoppable. Oh yeah, and they've only been on the team for two years. Watch out for these guys.

Overall, am I making predictions at this point? Not specifically. We'll wait til after those tell-all exhibition games before I go out on a limb like that (note the sarcasm: exhibition games tell us absolutely nothing). But what I am saying is that these three teams are solid. So solid.

Expect me to still be talking about them when the tournament rolls around in March/April.
My guess is that they'll all be vying for a national championship.

-Josh

College Football Week 5 Preview and Predictions

Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller will have to be at his best in East Lansing to knock off Michigan State. (AP Photo)

Conference play is getting under way around the nation. Since it is late at night, I have brief previews and predictions for my top five games of the weekend. Feel free to comment if you have any questions or things you would add.

5. #18 Oregon State @ Arizona - 10:00 PM EST, Pac-12 Network

While the Pac-12 conference has had its ups and downs, Oregon State has emerged as the surprise team. They began the season with two upsets of ranked opponents to become ranked themselves. The Beavers look to start the season 3-0 for the first time since 2002. Quarterback back Sean Mannion has led the offense to great success so far this season. His counterpart, Matt Scott, has been very important in order for Arizona to play well. The Wildcats were looking to pull an upset last week, but instead was throttled by Oregon 49-0. They will need to bounce back quickly at home.

Prediction: Arizona 34 Oregon State 27

4. Tennessee @ #5 Georgia - 3:30 PM EST, CBS

Upstart Tennessee has another shot at upsetting a ranked opponent this Saturday. Their first opportunity came up short against Florida. While the Volunteers passing game usually gets all the flashy news coverage, the team will need a huge game out of running back Rajion Neal as well. Georgia might be looking ahead to what is potentially ahead, but they must be careful not to lose sight of the task set before them. Bulldogs quarterback Aaron Murray will look to continue to lead his team to further success.

Prediction: Georgia 27 Tennessee 17

3. Wisconsin @ #22 Nebraska - 8:00 PM EST, ABC

Wisconsin has struggled greatly to begin the season. They were ranked until they got upset by Oregon State. Even the Badgers three wins over the likes of Northern Iowa, Utah State, and UTEP, were all much closer contests than expected. Nebraska was upset by a Pac-12 team as well in UCLA. Since then, the Cornhuskers have bounced back and their offense is running on all cylinders. Quarterback Taylor Martinez has a plethora of weapons at his disposal from which he can choose.

Prediction: Nebraska 31 Wisconsin 14

2. #25 Baylor @ #9 West Virginia - 12:00 PM EST, FX

West Virginia hosts Baylor in its first ever Big 12 game. This one has shootout written all over it. Both teams dominated decently difficult non-conference schedules to the tune of a combined 98 points per game. Bears quarterback Nick Florence and Mountaineers quarterback Geno Smith are the top two in the nation in total offense respectively. Neither team's defense has looked particularly impressive in any way. Whichever one is able to step up and make a stop, could prove to be the difference for their team.

Prediction: West Virginia 52 Baylor 48

1. #14 Ohio State @ #20 Michigan State - 3:30 PM EST, ABC

If you simply look at the rankings and records of these two teams, you would assume that they have dominated their competition. On the contrary, both are fortunate to be ranked that high and to have they record they do have. Ohio State quarterback Braxton Miller has helped to make the difference on offense, especially since the health of running back Carlos Hyde is still up in the air. Michigan State has been led by running back Le'Veon Bell, who has been an absolute workhorse for the Spartans.

Prediction: Michigan State 17 Ohio State 16

Demetrius Jackson Commits to Notre Dame

Marian Catholic (IN) point guard recruit Demetrius Jackson has chosen to attend Notre Dame University. (247sports.com)

Demetrius Jackson may not be as much of a household name as some of the other top basketball recruits in the class of 2013. He doesn't play for a high school powerhouse or a flashy AAU team. Jackson has been content to keep a low profile limited primarily to the local area. While major conference suitors came a calling one after another, his decision always appeared to be between Notre Dame University and the University of Illinois.

Jackson is the No. 4 point guard in ESPN's class of 2013 rankings. He is a smart kid with a stellar work ethic. Several years ago, Jackson had an inconsistent jumper that lacked confidence. Entering his senior season, his perimeter jumper is one of the strengths of his game. Jackson's awareness while penetrating on offense and analyzing on defense is superb for his age. He has a college-ready body that should only continue to grow and strengthen.

The college decision was not an easy one for Jackson. He stated that, "With the last two schools, it was hard to see myself not playing there. It was very difficult because of the built-in relationships and the opportunity that Illinois had to offer." Ultimately though, Jackson decided to commit to Notre Dame. One of the main reasons he chose the Fighting Irish was the establishment of point guard Eric Atkins. Atkins will be a senior when Jackson becomes a freshman. While some scouts viewed Atkins' presence as an impediment, Jackson foresaw it as a valuable learning opportunity.

Jackson explained that, "With them having a senior point guard my freshman year -- and he's done a great job in the Big East and he'll do a solid job in the ACC -- I'll have someone to learn from and teach me the ways. At first, that scared me away because I didn't think I'll be able to start my freshman year, but I figured out that's not what it's about. Having that senior point guard there to help me out will make a difference."

Jackson is exactly the type of recruit Notre Dame needed, especially with the upcoming move to the ACC. The point guard position requires a leader, facilitator and scorer as needed. Jackson is prepared to provide all three. If he remains faithful to his commitment to grow and improve, he will only get better and better during his time with the Fighting Irish.

Jackson must be open to coaching and willing to rely on his teammates. According to ESPN, Notre Dame currently has the fifth-best 2013 basketball recruiting class. As members of that class, Jackson will be joined by V.J. Beachem and Steve Vasturia, a pair of ESPN Top 100 recruits. As you can see, the Fighting Irish appear ready to compete in the ACC. Jackson has the oppornity to blossom into a true star and leader.

Phoenix Mercury Win Top Pick in WNBA Lotttery

Delaware's Elena Delle Donne, Baylor's Brittney Griner and Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins are expected to be the top three picks in next April's WNBA Draft. (US Presswire, Getty Images, and US Presswire)

In the history of the WNBA, there may not have been as talented a draft class as the one coming up next April. Baylor's Brittney Griner, Delaware's Elena Delle Donne, and Notre Dame's Skylar Diggins are three marquee seniors with stellar collegiate careers. They are not just talented, but instead seem to have that "it factor" that could transform a franchise.

Griner helped lead the Bears through a perfect 40-0 season to become national champions. The 6-foot-8 center controls the paint like no other. She is truly a force to be reckoned with on both ends of the court.

Della Donne led the nation in scoring last season. The versatile guard can score from almost anywhere on the court. Her lethal shooting is unparalleled in this draft class.

Diggins has guided the Fighting Irish to back-to-back national championship games. The multidimensional point guard knows how to effectively and efficiently run an offense and establish a defense.

For the first time in the history of the WNBA Draft Lottery, the event was televised Wednesday night. The Washington Mystics had the highest percentage odds of winning the first pick with a 44.2% chance. They finished with a league-worst 5-29 record. The next best odds belonged to the Phoenix Mercury (27.6%), Tulsa Shock (17.8%), and Chicago Sky (10.4%).

The top four picks were announced on national television via Sports Center. Surprisingly, the Mystics found out the disappointing news that they would be picking fourth. The Shock will pick third, and the Sky will pick second. This means that the Mercury won the lottery and the first overall pick that comes with it.

The Mercury have earned the right to select Griner, who is expected to be the first overall pick. The team struggled last season with overcoming injuries. Now that their players are getting healthy, the team looks to turn it around with whatever help is needed. Griner could do more than simple affect the team she is on. She has the capability of transforming the league as a hold.

Regardless of who the Mercury select, this draft is superb for the WNBA. We only just completed the lottery stage of the new season. However, viewership and excitement are on the rise around the country. More people need to be exposed to and aware of the sport. These young ladies are the perfect example of the types of players who would work to make that happen.

NFL's Passivity is a Disgrace to the World of Sports

The replacement referees lack of knowledge of the rule book led to the Seahawks wrongfully winning over the Packers. (Otto Greule Jr.)

Normally, labor disputes in sports are between players and owners. The NFL took their disputes to a new level to involve referees this summer. Neither side would budge a bit, so the NFL decided to lock out the regular officials. This meant that the NFL would turn to "replacement referees" to begin this season. These new officials have a strange mixture of collegiate and other experience. The vast majority of them are underqualified to work NFL games, but NFL commissioner Roger Goodell tried to sweep that under the carpet.

Missed calls were pointed out during the first two weeks, but none were overly blatant. Goodell's luck ran out in Week 3 when both nationally-televised primetime games were marred by controversial endings involving officials.

Sunday Night Football featured the Baltimore Ravens hosting the New England Patriots. The Patriots led 30-28 going into the two-minute warning of the fourth quarter. They had just punted the ball to Baltimore. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco drove his team to the Patriots 34-yard line. On third-and-nine, Flacco threw deep down the right sideline to Jacoby Jones. The sideline official flagged Patriots cornerback Devin McCourty for defensive pass interference. The call was a bit questionable but could have gone either way in my opinion.

This set up the Ravens with a first down inside the ten. They let the clock wind down to set up a 27-yard field goal attempt for kicker Justin Tucker. The Patriots tried to ice the rookie with a timeout. Tucker's kick was very close to the upright, but the referees both ruled it good, giving the Ravens the 31-30 win.

Video review showed that the officials clearly made the correct call. That didn't stop Patriots head coach Bill Belichick from angrily chasing down one of the referees and initiating physical contact with him. In the press conference after the game, Belichick showed no real remorse. The NFL has leveled no disciplinary action against the coach. What is to prevent this from continuing to happen?

This brings us to the even bigger controversy at the conclusion of Monday Night Football. I will fast forward to the very last play of the game. The Green Bay Packers led the Seattle Seahawks 12-7. With time for one last play, the Seahawks had the ball on the Packers 24-yard line. Quarterback Russell Wilson threw a Hail Mary to the endzone towards wide receiver Golden Tate. Tate clearly shoved Packers cornerback Sam Shields out of the way. The ball was caught by Packers M.D. Jennings, but Tate came in and tried to rip the ball away.

The replacement referees called it a touchdown. They did review the play and the ruling stood, giving the Seahawks the win. The problem is that this clearly contrasts the NFL rule book. Today, the NFL admitted the missed call, but called it unreviewable. Goodell does have the power vested in his position to overrule the standing. However, he has been silent as can be about the controversy.

There are so many to be blame for this disgraceful situation. The NFL continues to allow unqualified personnel to play crucial roles in the outcomes of their weekly games. This is ironic because the league is trying to do so much to improve safety and protection of their players. The poor officiating is allowing for more dangerous playing and increased emotions and tempers as a result. Players are finding ways to get around what officiating is being done by the replacement referees.

Let me take a break and give the replacement referees a break. There probably haven't been any officials in the history of sports that have been so microscopically judged and critiqued as these ones are. I believe they are in over the heads. They aren't used to the pace of the game and the rules that are in place. That being said, it is inexcusable for them to be making calls based on rules they do not know or comprehend.

Back to those who are to blame, the regular referees cannot be cut any slack here. They are as stubborn and as much to blame as the owners. It is easy to say the owners are greedy, but so are the officials here. They already make $150,000 a year for the games they officiate. Do they really need to protest their lack of a pension and fringe benefits?

I mean really. Can we just have someone step up and be a man for once? Goodell doesn't want to look like he made a mistake. The owners and regular referees are too stubborn and greedy. The replacement referees are getting blamed when they aren't even the root of the problem.

I wish someone would have the guts to do the right thing. Before it is too late. Before someone gets seriously hurt. Before the integrity of the league is slandered any more. Someone needs to do the right thing for the sake of the players, their fans, and the beloved sport we call American football. Just do whatever it takes to get football back to the way it is supposed to be played.

Schaub Leads Texans to Victory Despite Losing Piece of Ear

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub lost part of his ear, but still led his team to victory over the Broncos. (Larry Brown Sports)

To be a top NFL quarterback, one must be a warrior who is willing to stand tall in the pocket and take the abuse that comes with the job. Sunday, the Broncos defense brought everything they had against Texans quarterback Matt Schaub. He was crushed and beaten, but rose victorious regardless.

Schaub's day began with being sacked for a safety. He got continually hit throughout the first half. Less than a minute into the second half, Schaub threw a bomb to the endzone. As soon as he released the football, he was blindsided as the crown of Broncos linebacker Joe Mays smashed into his own head. Both Schaub's helmet and part of his ear went flying as he collapsed to the ground.

After missing only one play, Schaub returned to the game and led the Texans to victory. With Peyton Manning giving everything he had in the second half, Schaub had to be on his game to keep his team in front. Late in the game, the Texans had a third-and-five at their own 25. Schaub threaded the needle to wide receiver Andre Johnson for a first down to help seal the win.

Following the game, the Texans praised the commitment and determination of their quarterback. Schaub told reporters, "It's the ultimate compliment when your teammates feel that way about you. It's just me being the quarterback. I've got to be out there every play and you're going to get hit in this league and you've got to take it and go."

Schaub's play cannot be overstated. He showed championship toughness and poise. Despite taking all the hits, Schaub threw for 290 passing yards and four touchdowns. The Texans are the only 3-0 team left in the AFC. They are among the current favorites for the Super Bowl and rightfully so. Schaub is a big reason why. His excellent play and leadership should put him in the MVP discussion.

Florida State Uses Big Second Half to Slam Clemson

Florida State quarterback EJ Manuel came up big when the Seminoles needed him to in their win over Clemson. (AP Photo)

An early ACC showdown took center stage Saturday night. The #10 Clemson Tigers were travelling to Tallahassee to take on #4 Florida State. With these two offenses set to play, no one suggested a defensive stalemate was in store. The Tigers had averaged 46.5 points per game over their last two matchups. Meanwhile, the Seminoles had outscored their first three opponents by a colosal margin of 176-3.

It was Clemson who took control of the game early. A costly fumble and a pair of missed field goals were some of the early setbacks for Florida State. Early in the third quarter, the Tigers increased their lead to 28-14 on a bit of trickery. Running back Andre Ellington completed a pass to All-American wide receiver Sammy Watkins.

Suddenly, it was as if something clicked for the Florida State players. The Seminole offense began to click and the defense started to shut down Clemson's attack. By the time the third quarter ended, Florida State had scored three touchdowns and only given up one field goal to take a 35-31 lead. Early in the fourth quarter, the Seminoles found the endzone again on a five-yard touchdown run by sophomore tailback James Wilder Jr. Their lead was now up to 42-31.

The game-sealing play came with 8:41 left in the fourth quarter. Clemson quarterback Tajh Boyd dropped back to pass. His pass was intercepted by Florida State sophomore cornerback Nick Waisome. The next Seminoles play was a 27-yard touchdown run by senior tailback Chris Thompson. Now trailing by 18, the Tigers never were able to recover. They did get one touchdown back, but ended up losing 49-37 to Florida State.

When Florida State had to step up, they not only did so, but did so as a team. Quarterback EJ Manuel is emerging as a true star. In the win over Clemson, he completed 27 of 35 passes for 380 yards and two touchdowns. Manuel also rushed 12 times for 108 yards, including a 28-yard scamper. The Seminoles two primary tailbacks were just as important to the rushing attack. Thompson (103 rushing yards) and Wilder Jr. (65 rushing yards) both had two touchdowns each.

The effort of the Florida State defense and their pressure on Boyd and the Clemson offense all night cannot be overlooked. With his exceptional play throughout the season so far, Manuel has to be thrust into the Heisman conversation. Along with that, the Seminoles have to be in the national championship conversation as well. They have been that good to say the least.

NFL Week 3 Preview and Predictions

Texans quarterback Matt Schaub has been superb this season, but faces his toughest task so far with the Broncos on Sunday. (Brett Davis)

5. Philadelphia Eagles (2-0) @ Arizona Cardinals (2-0) - 4:05 PM EST, FOX

When Cardinals quarterback Kevin Kolb was benched before the season began in favor of John Skelton, it seemed unlikely that Kolb would get the opportunity to play his for team, the Eagles, when they came to town in Week 3. However, injuries to Skelton have made Kolb the starter once again. What seemed even less likely is that the Cardinals would be undefeated coming into Sunday's game. But after wins over the Seahawks and Patriots, that is exactly how the Cardinals come into the third week of the NFL season.

The Eagles are 2-0 as well, even if it is by the narrowest of margins. Their two wins so far this season have been by one point each. The Eagles must be more careful with the football. In the past fifty years, only four teams have turned the ball over at least four times in their first two games and won both games. The Eagles must do much better in that regard if they hope to keep winning football games. The Cardinals need big games out of their running backs Beanie Well and Ryan Williams to have a shot at pulling another upset. A balanced attack will help keep the Eagles defense on their heels.

Prediction: Cardinals 24 Eagles 20

4. Green Bay Packers (1-1) @ Seattle Seahawks (1-1) - 8:30 PM EST (Monday), ESPN/WatchESPN

The Packers rebounded from a Week 1 defeat at the San Francisco 49ers with a solid win over their divisional rival Chicago Bears. They used some trickery and improved play from their defense to help earn their first victory of the season. The Packers offense still isn't putting up big winners, but no one doubts they are one of the best in the league regardless. The Seahawks had one of the best preseasons of any team in the NFL. While their Week 1 letdown against the Cardinals was a bit surprising, they rebounded solidly with a 27-7 thumping of the Dallas Cowboys.

The Seahawks offense is centered upon running back Marshawn Lynch. He sets up ball control and keys their possession-based offense. Lynch takes the pressure off rookie quarterback Russell Wilson by helping set up his play-action pass. The Seahawks defense is talented, but will have their handful the Packers offense. The key matchup will be the Packers receivers against the Seahawks secondary. The Seahawks big cornerbacks will look to disrupt the Packers timing from the very snap of the football.

Prediction: Packers 24 Seahawks 17

3. Atlanta Falcons (2-0) @ San Diego Chargers (2-0) - 4:05 PM EST, FOX

The Falcons already have two wins against AFC West opponents this season. They will look to get their third Sunday as they travel to San Diego to take on the Chargers. The Falcons survived a trip to Arrowhead Stadium in Week 1 and defeated Peyton Manning and the Broncos in the national spotlight in Week 2. The Chargers are undefeated through the first two weeks of the season as well, after beating their divisional rival Oakland Raiders in Week 1 and throttling the Tennessee Titans in Week 2.

The big matchup in this game is the battle of the quarterbacks. Matt Ryan has been superb so far this season for the Falcons. His composure and calm demeanor under pressure has earned him the nickname of "Matty Ice." The aspect of the Falcons offense that has struggled has been their rushing attack. Tailback Michael Turner appears to have lost a step, but will look to rebound against the Chargers. Quarterback Philip Rivers' strong play has led the Chargers offense to success. Their quick, short yardage passing game has been the prominent feature that has brought about success.

Prediction: Falcons 27 Chargers 21

2. New England Patriots (1-1) @ Baltimore Ravens (1-1) - 8:20 PM EST (Sunday), NBC

The importance of having a great kicker might be overlooked around the league, but these two teams can speak to its significance. In last year's AFC championship game, the Ravens' Billy Cundiff had a 32-yard chip shot to send the game to overtime. He choked and the Ravens season was consequentially over. Last week, the Patriots had a chance to avoid an embarrassing upset to the Cardinals. Kicker Stephen Gostkowski had a 42-yard attempt to win the game for the Patriots. However, he shanked the kick badly, giving the Cardinals the upset victory.

Both teams are very good and rarely lose two in a row, so we should expect a battle in this one. The Patriots will need quarterback Tom Brady to lead the way. One of the strongest parts of his game is his ability to read defenses and pick them apart at any level. Ravens quarterback Joe Flacco has been good, but his inconsistent play makes him difficult to rely on. That is why the Ravens offense centers upon running back Ray Rice. He is one of the most versatile playmakers in the league and capable of breaking one at any given time. One last thing to note is that the Ravens are tough to beat at home with a record of 15-1 over the past two seasons.

Prediction: Ravens 28 Patriots 27

1. Houston Texans (2-0) @ Denver Broncos (1-1) - 4:25 PM EST, CBS

The Texans have dismantled their first two opponents of the season by a margin of 57-17. Quarterback Matt Schaub has played well and their running game has been able to help eat up the clock in the second half. The Texans defense has been suffocating in both games. They lead the league in total defense (196.0 yards per game) and scoring defense (8.5 points per game). After a big win over the Pittsburgh Steelers in Week 1, the Broncos suffered a bit of a letdown in their Week 2 loss to the Falcons. Quarterback Peyton Manning played nearly perfect in his first game with the Broncos, but was unable to overcome a couple of early mistakes in the second one.

Both teams will need a balanced attack to find success against a pair of talented defenses. Schaub will need continued solid play out of running back Arian Foster and the Texans rushing attack. The Broncos will need running back Willis McGahee to play well to help take pressure off Manning. Turnovers could be crucial in separating these sides. The Texans have forced five and have yet to give one up one themselves so far this season.

Prediction: Texans 27 Broncos 20

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.