Michigan must of felt they needed to do something extra special for Notre Dame on Saturday. Michigan had whipped Notre Dame in it's last two outings and many ND fans and alumni were wondering if "Good Time Charlie" is the man for the job in South Bend.
See Michigan is a very Charitable team, we help friends and programs when they are down. In fact we even helped ND start their football program back in the 1800's when our bus stopped at South Bend and a few Wolverines got out and showed some ND students how to block and tackle. Even ND's stadium is based of the Big House. Michigan is a very giving program.
That spirit of giving continued on Saturday. Michigan entered the game as a 2 point favorite and like a 5 year old on Christmas morning, Notre Dame was quick to open their presents. Under the tree was first a "questionable" backwards pass (should have been reviewed) on the 10 yard line for quick 1st quarter touchdown. Of course if you open one gift then the second has to be just as good or better and it was. The next box had a Michigan fumble on the next kickoff which resulted again in a quick touchdown.
Michigan had 6 nice presents under the Tree for ND on Saturday. They were full of things like Sheridan's arm strength or Threet's wet shotgun snaps. Things that usually ND gives as gifts, turned out on Saturday they were the ones receiving them.
When Michigan lined up with ND away from the Christmas Tree they played well on both sides of the ball. Michigan moved the ball on offense and the defense stopped Jimmy and gang on a regular basis. It was the 6 gifts that was the difference in this one.
Even the officials were moved with the spirit of giving. They continued to call pass interference on good coverage and called an incomplete pass on a Matthews touchdown catch that looked pretty good to me (if the officials on the field call it a touchdown the booth would not of overturned it).
Let's take a look at the gifts, just in case you would like to send thank you notes:
- Threet backwards pass = ND Touchdown
- Shaw kickoff fumble = ND Touchdown
- Matthews TD Catch called incomplete = ND Touchdown and No Michigan Touchdown
- Grady fumble on the 5 yard line = No Michigan Touchdown
- Threet fumble = ND Touchdown
- Sheridan INT on the 5 yard line = No Michigan Touchdown
There were other smaller gift but those weren't as impressive as the top 5. If my math is right, 4 ND touchdowns, while three Michigan touchdowns were erased. That is a pretty large swing.
Jeers:
- Is the QB competition over yet? Threet is a QB and Sheridan is not. Sheridan should be playing safety. He just doesn't have any arm strength.
- Stupid Mistakes. I know they are young and dumb but that show of fumbling and other mistakes were just terrible.
- The weather didn't help but you have to secure the ball
- Stevie Brown; Stevie how many times are we going to watch you get beat deep?
Cheers:
- I really liked the progress the team made when they weren't being charitable. The offense moved the ball regularly and the defense stopped ND when they weren't given the ball on the goal line.
- McGuffie has turned into a super star. This guy can flat out play. Nice game Crime Dog!
- I also liked the coaches game plan, Michigan out played ND for most of the game.
This is a good week for Michigan to have off. They need two weeks of practice before the Big Ten season starts. As we have seen from this weekend, the Big Ten continues to be a weak conference and this could be any one's championship. Take away the fixable mistakes and Michigan is looking pretty good. Keep getting better, make the Big Ten and a Bowl game the goal this year. I have a feeling this team can still do good things this year.