Fansided

Michigan vs. Notre Dame: Preview, odds, predictions, TV schedule and more

By Derek Grochowski

Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly yells in the rain during the Citrus Bowl against LSU at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on January 1, 2018. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images)
Notre Dame head coach Brian Kelly yells in the rain during the Citrus Bowl against LSU at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Fla., on January 1, 2018. (Stephen M. Dowell/Orlando Sentinel/TNS via Getty Images) /
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ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 25: A Michigan cheerleader runs with the Michigan flag in the end zone after a score during game action between the Ohio State Buckeyes (8) and the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI – NOVEMBER 25: A Michigan cheerleader runs with the Michigan flag in the end zone after a score during game action between the Ohio State Buckeyes (8) and the Michigan Wolverines on November 25, 2017 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Scott W. Grau/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

Prediction

This game is going to be close from start to finish and will be decided by a great defensive play. Neither offense is proven and they have their share of question marks. If it comes down to one of the two defenses to make a play to win the game the advantage goes to the Michigan Wolverines. There has been so much hype around Ann Arbor about Shea Patterson but he will not be the reason the Wolverines will win the game. In fact, he will likely make a bad decision or two that hurt Michigan and keep Notre Dame in the game.

The Notre Dame offense is too one dimensional to beat a team like Michigan. Wimbush definitely could have made some major improvements in the offseason to his passing ability but it is doubtful. Notre Dame will try to wear the Michigan defense down by running the ball right at them but it will not work. There is a lot of talent on the Irish offensive line but it is young while the defensive line of Michigan is loaded with more talent and even more experience.

Notre Dame does have the advantage of being at home on opening weekend under the lights. The crowd will be loud and the atmosphere will be great. Shea Patterson has experience playing in big games coming from the SEC but with a full offseason of the spotlight on him and a tough road test for his first start at the new program he could struggle. Which is why it will come down to the defense to make a play.

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Overall this game will be a great reintroduction of the rivalry but it likely will not surpass 2011 as the most memorable or 2003 as the most lopsided. A loss for either team does not end their chances of making the College Football Playoffs. Both teams have plenty of tough games left on the schedule that turn into must wins. This will be a big win for Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines as a building block to be competitive in the Big Ten.

Prediction: Michigan 27, Notre Dame 17

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