Writing this post I decided to give Robinson his plays–he makes them all year. He’s a poor passer but looks like Tom Brady when playing Notre Dame plus he’s lucky as hell. So, how does Notre Dame win this NIGHT game–that’s a big part of ND’s problem, they just don’t show up on offense most of the time
at night.

The whole key to this game, in my opinion, will be the play of ND’s offensive line and we should find out how that will go in ND’s first two possessions. If the line plays crazy, all out, this game will be over by half time. The two weak spots RG and RT are a big concern–expect Michigan to put their best DT and DE against them.

Tate Nicols apparently has been cleared to play and I would get him into this game early. You’re talking about a monster at 6’8″ 320 lbs–put him at RT and if you still need help there line up tight end Troy Niklas 6’7″ 260 right next to him. Niklas at his size should also be Golson’s safety valve–how can you miss a guy that big.

The running game will be key to victory for I am not at all sure of Golson’s passing yet. He still stares down receivers and throws into double coverage–see TD throw to Goodman vs. MSU. He had a wide open Roby Toma for a touchdown on that play. He hasn’t shown me that he has the touch on long passes yet. Michigan’s defensive coordinator Greg Mattison will be blitz crazy in this game so ND’s OL must do the job.

I really like Roby Toma but Kelly has to get Davonte Neal into the game, he is an electric player with a lot of speed. He better be careful on punt returns, for he’s already dropped 2.

Finally, Kelly has to take the training wheels off and let these guys play. Fast paced offense, no huddle will offset Mattison’s stunts and changes before the snap. Just play fast–look at what Rich Rod is doing at Arizona he’s in his first year and those guys can go fast paced. No reason Kelly in his 3rd can’t play up tempo–3 years is enough time to install his offense.

On defense–just follow the Alabama blue print. I, personally would just have one plan–kill the QB. The defensive line has to once again play lights out–rush rush and disrupt and hit Denard hard on every play and just hope he doesn’t get loose and is one on one vs. Zeke Motta. If Diaco plays a safe contain game we lose. Denard can’t pass on anyone except ND and he will be looking to win the Heisman Saturday Night.

Prediction–if ND plays as above with no turn overs:

Notre Dame 41 Michigan 28