Who would have thought just a few weeks ago that Notre Dame would travel to Michigan with both teams 0-2 at the same time for the first time in history and that some would refer to this game between college football's two winningest teams in history as such.
Notre Dame has been offensively inept in losses to Georgia Tech and Penn State. In fact, the Irish's starting quarterback in the opening loss to the Yellow Jackets, Demetrius Jones, reportedly is transferring to Northern Illinois. Meanwhile, Coach Charlie Weis has turned the reins over to freshman Jimmy Clausen.
"At 2:30 (Friday), while boarding the bus to Michigan, I was notified that Demetrius Jones had decided not to make the trip," Weis said in a news release. "I have not spoken to Demetrius and can only say that he missed the team bus."
Earlier in the week, Weis had said he might use Jones against the Wolverines.
Michigan is a 9-point favorite on WagerWeb.com despite the fact it will be without senior starting QB Chad Henne, who was injured in the embarrassing loss to Oregon last week. Freshman Ryan Mallett will make his first start.
Michigan tailback Mike Hart believes his team will bounce back and take some of the heat off Coach Lloyd Carr, who is likely in his final season. Hart guaranteed a Michigan victory over the Irish following last week's loss and hasn't backed off that this week.
"I mean what I say," Hart said. "It came out because I feel like we're being doubted. I feel it's something we need. So, hey, we're going to get after it. I think it's something we need as a team and leadership-wise. I have that much confidence in this team. We're not playing Michigan ball right now, and that's why I say something like that."
Michigan's porous defense could be just what the doctor ordered for the struggling Notre Dame offense, but is there any way UM could lose three in a row at home, all in games they were favored? Doubtful.
"The measure, the test, I guess of any athlete, any player, any team, any coach, is how you respond when things aren't going well," Carr said. "That's when I think you get your greatest challenge."
Look for Michigan to bounce back today but for the Irish to cover.
Bet on college football at WagerWeb Online Sportsbook
No comments:
Post a Comment