In our three years covering Notre Dame, this is by far the hardest game for us to pick. In the preseason, it would have been Michigan going away. Then the Wolverines lost. And lost again. And Chad Henne got hurt. And the defense couldn't stop my uncle Mark with his new hip.
But then again, Notre Dame lost. And lost. And the offensive line couldn't block the same uncle, either. So this is an incredibly tough game to call...until I rewatched Michael Hart and his guarantee and his eyes and his passion. Dude is one focused guy right now. And he will also be the best player on the field, except for maybe his left tackle, Jake Long, on Saturday.
My head tells me Michigan, except for Hart, has already quit. My gut tells me there is no way Hart loses this game. For as much as Notre Dame may say it is about them, it is about Michael Hart. Of course, the Wolverines have made me look foolish twice already this year.
Notre Dame will look improved but Michael Hart will win this game almost singlehandedly.
Our pick: Michigan 24, Notre Dame 13
Side note: Of the picks we received from fans this week -- you've still got till tomorrow at 3 p.m. to enter the guess the score contest by e-mailing mrothstein@jg.net -- it has been split almost 50-50 between Notre Dame and Michigan.
-By Michael Rothstein of The Journal Gazette
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September 14, 2007
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That look in Mike Hart's eyes is really fear. He must remember the time Corey Mayes cleaned his clock in 2005 and knocked him out of that game and the following two games. I have a feeling that he will be knocked out of this game, too....mark it down.
Posted by: Prophet | September 14, 2007 at 03:50 PM
Weis needs to place even more emphasis on his OL because that has been the team's weakest link the past two games.
Hopefully, they are also working on the starting FB's blocking.
Posted by: bob drake | September 14, 2007 at 04:05 PM
Zibby is going to find the end zone on a punt return and Darrin Walls and Co. are going to collect 2 INT's. Clausen throws for 250 and a pair of TD's and the running game gets going in a huge way with Armando Allen setting the single game rushing record for a freshman. I truly believe this how the game will turn out. However, it is worth noting I have been drinking since noon!
Posted by: Jason D. | September 14, 2007 at 06:59 PM
So what was that in Mike Hart's eyes? It's called pride. He had more pride for his team and his play than all of UM and ND.
Posted by: Mike | September 16, 2007 at 02:46 AM