2018 Michigan gameday #1: at Notre Dame

This angry purple man will be on the sidelines tonight as he leads his #12 Notre Dame squad against the visiting #14 Wolverines.  The on again/off again rivals last played in 2014, at which point the Irish dickishly cancelled the series (which stands at 24-16-1 in favor of Michigan).  On the line, as usual, are bragging rights, playoff implications, and the all-time winning percentage record.

Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson is the new QB, one who will hopefully return the position to some semblance of competency after last year's sub-par play due to injury and ineffectiveness.  Despite losing #1 WR Tarik Black for an unknown period of time this looks like an offense that could be more balanced than it's been in a while, with multiple talented WRs and TEs to go with a the two-headed RB group of Karan Higdon and Chris Evans.  The biggest question mark remains the offensive line, though a coaching change and simplified scheme could alleviate some of last year's issues.

Meanwhile the defense will once again be the strength of this team.  Former #1 overall recruit Rashan Gary returns to a D-Line that will be downright scary with its skill and depth.  The linebackers look quite good with Viper Khaleke Hudson back to build on his excellent 2017.  And David Long and Lavert Hill form one of the best CB duos in the country after a season that surprisingly earned them less notice than you would have thought.  All of this adds up to another top-5 defense that should keep Michigan in games as the offense finds their groove.

With rain in the forecast will we see one of the ugly games caused by poor weather in the series, or an instant classic like 1991 (above) and 2011, the amazing comeback "Under the Lights"?  Tune in to the Notre Dame Broadcasting Company (NBC) at 7:30 EST to find out.  You all know who I'll be rooting for!

LET'S GO BLUE