Notre Dame And Michigan Renew A Rivalry On Saturday

Sports Betting News - September 11th, 2009 - Written by John

Two of the most prominent college football teams throughout history will collide Saturday as 18th ranked Notre Dame travels to play at Michigan, a rare underdog at home. The past two seasons have been a great disappointment for these schools, as both teams are looking to get their programs back among the nation's elite in 2009. Both had convincing wins last week, but only time will tell if they are actually on their way back. This is a pivotal game for both head coaches, as both are on the hot seat after failing to meet expectations the past two years. Notre Dame won last year's meeting 35-17 in South Bend.

Over the past two seasons, Notre Dame has a combined record of 9-15. High expectations are out for them this year, a well as quarterback Jimmy Clausen. Clausen looked impressive last week in throwing for 315 yards and 4 touchdowns against Nevada. However, Michigan is not Nevada. If Clausen can stay away from forcing passes against a very fast Wolverine defense, as he did last year with seventeen interceptions on the season, the Irish should be in good shape. Defensively, they will have a tough time preparing for Michigan's two quarterback system. Tate Forcier is a great passing threat, while Denard Robinson is a threat running the ball. Both are freshman, but Robinson also brings a great passing ability as well.

Michigan is in need of this win against a ranked team to show they are on their way back from a dismal 3-9 season last year and must use the home-field advantage they have. They have two very capable quarterbacks in Forcier and Robinson, but it seems that Forcier will get the majority of the snaps this week. He passed for 179 yards with 3 touchdowns last week against Western Michigan. Forcier also found a great target in wide receiver Junior Hemingway who caught for 103 yards and 2 touchdown last week in their season opener. On the defensive side, the Wolverines must find a way to pressure the Irish quarterback into making quick decisions. He has the capability to pick this defense apart if he has the time. They did a fantastic job last week in containing Western Michigan's quarterback Tim Hiller, a likely NFL draft pick, by keeping him frustrated the entire game.

Odds makers at Bodog have Notre Dame being favored by 3 1/2 on the road at Michigan, paying out at -105. The 3/12 point underdog Wolverines have a payout set at -115. This is always a great rivalry game and should meet expectations this year and will truly show if both teams are turning their programs around, despite who comes out ahead at the end.

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