Notre Dame vs. Michigan Preview, Prediction, Pick Against the Spread

Denard Robinson: The next great dual-threat QB?

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES (+4) VS. NOTRE DAME FIGHTING IRISH

I’m not sure if I’ll be able to preview all the top 4 college football games this week, but I’ll do my best. NFL Picks are hot off the press. We start off with the game that people voted that they were looking forward to most. I previewed Notre Dame before their game against Purdue, which they won 23-13. Although I picked ND and they covered the 10.5 points, I thought they would score more points than 23 which was disappointing. ND’s defense was phenomenal, they got great play from their running game, and the quarterback play was consistent (19/26, 205 yards, 1 TD).

However, I was more impressed with Michigan’s 30-10 win over Connecticut. I didn’t preview Michigan’s team last week and I didn’t want to pick the Michigan vs. Connecticut game because while Connecticut has been competitive in the Big East (8-5 last season and 10-2 ATS), Michigan has played poorly in past years and I didn’t want to bet on a historically bad team that was just 6-7 last season. However, I had a feeling that may turn around with Rich Rodriguez this season and it look like it has.

Denard Robinson was ridiculous — video footage — (19/22, 186 yards, 1 passing touchdown, 197 rushing yards, 1 rushing TD). Michigan had 473 yards of total offense compared to ND’s 358 yards. Michigan D’s was great against the pass, but could have done a better job against the run, giving up 4.6 YPC compared to ND’s 3.2 YPC. Michigan had a very poor defense last year — the 3rd worst in the Big Ten, giving up 393 YPG. They gave up 343 yards in their last game, but managed to get 3 INTs.

Don’t forget that Michigan upset Notre Dame in week 2 last year 38-34 when Michigan was at home as a 3-point dog. That may bode well for Michigan’s shot at winning this game, or you can also consider this a revenge game for the Irish. ND is also 4-1 ATS against the spread in their last 5 games against Michigan at home.

The secret on Denard Robinson is out. ND will make sure they’re coming into this one with a game plan surrounding 1 player — Denard Robinson. Michigan with the points is the sexy pick to make here because of what Robinson did last week and I want to pick them this week based on solely wanting to see their program return to their glory days in order to improve the Big Ten, but I just can’t give them a stamp of approval to bet on this week.

Does Michigan have a shot at covering? Maybe. I’m just worried Robinson doesn’t repeat last week’s type of performance and that the Michigan D has a problem getting Notre Dame off the field. If ND protects the football, moves those chains slowly and steadily, and plays defense like they did last week, this game is theirs. However, they’ll need to formulate a game plan to stop Robinson. I think that with the points, Michigan stands a chance at covering. In order for Michigan to cover, they’ll need their D to step up big in this one. Defense has been Michigan’s problem and with the combination of a strong running game with several threats in Notre Dame’s receiving game, Notre Dame will definitely be able to keep Michigan off the field while they put up points. Notre Dame is probably the smart pick to make, but I’m personally pulling for the Wolverines in this one. I can’t wait to tune into this game.

Prediction: Notre Dame 27 – Michigan 24

Pick Against the Spread: Head says Notre Dame, Heart says Michigan. I’m not touching it. Looking forward to watching a good one. Heart prevails. Michigan +4 (Confidence: 1/5)

Final Word: Don’t forget to sign up with the Pick ‘Em league.  Info is on the right.  Winner gets a free NFL shop custom t-shirt.

 Loading ...

Denard Robin Highlights