The Notre Dame Fighting Irish and Michigan Wolverines first met back in 1887 with that showdown serving as the first football game ever played by Notre Dame. Matching up 39 times since that meeting in 1887, the Wolverines have gone on to win 23 times with one game ending in a tie. Thanks to the representation by two of the most recognizable teams in all of sports - not just college football -- the Notre Dame vs. Michigan rivalry is one of the most anticipated sporting events each season and it's a shame that college football fans will not get to enjoy this historic game after the 2014 season.
Unable to come to terms on an extension, this year's showdown will be the last visit to Ann Arbor for the Irish and it will also be the second time these teams play under the lights at the Big House. Michigan won a thriller at home in 2011 but last year in South Bend, the Irish used shutdown defense to take down the Wolverines 13-6 in front of a capacity crowd at Notre Dame Stadium. The Irish would use that victory as motivation for the rest of the year, capping off an undefeated regular season before falling to Alabama in the National Championship. With both teams hoping to achieve the lofty goals they set for themselves on a yearly basis, expect this next showdown to be another classic!
When and Where to Watch No. 14 Notre Dame vs. No. 17 Michigan
Notre Dame heads to Michigan for an evening showdown on Saturday, September 7. Kickoff is set for 8:00pm, ET with television coverage available through the ESPN Network with the pregame show beginning at 7:30pm. Those electing to watch the game via on-line live stream can do so by following this link. The game can also be seen by visiting WatchESPN.
Player to Watch - Notre Dame: Tommy Rees, QB
Tommy Rees was handed the starting quarterback job once again after former starter Everett Golson was suspended for a university academic violation before the start of the season. Rees has had his fair share of problems in the turnover department but in last week's season-opening victory over the Temple Owls, the senior showed how good he can be.
Eclipsing the 300-yard mark on 16-of-23 passing, "Tommy Turnover" -- as he was formerly called by many disgruntled Notre Dame fans - transformed into 'Tommy Touchdown' when he also threw for three scores. Rees against a very talented Michigan defense will be an entertaining match-up to watch but with the weapons Rees has around him including receiver DaVaris Daniels (2 TD vs. Temple), wide out T.J. Jones (138 yards vs. Temple) and speed running backs in Amir Carlisle and Cam McDaniel, the Irish offense is more than capable of playing well especially when you consider the fact that they're absolutely loaded on defense, a unit that takes the pressure of the offense each week.
Player to Watch - Michigan: Devin Gardner, QB
While Notre Dame looks for quarterback Tommy Rees to have a big game, Michigan hopes for the same from their signal caller Devin Gardner. Completing 10 of 15 passes for 162 yards and a touchdown in last weekend's 59-9 thumping of Central Michigan, Gardener and the Wolverines offense have a daunting challenge ahead in the form of the Fighting Irish defense.
With preseason All-Americans on the Irish defensive line in the form of defensive end Stephon Tuitt and tackle Louis Nix, Gardner's running back support and outside receivers will need to step up. Michigan may struggle to get the running game going in the way they did against an inferior Central Michigan team -- UM totaled over 240 yards on the ground last week - so in order for Gardner to be successful, he may need to rely heavily on receivers Jeremy Gallon and Devin Funchess.
Wrap Up
Be sure to catch all the action between No. 14 Notre Dame and No. 17 Michigan on Saturday, September 7 at 8:00pm, ET. Television coverage will be provided by the ESPN Network with an on-line live stream available by following this link. Fans can also watch the game through WatchESPN.
RELATED: AP Poll College Football 2013: Alabama Remains No. 1 With Clemson Moving To No. 4 And Notre Dame Staying At No. 14 [FULL LIST]
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