Notre dame 24, MICHIGAN 17 | monday, September 3, 2018 | ndsmcobserver.com
Back in business Irish handle Michigan in primetime victory, make defensive statement in renewed rivalry
ANNIE SMIERCIAK | The Observer
Irish sophomore running back Jafar Armstrong runs from a defender as he carries the ball into the end zone during No. 12 Notre Dame’s 24-17 victory over No. 14 Michigan at Notre Dame Stadium on Saturday. Armstrong rushed for a total of 35 yards on 15 attempts and scored two touchdowns in the victory, which renewed the two teams’ rivalry.
Despite win, more obstacles to come for Irish Joe Everett Sports Editor
“No Breaking Point.” The motto written on the back of the 2018 version of “The Shirt” — which blanketed Notre Dame Stadium as the Irish faithful successfully accomplished a “greenout” — describes how Notre Dame (1-0) built a foundation during its 24-17 win over rival Michigan on Saturday night, and what it will need to continue to test and develop. Notre Dame’s defense bent often, but it never broke. Clark Lea’s unit stopped the Wolverines (0-1) in their tracks when it mattered most. The defense kept Michigan out of the end zone until there were two minutes and 18 seconds left in the game, thanks in large part by forcing three critical sacks, a missed field goal and an interception. Then, during Michigan’s final drive and with the game on the line, senior defensive lineman see EVERETT PAGE 3
By MICHAEL EVERETT Sports Writer
Notre Dame wasted no time in introducing themselves to newly rekindled rival Michigan Saturday night in South Bend, as the Irish took advantage of an early lead to hold off the Wolverines, 24-17. “We got off to a really good start,” head coach Brian Kelly said post game. On the opening drive of the game, senior quarterback Brandon Wimbush converted a third down on a 16-yard pass to sophomore wide receiver Chase Claypool, followed up by a 28-yard dart to senior wideout Miles Boykin. A Wimbush carry and ensuing penalty on Michigan carried the Irish into the red zone, which allowed sophomore Jafar Armstrong to bolt 13 yards in the end zone. The drive was Armstrong’s first in his Fighting Irish career, the touchdown his second carry. The opening drive was the beginning of an impressive breakout game for the young running back. Senior Justin Yoon knocked in the extra point, and the Irish were up by seven before the 13:30 mark.
The Irish (1-0) initially gave up some ground to the Wolverines (0-1) and running back Karan Higdon on their first possession, but quickly applied the breaks to Michigan’s offensive engine, forcing them to punt the ball away. The Irish didn’t take their foot off the gas on their second trip with the football. Pinned back at their own four-yard line, Wimbush led the offense 96 yards down the field. On third down, Wimbush found senior tight end Alize Mack down the sideline for the first down. Mack was struck helmet-to-helmet by Michigan defensive back Josh Metellus, but managed to hold onto the ball even while appearing stunned. Metellus was charged with targeting and was ejected from the game. After a couple of modest runs, Wimbush managed to keep the drive alive with a seven-yard third down rush. Wimbush capped off the drive with a 43-yard bomb to senior wide receiver Chris Finke, who leaped over his defender and secure the ball in the end zone, putting the Irish up 14-0. The spectacular play was one of the ”50/50 battles” Kelly asserted
the team needed to win, and postgame he praised Finke’s improvement as a receiver. “I don’t think he makes that play last year,” Kelly said. “I think his physical ability is one thing, but his strength now to go up and take that away from a defender, I think is the difference and probably for our entire football team”. “No. 10 went out there and made a great play,” Wimbush said, echoing the sentiments. “Couldn’t be more happy for him.” Like Notre Dame, Michigan’s second drive was also similar to its first. Michigan accumulated three first downs, but failed to convert the drive into points. The Irish defense locked down, putting pressure on junior quarterback Shea Patterson. Junior defensive lineman Khalid Kareem delivered a crucial stop on third down with a 16-yard sack that killed the Wolverines’ drive. The Wolverines managed to knock in a field goal on their next drive, but it would not be enough to derail Notre Dame’s offensive rhythm. The Irish see VICTORY PAGE 2
Michigan’s errors pave way for Notre Dame victory By TOBIAS HOONHOUT Managing Editor
On a night when “Irish Wear Green,” it was fitting that luck was in abundance. For as much as the Irish defense stymied the Wolverine offense over 60 minutes, Michigan’s selfinflicted errors proved too costly to overcome. The Wolverines ended the game with seven penalties for 52 yards, and Notre Dame capitalized on practically all of them. When Notre Dame jumped out to an early 14-0 lead, which grew to a 21-3 lead with just under four minutes left in the first half, things suddenly didn’t look too close in a matchup that, on paper, seemed to be a tight affair. Even after a 99yard kickoff return by Michigan’s Ambry Thomas to close out the half with a touchdown for the Wolverines, the damage was done. On the opening drive of the game, senior quarterback Brandon see ERRORS PAGE 3