By Steve”Dr. Sap” Sapardanis [and thanks to Mark Kolanowski of MK Photo for the game pics. Follow Instagram and Flickr]
I’m not sure that I have ever sat through a football game that had so much rain fall throughout the contest.
I was there in 1989 when it was #1 Notre Dame vs #2 Michigan, and that was quite the miserable day, but it seemed to pale in comparison to last night’s downpour. To put the game in further context, this may have been the biggest home victory over a Top 10 ranked non-conference opponent since, wait for it…since Bo whipped the Texas A&M Aggies in 1977. Wow! Let’s get to the rain-soaked Champions versus Notre Dame.
OFFENSIVE CHAMPIONS – Speaking of Bo, this game sure did bring to mind his staunch approach to running the football, and you saw why, last night. When weather conditions made it tremendously difficult to throw the ball, a powerful running game was key to victory. The entire Michigan OFFENSIVE LINE was able to exert its collective will against the Irish and I’m sure that warmed the hearts of many. I believe it was Fritz Crisler who said that being able to run the ball would demoralize your opponent come the 4th quarter.
Bo echoed those thoughts and Jim Harbaugh is continuing that mantra at Michigan. Heck, I even heard fans behind me screaming for Michigan to KEEP running the ball. No lie! When your backs can run the ball for 300+ yards, everybody is happy!
DEFENSIVE CHAMPIONS – I thought the pressure exerted by the DEFENSIVE FRONT SEVEN was key.
Whether it was Don Brown calling more zone looks on the back end, or ND receivers not being fast enough to get open, or maybe it was just that the Michigan defenders were better than the Irish O-Line, Note Dame QB Ian Book was seemingly harassed all night. Of course when that happens, the crowd feeds off that emotion and that seemed to energize the entire Michigan team and stadium.
It appeared that every player took their turn in making a big play. Whether it was Carlo Kemp, or Aidan Hutchinson, or Cam McGrone, or Jordan Glasgow, the defense was flying around with a confidence that was great to see!
SPECIAL TEAMS CHAMPIONS – Sticking to the theme of several players, I really thought the PLACEMENT KICK TEAM SPECIALISTS did a remarkable job, last night. When you consider how intense the rainfall was, it was impressive to see clean snaps by long-snapper Camaron Cheeseman, great holds by Will Hart and smooth kicks by Jake Moody on all six extra points and the lone field goal of the game. I will never take these kicks for granted – especially in inclement weather – so great job by all three for being perfect last night!
Lastly, one more comment from Bo…
