NCAA Football Preview (Michigan-Notre Dame)
Posted: Tues September 1, 1998 at 3:47 p.m. EDT
Michigan (0-0) at Notre Dame (0-0)
Saturday, 3:30 pm EDT
Michigan begins a national-title defense for the
first time in a half-century when it travels to archrival and
Notre Dame.
Michigan will be taking the field for the first time since its
victory over Washington State in the Rose Bowl earned it a split
of the national championship with Nebraska. It was the first
title for the perennial power since 1948.
But one question remains for the Wolverines: Was last season an
aberration or a return to normal? Last year's success broke a
five-year run in which Michigan was unable to post 10 or more
victories. In addition to Notre Dame, the Wolverines will be
tested by six other schools that appeared in the postseason last
year.
For the Wolverines to duplicate last season's success, they must
do it without cornerback Charles Woodson and quarterback Brian
Griese. Taking over for Griese -- at least in this game -- will
be junior Tom Brady. Coach Lloyd Carr chose Brady over the more
experienced Scott Dreisbach and super-talented freshman Drew
Henson.
There has also been a change at the helm in Bob Davie's second
season in South Bend, where Ron Powlus' disappointing career is
over, leaving the quarterback duties to Jarious Jackson. Davie,
who led the Irish to a 7-6 mark in his initial season, has
brought back the option offense to highlight Jackson's
ablilities.
Joining Jackson in the attack will be senior Autry Denson, who
is attempting to become just the third Fighting Irish running
back ever to post back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
Notre Dame has failed to win 10 games in four straight seasons
and opens this campaign against four teams it lost to last year.
With regard to win totals, this game features the two most
prestigious college football programs. Michigan and Notre Dame
rank 1-2, respectively, on the all-time Division I-A victories
list.
Michigan leads 16-10-1 in the storied series that dates back to
1887. The Wolverines took last year's meeting, 21-14, stopping
the Irish twice inside the 10-yard line in the final quarter.
© 1998 Sportsticker Enterprises, LP
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