Michigan Unepectadly Rips #2 Notre Dame; Sets Season Tone in South Bend
As Michigan quarterback Chad Henne stepped up in an empty pocket and released a soft pass into the corner of the endzone, the green-clad Irish faithful held their breath. Trailing 27-7 with three minutes left in the half, Notre Dame's defense desperatly needed to keep Michigan out of the endzone if they wanted to give their offense a chance in the second half. But as Irish fans groaned, Michigan fans pumped their fists in jubilation yet again as the ball was cradled in front of the back pylon by sophmore wideout Mario Manningham-his third score of the first half (and for a third time this author abandoned his pride and shouted "SUPER MARIOOO!").
Following the extra point, both teams returned to the sidelines- Notre Dame's players walked with their heads bend in disbelief while Michigan players galloped in excitement. The Wolverines could have played another five quarters. The Irish and their fans just wanted it to end. With two minutes left in the first half , Michigan led 34-7. With two minutes left, Michigan had outgained Notre Dame 235-35 (not a typo). With two minutes left, Michigan Chad Henne looked like the Heisman candidate with 171 yards and three touchdowns, while Brady Quinn had just 19 yards. With two minutes left, the game was over, and everyone knew it- though very few could believe it. In college football stadiums across the country, football fans had to take a double-take at the scores from around the country. Michigan 34, Notre Dame 7- 2nd Quarter. "What the..." was no doubt oft-spoken phrase.
While Michigan surprised a lot of people outside the Michigan football program, no one inside the visitors lockerroom was shocked at all.
"Honestly? All week, I don't know what it was ... but we knew we were going to come down here and win,'' tailback Mike Hart said, smiling broadly. "All week, we knew it. The way we practiced, the way we watched film, our mentality ... if you asked anyone, it was just something we knew. We thought we were going to come down here and dominate. We talked about it, everyone, the linemen, the defense. I was like, 'I don't know if y'all feel it, but I feel it.'''
Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn sure felt it. Sacked three times, hit countless more, and hurried on nearly every play, Notre Dame's Golden Boy never found his groove, threw three picks and fumbled once, and saw his Heisman votes drop dramatically as a result.
Now Michigan has to focus on the rest of their games- the next five likely deciding when Michigan will be when they travel to Columbus for the season finale against the top-ranked and arch-rival Ohio State Buckeyes. How will Michigan fare against Wisconsin, Minnesota, Michigan State, Penn State and Iowa? The answer is yet to be revealed, but Mike Hart reveals the team's focus following their historic win over the Irish. When asked whether the victory proved Michigan was a great team, Hart said, "It proves were a good team. But great teams win consistently. We'll see if were a great team."
Well said, Mike. Well said.
