Keys to Michigan beating Notre Dame

There is an awful lot of hype for the first ever night game at The Big House. Here are the keys to a Michigan win.

1. Pass coverage must be there.

Too many times in the last three years have we seen wide open receivers all over the field. Michigan's safeties and corners must play their position properly, and not allowing the usual 30-50 yard bombs.

2. Contain their QBs.

Rees is starting, but Crist is still there. If they shut down Rees, they must be ready to shut down Crist. Last year they were a bit lucky when Crist went down for most of the game. When he came back, they could have lost the game had there been more time.

3. Not just Denard.

We need to continue to see other guys run the ball well. You can only cry wolf so many times, and everyone knows Denard is going to run. Yes, he's good enough to overcome that. But with a team still trying to build and mesh, they need more options.

4. Kicking must improve.

Field Goal kicking in particular has been a tough act for Michigan for as long as I can remember. Its time for rid themselves of this burden, and kick the ball thru the uprights. Losing 3-9 points per game can kill them in a tough battle.

My prediction: Michigan 31, Notre Dame 21.

Game time 8 PM, ESPN. Go Blue!

Tigers are 20 over!

Just a month ago, we were all thinking "Will the Tigers hang on?". It seemed they were streak, unstable, and poised for another September fall apart. Then came GM Dave Dombrowski to the rescue.

Much like last year, the Tigers needed to make a good trade. One that would tighten up the team a bit, but not give up key pieces. Jhonny Peralta was undoubtedly one of the best trades the Tigers have made in years. They got a little bit of pop in the bat, a high average, and a solid fielding SS.

This year their needs ran a bit deeper. Mr. Illitch poured on the pressure, and demanded they win now. The Tigers responded by adding Doug Fister to the starting lineup, and Delmon Young to the lineup.

I had the pleasure of seeing Doug Fister pitch as a Mariner. He throw mostly strikes, gave up little hits, and had a shot at beating Justin Verlander. The game ended in a 4-1 loss for Fister. 3-12 with a 3.30 ERA, he came to Detroit seeking more run support. He's gotten some on some days, but not on others. Still, he's won most of his outings, giving the Tigers a reliable new pitcher.

I was completely shocked by the trade for Delmon Young. I didn't think the Twins would send such a reliable hitter to a division rival. In fact, I didn't think they'd part with him at all. I figured they were just messing around until mid-August, and would make their anual run at the division title.

I guess I was wrong.

For much of the last 3 weeks, the White Sox and Indians have been on the heals of the Tigers. They closed in the gap pretty close, and at one time the Indians took first place away from the Tigers. Those days are now long gone.

At 82-62, the Tigers are 9 1/2 games ahead of the White Sox. They have a magic number of 10 that is dropping two at a time each day. They are in complete control. The only thing left to do is keep on pace, win each series, and don't get cocky. At their current pace, they'll see Boston in the ALDS, and that won't be an easy series.

Michigan Football 2011

I didn't like what I saw at the start of the Michigan/WMU game. The defense was bad. The offense wasn't moving as well. It was a reminder that Rich Rod had dismantled the program.

That all changed pretty quickly.

They made some adjustments, and things looked better. They have work to do, but I think they're at least on the right track. Notre Dame would be a huge test in my opinion. The first night game and atmosphere will be unreal.