Irish look for answers in Ann Arbor
By TIM CASEY
With all the attention generated toward the dispute over the so-called gentlemen's agreement, it's easy to forget that there is still a game to be played on Saturday.
Question marks still remain after Notre Dame's 48-13 victory over Kansas.
Can Jim Sanson respond after missing three kicks? Can the passing game muster more than 89 yards? Can the young offensive line and cornerbacks handle the pressure of playing in front of a hostile environment? Can the team cut down on its three turnovers?
"This is a big test for our football team," Bob Davie said at Tuesday's press conference. "We all see the great tradition of this rivalry. And we are a young team. For us to make this a great game, we are going to have to show considerable improvement from last week."
Michigan, ranked seventh in the country, has a talented offense.
Anthony Thomas, the Wolverines leading rusher from a year ago spearheads the running attack. At wideout, sophomore David Terrell and senior Marcus Knight have big play capabilities. Lloyd Carr has yet to name a starter at quarterback as of Wednesday for Saturday's game. Either way, Davie does not plan to make any major defensive adjustments.
"Just looking at the two, both of them I think are pretty similar," Davie said. "Both of them are tall and have strong arms. You just felt in the game [last year] that [Drew] Henson seemed a little more mobile. But as far as change in your plans or in your approach, I don't think we'll really change."
The front seven for Michigan is also a concern for the Irish. Senior linebackers Ian Gold, James Hall and Dhani Jones solidify the middle of the defense. At defensive tackle, Rob Renes and Josh Williams are both experienced.
Carr understands the importance of this game from a historical perspective.
"The tradition of these two programs is outstanding," Carr said in a prepared statement. "They're arguably the two greatest traditions in college football going back over 100 years. It's the tradition knowing that every single person in this country that likes college football will be trying to watch this game. It's that kind of excitement that every kid who grows up playing football dreams of playing in."
One player who is ready for Saturday is Grant Irons. Irons older brother, Jarret was a key member of the Michigan defense earlier this decade.
"This game was good for us on the defensive end of the ball to find out what works and what does not," said Irons after the Kansas game. "We know that Michigan was watching the game and that they know what they need to do to beat us."
All Sports Stories for Friday, September 3, 1999
