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Know Your Notre Dame Football Enemy: The Michigan Wolverines

By J.P. Scott

ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MI - OCTOBER 01: Michigan Wolverines head football coach leads his team onto the field prior to the start of the game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Stadium on October 1, 2016 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Michigan defeated Wisconsin 14-7. (Photo by Leon Halip/Getty Images) /
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The 2018 Notre Dame football schedule begins with a visit from Michigan. Here is what you need to know about the Wolverines.

Between now and the beginning of the season, we are going to take a quick look at all 12 teams on the 2018 Notre Dame football schedule just to familiarize you with what the Irish are up against.

First up: The Michigan Wolverines

2017 Synopsis

After beginning the year 4-0, Michigan limped to the finish with an 8-5 record. They lost their last three games — including the New Year’s Day tilt with South Carolina in the Outback Bowl. Spotty quarterback play and a lack of explosiveness from the rest of the offense doomed a team that was pretty good on the defensive side of the ball.

Who did they lose?

From a talent and production standpoint, Michigan didn’t lose a whole lot. The biggest shoes to fill will be those left by All-American defensive tackle Maurice Hurst. Regardless of who replaces Hurst and how good the Wolverine defense is in 2018, the interior of the defensive line simply won’t be as good without him.

Who do they return?

Michigan brings back most of its playmakers on offense. Donovan Peoples-Jones and Tarik Black will make up one of the more formidable receiving duos Notre Dame will face this season. Running back Karan Higdon is a stud as well.

Why should Notre Dame be worried?

Ole Miss transfer Shea Patterson gives the Wolverines the talent, experience and stability they were missing at the quarterback position last season. When you combine what he can do with some of the returning talent at the rest of the skill positions, it’s enough to keep a defensive coordinator up at night.

On the other side of the ball, Michigan might have one of the best defenses in the country. Defensive ends Rashan Gary and Chase Winovich have both been projected as first-round NFL Draft picks in 2019 by several outlets and experts.

Why should Notre Dame not be worried?

As talented as Patterson and his skill players are, they won’t be able to function at a high level if the offensive line in front of them does not grow and improve quickly over the Summer. Having so many question marks on the offensive line that early in the season makes a road trip to Notre Dame to kick things off pretty difficult.

Key Player for Michigan

Rashan Gary — He is an athletic freak. He has the talent to take over the game in the trenches as both a pass-rusher and run-stuffer. If he gets rolling, the rest of the defense will feed off of him and things will get dicey for the Irish. Brian Kelly and Co. need to figure out a way to minimize his impact.

Next: The All-Time Notre Dame Football Team

Key Player for Notre Dame

Jerry Tillery — He needs to impose his will on an inexerienced Michigan offensive line. If he can apply pressure from the interior of the line on both runs and passes, Notre Dame has the speed advantage defensively from east to west to limit the damage.

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