Notre Dame Football: Writers score predictions vs. Michigan

Some of our writers share their score predictions for the Notre Dame football game against Michigan tonight in Ann Arbor.

In one of the most anticipated game of the year, Notre Dame football will take on the Michigan Wolverines in Ann Arbor tonight.

As they do every week, some of our writers are taking a stab at predicting the score for this week’s Notre Dame contest. Here’s what they have to say:

Carlee North

Coming off of a bye, Brian Kelly is 11-1. But this game is in the Big House at night, against a Michigan team coming off of a loss that they thought they should’ve won against a top 10 team in Penn State. Michigan seems to be gaining some confidence on the offensive side of the ball and the Irish defense will have to play lights out from start to finish, with consistent pressure on quarterback Shea Patterson.

Offensively, I get the feeling we will once again see a slow start, this time mainly because of the extra week off. The first quarter will be massive for Notre Dame and the defense to keep the momentum even or possibly tilt it towards the Irish. Ian Book is going to need one of his best outings to find a way to win on the road, once again. Turnovers will be a big key in this game and the Irish must protect the football.

In the end, I think the defense will have to come up with a stop to win the game late. Clark Lea gets it done when it matters most and Notre Dame holds on to take down Michigan in their house. Irish win 26-20.

Connor McJunkin

This game was a much bigger matchup on paper before the season started, but nonetheless it’s still a Top-20 rival on the road in prime time. Many feel like ND has turned that corner as a program where these kind of games aren’t as nerve racking anymore, but it’s still Michigan at the Big House and that can’t be overlooked. Getting Jafar Armstrong back is huge for this Irish offense, who finally have all their weapons back and healthy for the first time all year. As long as the defense can keep Patterson uncomfortable and under pressure as they did last year, Notre Dame gets its first W in Ann Arbor since 2005. Irish continue to roll, 38-17.

Jack Leniart

Historically, Notre Dame has had a tough time winning in Ann Arbor. Saturday night’s prime time matchup against the Wolverines will not be any easier. Notre Dame is coming off their bye week, while Michigan is returning home after a tough loss at Penn State. I think we could see the effects of that in the second half of this game. As betting lines would suggest, this is expected to be a very close game. I have no reason to expect anything different. I think, like last weekend, Michigan will have the ball late in the fourth quarter trying to tie or win the game. The Irish defense will stand tall and Notre Dame will walk out of the big house with a victory. Notre Dame 23, Michigan 20.

Mason Plummer

In a low scoring game, both the ND offensive and defensive lines wear down Michigan and eventually get the ‘W’. Chase Claypool and Jafar Armstrong shine for the Irish as they move to 6-1. 20-13, ND. 

Matt Clark

Notre Dame and Michigan trade punches through three quarters with the game tied 27-27 going into the fourth. Notre Dame’s D is able to create a turnover for a touchdown and then the Irish offense caps the game off with another TD. Notre Dame 41, Michigan 27

Nathan Erbach

Looks eerily similar to last years score and I think that’s how the games play out, especially with Michigan at home. I’d love to pick the Irish by 2 scores because I think they are the better football team — and possibly by a wide margin. I just don’t see it because of where it’s being played. However, I go back to what I said. Notre Dame is the better team and I think they show that on Saturday night in a decently convincing performance. Notre Dame 24, Michigan 16. 

J.P. Scott

Notre Dame is a more talented, more consistent, better-coached football team. The only thing Michigan has going for them tonight is homefield advantage, and the weather is going to neutralize much of that. I don’t expect Michigan to be able to get into the end zone on the Irish defense a whole lot, while I think Notre Dame can control the game with the run. I expect a sound win for the Irish. 34-20, Notre Dame.