Recap: Michigan embarrasses Notre Dame in the Big House

What was hyped up to be an epic matchup between two top 25 ranked rival opponents quickly turned into a one-sided beatdown of Notre Dame at the hands of the hated Michigan Wolverines in the torrential rain in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The only thing that was sloppier than the weather, was the play of Notre Dame, as they fell 45-14.

Notre Dame received the ball first and looked underwhelming right from the opening whistle. The Irish would average 3.0 yards per play, a number that was actually elevated by a three play, 75 yard touchdown drive that was orchestrated by Phil Jurkovec in garbage time. Prior to that drive, they were averaging a putrid 1.8 yards per play. Notre Dame would either be forced to punt the ball or would turn the ball over on downs on their first 8 drives of the game.

Conversely, after Notre Dame blocked a Michigan punt, Jonathan Jones inexplicably tried to jump on the loose ball, failing to recover it cleanly and allowing Michigan to recover it for a first down. The Irish would unravel and never recover from there. Michigan would drive down on a long run by Zach Charbonnet, in which Jalen Elliot made a touchdown saving tackle. The Irish would hold Michigan to a field goal, but would allow touchdowns to the Wolverines on their next two possessions, going down 17-0 with 3:05 remaining in the second quarter.

The Irish would continue their extreme futility by punting on their first two drives of the second half. They would finally score with 2:50 remaining in the third quarter, thanks to a very questionable pass interference call on third and 10 that allowed the Irish to continue their drive. Ultimately, Ian Book would connect with Cole Kmet for a 7 yard touchdown pass to bring the Irish within 10.

Unfortunately, the Notre Dame defense couldn’t get a much needed stop following the offense finally putting points on the board, allowing Michigan to immediately go 75 yards on six plays for a touchdown, putting Notre Dame back down 17 with 2:37 left in the third quarter.

Notre Dame would punt on their next three offensive drives and fumble on their fourth drive after the touchdown, while Michigan exploded for three additional touchdowns to extend their lead to 45-7 with 1:55 remaining in the game. As previously mentioned, Phil Jurkovec would lead a 75 yard touchdown drive in garbage time.

It was an atrocious game for Notre Dame, who are most certainly eliminated from playoff consideration.  It was an embarrassing loss that will likely leave the Irish reeling and reevaluating their entire team and future moving forward.