The electricity that existed for Michigan at kickoff of their first ever night game drained pretty quickly in the early going.
Despite starting the first possession off with a seven yard run by Denard Robinson, Michigan couldn't convert a first down on the next two plays and had to punt on their first possession. Notre Dame then marched right down the field, ending the drive with a seven-yard touchdown pass from Tommy Rees to wide receiver Theo Riddick for an early 7-0 lead.
Michigan went three-and-out again on the ensuing possession before Notre Dame rammed the ball right back down Michigan's throat for another touchdown -- a four-yard touchdown run by Cierre Wood.
The game looked like it was going to get real ugly, real quick as Denard Robinson threw a terrible interception in Michigan's territory on the very next possession. However, Michigan's defense stepped up finally and forced a three-and-out.
After another Michigan punt, the defense picked up the offense again, picking off a Rees throw intended for Michael Floyd around midfield. Michigan capitalized on the turnover almost immediately, as Robinson threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to Junior Hemingway, who fought for the final three yards and had to survive an official's review for the touchdown to be upheld.
Michigan came up with another big interception, while Notre Dame was driving comfortably and looking to tack on to their lead, thanks to a terrible throw by Rees. And yes, Brian Kelly's head almost exploded again.
Michigan couldn't convert on the interception, though, and Notre Dame was able to add another three points near the end of the first half to go up 17-7. Michigan ultimately opted to take a knee with just a minute to go in the half.
Denard Robinson was just 2-of-9 in the first half for 48 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. He rushed seven times for 40 yards. Tommy Rees was 13-of-22 for 166 yards, a touchdown, and two interceptions.
Michigan could not stop the running game (Brady Hoke called the run defense "atrocious" at halftime). Cierre Wood picked up 75 yards on 13 carries; Michigan native and Detroit Country Day product Jonas Gray added 27 yards on four carries. Michigan had just three first downs compared to Notre Dame's 15.
In all, Michigan should feel very fortunate that this is just a 10-point game.