SB Nation Detroit - Denard Robinson's Last-Moment TD Pass Gives Michigan Thrilling Victory Over Notre Damehttps://cdn.vox-cdn.com/community_logos/48919/detroit-fave.png2011-09-11T02:55:15-04:00http://detroit.sbnation.com/rss/stream/21728672011-09-11T02:55:15-04:002011-09-11T02:55:15-04:00Video: Michigan's Game Winning Touchdown Vs. Notre Dame
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<p>Here is the dramatic, game winning touchdown pass from Denard Robinson to Roy Roundtree with less than ten seconds remaining to beat Notre Dame on Saturday night, Michigan’s first ever game underneath the lights:</p>
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<p>Here are the game highlights (via Big Ten Network):</p>
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https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/11/2417844/denard-robinson-game-winning-touchdown-roy-roundtree-michigan-notre-dame-highlightsPackey2011-09-11T00:41:30-04:002011-09-11T00:41:30-04:00Michigan Beats Notre Dame On Thrilling Last-Second Touchdown Pass By Denard Robinson
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<p>In the first night game at Michigan Stadium, the atmosphere in the stands didn’t disappoint.</p>
<p>Neither did the action on the field.</p>
<p>Denard Robinson hit Roy Roundtree with 2 seconds left in the corner of the end zone for the game-winning score as Michigan pulled out a thrilling 35-31 victory over Notre Dame.</p>
<p>Michigan had taken a 28-24 lead with 1:12 left to play on a nifty catch-and-run by Vincent Smith, but Irish quarterback Tommy Rees drove his team for the go-ahead score with 30 seconds left on a 29-yard touchdown toss to Theo Riddick.</p>
<p>Michigan got the ball back on its own 20-yard line after a touchback, forcing them to go the length of the field in just a half-minute. However, Robinson found a wide open Jeremy Gallon on second down for a 64-yard gain that put the ball at the Irish 16 with eight seconds left.</p>
<p>Michigan opted to take one shot at the end zone and Robinson found Roundtree on a fade route with two seconds left for the winning score. Roundtree was interfered with by a Notre Dame defender but caught the ball anyway, and Michigan declined the penalty.</p>
<p>The game didn’t look like it was going to go well after the Irish took a 24-7 lead midway through the third quarter on a 1-yard touchdown pass by Rees to T.J. Jones.</p>
<p>Robinson, who finished 11-for-24 through the air for 338 yards with four touchdowns and three interceptions, finally started to get going and drove the Wolverines in for a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to cut the lead to 24-14. Robinson picked up a Stephen Hopkins fumble at the one-yard line and punched it in for the score.</p>
<p>After the defense forced a punt that landed Michigan at the Irish 40, Robinson found Gallon for a 14-yard score to slice the lead to three.</p>
<p>Notre Dame scored on its first two possessions of the game to jump out to a 14-0 lead and Michigan’s offense looked lost in the first quarter, picking up just one first down.</p>
<p>However, Michigan was able to cut the lead in half five minutes into the second quarter on a 43-yard touchdown pass by Robinson to Junior Hemmingway.</p>
<p>Despite the offensive numbers, turnovers were the Irish’s undoing again. Five turnovers negated 513 yards of total offense, just one week after five turnovers cost them a game against South Florida.</p>
<p>Final Stats</p>
<p>Passing<br>Robinson, Mich: 11/24, 338 yards, 4 TDs, 3 <span class="caps">INT</span><br>Rees, ND: 27/39, 315 yards, 3 TDs, 2 <span class="caps">INT</span></p>
<p>Rushing<br>Robinson, Mich: 16 carries, 108 yards, TD<br>Wood, ND: 25 carries, 134 yards, TD</p>
<p>Receiving<br>Floyd, ND: 13 rec, 159 yards<br>Hemmingway, Mich: 3 rec, 165 yards, TD</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/11/2417689/notre-dame-michigan-night-game-denard-robinson-touchdown-recapRyan Weiss2011-09-10T22:05:36-04:002011-09-10T22:05:36-04:00Michigan Vs. Notre Dame Score: Wolverines Trail Fighting Irish At Halftime, 17-7
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<p>The electricity that existed for Michigan at kickoff of their first ever night game drained pretty quickly in the early going. </p>
<p>Despite starting the first possession off with a seven yard run by <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76856/denard-robinson">Denard Robinson</a>, 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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113577/tommy-rees">Tommy Rees</a> to wide receiver <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84658/theo-riddick">Theo Riddick</a> for an early 7-0 lead. </p>
<p>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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84656/cierre-wood">Cierre Wood</a>. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>After another Michigan punt, the defense picked up the offense again, picking off a Rees throw intended for <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/49598/michael-floyd">Michael Floyd</a> around midfield. Michigan capitalized on the turnover almost immediately, as Robinson threw a 43-yard touchdown pass to <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/6817/junior-hemingway">Junior Hemingway</a>, who fought for the final three yards and had to survive an official's review for the touchdown to be upheld. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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. </p>
<p>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.</p>
<p>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 <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50234/jonas-gray">Jonas Gray</a> added 27 yards on four carries. Michigan had just three first downs compared to Notre Dame's 15. </p>
<p>In all, Michigan should feel very fortunate that this is just a 10-point game.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/10/2417465/michigan-trails-notre-dame-17-7-at-halftimePackey2011-09-10T18:16:39-04:002011-09-10T18:16:39-04:00Notre Dame At Michigan: 'GameDay' Analyst Lee Corso Picks Michigan For Desmond Howard
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<p>You're all probably aware of this by now, but there's a little night game tonight between Michigan and Notre Dame in Ann Arbor. Rumor has it that this is the first night game in Michigan Stadium history. <br><br>With a big event like this it's no surprise that ESPN's "College GameDay" set up shop at Ingalls Mall on the U-M campus this week. <br><br>As is tradition with each broadcast of "GameDay," analyst Lee Corso made his famous 'mascot' selection by donning Michigan's winged helmet with the number of partner-in-crime <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113213/desmond-howard">Desmond Howard</a> on it. He also struck the 'Heisman pose' that Howard infamously sported after a punt return touchdown against Ohio State in 1991. Howard will be honored during the game by the school.</p>
<p>Howard's two children were also present (with former Ohio State quarterback Kirk Herbstreit holding one of them) to make Howard's pick for Michigan. Herbstreit got a smattering of boos from the crowd, despite the fact that he's usually unbiased with his analysis towards "that team up north."</p>
<p>Howard then asked his other son, who he was holding, who was going to win, getting an adorable "Michigan" in response. Corso then took the stage and did his act, to the delight of the crowd. Watch the full scene <a href="http://espn.go.com/video/clip?id=6951073">here.</a></p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/10/2417099/notre-dame-at-michigan-espn-gameday-analyst-lee-corso-picks-michigan-desmond-howardRyan Weiss2011-09-09T15:21:45-04:002011-09-09T15:21:45-04:00Michigan Vs. Notre Dame: Preview
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<p>(<a href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/events/76357/preview?article_id=162701">Sports Network</a>) - Two of the nation's most accomplished programs add another chapter to their storied history, as the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/notre-dame-fighting-irish">Notre Dame Fighting Irish</a> make the trip to Ann Arbor to take on the <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/teams/michigan-wolverines">Michigan Wolverines</a> this weekend.</p>
<p>Brian Kelly's Irish began the season ranked in the top-25, but a 23-20 upset loss at home to South Florida in the season-opener last weekend, has the team on the outside looking in. A wild game that featured two delays due to weather and plenty of miscues on Notre Dame's part, resulted in a dejected squad looking for a quick turnaround.</p>
<p>Brady Hoke's first season at the helm at Michigan began with a game affected by inclement weather as well. The Wolverines opened the 2011 campaign with a 34-10 win over Western Michigan, in the first-ever game in UM history shortened by weather. The game was halted toward the end of the third quarter due to thunderstorms.</p>
<p>Michigan's 885 victories are the most of any program at any level of college football. Texas ranks second (851), followed by Notre Dame (843) in wins by BCS programs.</p>
<p>The Wolverines lead the all-time series by a count of 22-15-1 and have won five of the last six meetings in Ann Arbor.</p>
<p>With three turnovers inside the red zone and inconsistent play under center by starter <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50230/dayne-crist">Dayne Crist</a>, coach Kelly has made a change and has named sophomore <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113577/tommy-rees">Tommy Rees</a> the starter this weekend. Rees relieved Crist against the Bulls, and played well, completing 24-of-34 passes, for 296 yards and two TDs. Rees did what Crist couldn't and that was get the ball down the field with regularity to All-American candidate Michael Floyd. Regarded as one of the nation's premier receivers, Floyd did not disappoint in the opener, hauling in a career-high 12 balls, for 154 yards and two TDs, earning FBS Independents Co-Offensive Player of the week.</p>
<p>In all Notre Dame amassed 508 yards of total offense, with the bulk of it coming from the arm of Rees. The ground game managed a modest 117 yards, but <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84656/cierre-wood">Cierre Wood</a> was effective, averaging 5.0 yards per carry and racking up 104 yards and one score.</p>
<p>The Irish will be at their best with a balanced attack, but must find a way to get Floyd into the action early and often at Michigan this week if they are to bounce back quickly from the loss to the Bulls.</p>
<p>Defensively, the Irish were continually placed in bad situations by offensive mistakes. The team was in the game until the end, thanks to a unit that held the Bulls to a mere 254 yards of total offense.</p>
<p>All-American candidate <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/84654/manti-te-o">Manti Te'o</a> led all Notre Dame defenders with nine stops, in addition to recording one of the team's two sacks. A junior, Te'o is one of the nation's premier linebackers and should find himself at or near the top of the tackles list each and every week.</p>
<p>Senior LB Darius Fleming and senior end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50250/kapron-lewis-moore">Kapron Lewis-Moore</a> finished right behind Te'O with eight stops, with the pair splitting the other sack.</p>
<p>Heisman hopeful <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/76856/denard-robinson">Denard Robinson</a> didn't exactly light up the scoreboard against the Broncos last week, rushing for just 46 yards and passing for 98 yards. Tailback Fitzgerald Toussaint led the way on the ground with 80 yards and two TDs, as Michigan rushed for a hefty 190 yards on 7.3 yards per carry.</p>
<p>Hoke has installed a pro-style offense in Ann Arbor and it may take some time before Robinson posts big numbers. Last season saw a balanced, yet prolific attack, spearheaded by Robinson's production on the ground. This season expect others like Toussaint, WRs Roy Roundtree and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/6817/junior-hemingway">Junior Hemingway</a> and tight end <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/36749/kevin-koger">Kevin Koger</a> to play more prominent roles.</p>
<p>Fifth-year senior LB Brandon Herron had quite a season-debut, becoming the first Wolverine in the modern era (since 1948) to score two defensive touchdowns in the same game. A 94-yard INT return and a 29-yard fumble return helped Herron earn Big Ten Player and Walter Camp National Player of the Week honors.</p>
<p>Herron headlined a strong defensive performance in the opener, that saw Michigan hold WMU to just 279 yards, including 98 on the ground. Herron was not the only Wolverine with a strong outing, as strong safety <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/38064/jordan-kovacs">Jordan Kovacs</a> led the team with 10 tackles, two sacks and one forced fumble.</p>
<p>Both teams have All-American talent on the offensive side of the ball. Robinson and Floyd are both dynamic, but unless the Irish can limit their mistakes, it won't matter how good Floyd is.</p>
<p>Sports Network Predicted Outcome: Michigan 24, Notre Dame 20</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/9/2415112/michigan-notre-dame-night-game-2011-previewSean Yuille2011-09-07T00:33:19-04:002011-09-07T00:33:19-04:00Michigan-Notre Dame Tickets In High Demand
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<p>The hype for this Saturday's Michigan-Notre Dame night game has been building ever since the <a href="http://michigansportscenter.com/2010/03/michigan-to-host-notre-dame-in-first-ever-big-house-night-game.html">announcement was made back in March 2010</a> that it will be played under the lights. Since then the anticipation has been growing, and an unbelievable amount of fans have expressed their desire to be a part of history.</p>↵<p>Proof of this comes from looking at the demand for tickets. Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon <a href="http://www.detnews.com/article/20110906/SPORTS0201/109060392/1361/Michigan-works-on-scoreboard-bugs--girds-for-biggest-crowd-ever">said on Tuesday</a> that another 25,000 or 50,000 tickets could have been sold for this game, and he expects it to shatter attendance records. A crowd of 115,000 fans isn't out of the question.</p>↵<p>When asked about the unbelievable demand for tickets, Brandon said, "The supply-and-demand model is getting blown up here." Despite the biggest crowd in college football history being expected for the game, tickets aren't easy to find, especially tickets at a low price. <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/darrenrovell/status/111168771233824768">From</a> <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/darrenrovell/status/111169120317358080">Darren Rovell</a>:</p>↵<blockquote>↵<p>TicketsNow: Avg price for ND-Michigan game is $451, the highest priced game this weekend. Bama-PSU is #2 at $298/seat.</p>↵</blockquote>↵<blockquote>↵<p>StubHub says demand in Notre Dame game is the highest they've seen for a Michigan game since they launched in 2000.</p>↵</blockquote>↵<p>Tigers manager Jim Leyland managed to <a href="http://twitter.com/#!/freepwolverines/status/111093690365251584">find a ticket for the game</a> and is expected to attend. How was he able to find a seat? Michigan offensive lineman Jack Miller is his nephew.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/7/2409041/michigan-notre-dame-ticketsSean Yuille2011-09-06T19:05:27-04:002011-09-06T19:05:27-04:00Michigan Vs. Notre Dame: Tommy Rees To Start For Fighting Irish
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<p>Going into the 2011 season, Notre Dame's battle for the starting quarterback job appeared to be neck and neck between <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/50230/dayne-crist">Dayne Crist</a> and <a class="sbn-auto-link" href="http://www.sbnation.com/ncaa-football/players/113577/tommy-rees">Tommy Rees</a>. Head coach Brian Kelly ultimately chose Crist to be the starter, and that decision clearly backfired.</p>
<p>Against South Florida last week, Crist completed 7-of-15 passes for 95 yards. He threw one interception and was benched in favor of Rees, who came in and went 24-of-35 for 296 yards, two touchdowns and two interceptions.</p>
<p>Citing the need to start the player who gives Notre Dame the best chance to win, Kelly has decided to <a href="http://www.chicagotribune.com/sports/college/chi-notre-dame-names-tommy-rees-starting-qb-20110906,0,3486983.story">go with Rees as the starting quarterback </a>against Michigan on Saturday. Crist may have won the starting job for the season opener, but his tenure as the starting QB in 2011 has already come to an end.</p>
<p>A year ago against Michigan, Rees went 0-for-2 and threw an interception. He was forced into action because Crist left the game with an injury before ultimately returning. Nate <span class="sbn-auto-link">Montana</span>, who is no longer on the team, also played for Notre Dame at quarterback during that game.</p>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/6/2408834/michigan-notre-dame-game-2011-tommy-rees-startingSean Yuille2011-09-06T17:42:45-04:002011-09-06T17:42:45-04:00Michigan Vs. Notre Dame: Wolverines Get Set For 1st Ever Big House Night Game
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<p>For more on Michigan, check out <a href="http://www.maizenbrew.com/">Maize n Brew</a>, and for more on the Big Ten, check out <a href="http://www.offtackleempire.com/">Off Tackle Empire</a>.</p> <p>Michigan and Notre Dame will go under the lights on Saturday as Michigan Stadium hosts the first night game in its history. The game is receiving a lot of attention for that reason, but it's important to remember that what happens on the field will ultimately be the main story on Saturday.</p>
<p>Michigan opened its season <a href="http://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/8/29/2391912/michigan-vs-western-michigan-football">with a 34-10 win</a> over Western Michigan in a game that was shortened because of bad weather. Notre Dame also dealt with bad weather in its opener, but it was able to finish its game after dealing with two delays. The Fighting Irish didn't win, however. South Florida upset Notre Dame by a score of 23-20.</p>
<p>Despite Notre Dame's opening-season loss, the matchup between the Wolverines and Fighting Irish is still a very interesting one. Brady Hoke will look to lead Michigan to a win over one of its rivals, and Notre Dame will look to rebound from last week's head scratcher.</p>
<p>Here is a look at the pertinent information for Saturday's game:</p>
<ul>
<li>Date: Saturday, Sept. 10, 2011</li>
<li>Time: 8 p.m. ET</li>
<li>TV: ESPN</li>
<li>Radio: <a target="_blank" href="http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/fbl-broadcast.html">Michigan Sports Network</a>
</li>
<li>Location: Ann Arbor, Michigan</li>
<li>Stadium: Michigan Stadium</li>
</ul>
https://detroit.sbnation.com/michigan-wolverines/2011/9/6/2408775/michigan-notre-dame-night-gameSean Yuille