After a scintillating offensive display in the first half, Michigan took the field in the third quarter hoping to keep their intensity going on both sides of the ball.
The Wolverines received the kickoff, and quickly picked up two first downs and entered Notre Dame territory. The Irish defense finally made a stand, though, and forced a punt after Shaq Williams burst into the backfield and brought down Devin Gardner for a sack.
The ensuing Notre Dame drive was typical Tommy Rees - scared straight after his interception, Rees took no risks, making safe plays but progressing up the field patiently and methodically. The drive ended with a 20-yard touchdown pass to TE Troy Niklas, who was a major player in Notre Dame's victory over Temple last week but who had been fairly anonymous until his touchdown catch.
Again, another connection between Devin Gardner and Jeremy Gallon put the Wolverines within striking distance. The 41-yard pass was put on a dime for Gallon, and on the next two plays Fitzgerald Toussaint picked up a first down with punishing runs.
The next play was nothing new - just another routine touchdown pass from Devin Gardner to Jeremy Gallon. Gallon's ability to explode into space paid dividends once again, and he dove through an attempted tackle into the end zone to extend Michigan's lead to 34-20.
After two connections between Rees and TJ Jones, the quarter came to a close, with Michigan up 34-20.
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