For Notre Dame football, the offense rolled early, and the defense rolled all game.
Notre Dame’s offense started off hot and cooled late, but the defense was outstanding all game long. Michigan Quarterback Shea Patterson was stymied all game by the Irish pressure.
Michigan made it interesting with a touchdown late in the fourth, but time was not in the Wolverines’ favor. The Irish defense needed to make one more stop to seal the deal, and when the did, they called upon one of their senior leaders. One thing was clear: At least for tonight, Notre Dame’s defense was the best unit on the field–better than Michigan’s.