Notre Dame @ Michigan Odds and Predictions – ESPN College Football Free Picks Saturday Week 2 NCAAF

Week 2 Free College Football Picks: Notre Dame Fighting Irish @ Michigan Wolverines 2011 NCAA Football Vegas Odds, Free Picks, and Expert Predictions on ESPN 9/10/11: Notre Dame and Michigan are two of the most storied programs in college football history, but both have fallen on hard times in recent years. That being said, coaching changes at both universities have hopes high for a quick turnaround as Brian Kelly enters his second season with the Fighting Irish and Brady Hoke begins his first with the Wolverines. Pressure and expectations come with the job for both Kelly and Hoke, and Saturday’s game is vital for both programs, even if it doesn’t have national title implications. Considering it will be the first-ever night game at the “Big House,” the atmosphere is sure to be electric regardless.

The teams are definitely heading in different directions following the opening weekend. The Wolverines unveiled their new-look offense, which looked a lot like the offense from the glory days, to the tune of a 34-10 victory against Western Michigan. Meanwhile, Notre Dame fell behind early and never recovered before losing 23-20 to South Florida. For the Fighting Irish, a second loss would be devastating and all but end any chance of a BCS bowl appearance. For the Wolverines, losing on their home turf in the first-ever night game would be equally devastating to the morale of team that desperately needs its confidence back.

When the two teams met last season, a ridiculous performance from Michigan QB Denard Robinson gave the Wolverines a 28-24 victory. Robinson ran for more than 250 yards in the victory, but in the more traditional system installed by Hoke, he probably won’t approach those numbers. While he will still have opportunities to improvise and make plays using his legs, the Wolverines are striving for a more balanced attack in 2011-12 with the hope of creating a more consistent attack. Robinson played the part well in the opener, carrying just eight times while being efficient in the passing game.

Coming off the loss, Kelly will turn to QB Tommy Rees. Rees threw for nearly 300 yards in relief against South Florida, and his strong arm opens up the playbook in ways that the more experienced Dayne Crist simply can’t. Regardless of who is under center, the Fighting Irish have to limit the turnovers. Notre Dame piled up tons of yardage last weekend. From Cierre Wood topping 100 yards on the ground to Michael Floyd doing the same through the air, the offense moved the ball up and down the field at will but simply couldn’t finish off drives.

The Fighting Irish should be able to move the ball with ease against a Wolverines’ defense that is in the middle of a complete overhaul. The unit did have some moments in the opener, but the Notre Dame offense is on another level. Given Kelly’s history of success at every school he has coached, particularly on offense, the odds of a repeat of the red zone blunders from a week ago aren’t likely. That could spell serious trouble for Michigan.

If the Fighting Irish do start to pile up points, the Wolverines will have to hope their new offense can answer the call. If the situation gets desperate, Robinson may take it upon himself to try to win the game. While he proved last season he can be a one-man show, Robinson could struggle to do the same with the rest of the offense focused on a new philosophy.

In the end, Saturday’s matchup is going to come down to how Rees performs on the road in an environment that is going to be raucous to say the least. The Fighting Irish have more than enough talent on offense to pull away from the Wolverines, but the home crowd is going to be a factor. Michigan fans have waited a long time for a night game, and the noise level will be second to none. Notre Dame will likely have to weather an early storm, but the talent gap should win out eventually. With Kelly’s team only needing to beat the Wolverines by three to cover the spread, the Fighting Irish should get the job done.

Free College Football Picks and NCAAF Predictions: Notre Dame -3

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