College GameDay returns to Ann Arbor, as the No. 17 Michigan Wolverines host the No. 14 Notre Dame Fighting Irish in one of the marquee matchups in the second week of college football. Television coverage begins at 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
How to watch Notre Dame vs. Michigan 2013: Preview, TV schedule, odds and more
The old matchup comes to College GameDay once again. Can the Wolverines secure the win at home?
Michigan won their opener with ease, defeating Central Michigan 59-9 -- the most it’s scored in an opener since defeating Ohio Wesleyan 65-0 in 1905. The Wolverines ran for six touchdowns and held the Chippewas to just 210 yards of total offense, thoroughly drubbing the visitors with a balanced offensive attack.
Despite the large margin of victory, Michigan fans aren’t completely won over, with concerns about the team’s youth and the offensive line. Meanwhile, the Notre Dame faithful are concerned about their defense, particularly in the front seven.
The Irish still managed to score a relatively easy win in their opener, dispatching the visiting Temple Owls 28-6 in South Bend. Tommy Rees went 16-of-23 for 346 yards and three touchdowns in his first opener as a starter, and senior T.J. Jones emerged as a star target with six catches for 138 yards.
The teams enter the game with a mild amount of controversy coming in the build up, after comments the coaches made regarding whether or not the game was a rivalry.
The numbers
Rankings and records: Michigan is ranked No. 17 in both polls, while Notre Dame is No. 14 in the AP Poll and No. 13 in the Coaches Poll. The Wolverines lead the all-time series 23-16-1. Both teams are 1-0 on the season.
Vegas: Notre Dame is a four-point favorite. The over/under is 52 points.
Weather: A low of 63 with a high of 84, partly cloudy with a slight chance of rain.
Three names to know
T.J. Jones. The senior appears ready to take on the mantle of "star Notre Dame wide receiver" previously bestowed on Golden Tate, Michael Floyd, and Jeff Samardzija. After 50 receptions for 649 yards and four scores last year, Jones looks ready for a breakout final campaign.
Devin Gardner. Gardner, a former wide receiver, is Michigan's starting quarterback, and completed 10 of 15 pass attempts for 162 yards with a score and two interceptions. He's most dangerous on the ground, where he ran seven times for 52 yards and two scores against Central Michigan. With concerns in the Notre Dame defense, we'll see if Gardner can take advantage with his legs.
Derrick Green. With backup running back Drake Johnson now out for the season, the Wolverines will have to look for additional help behind Fitz Toussaint in the backfield. Green, a true freshman who was a five-star prospect out of Hermitage (Va.), ran 11 times for 58 yards and a score in the opener.
Two things at stake
Michigan is 8-2 when hosting College GameDay.
Notre Dame is 11-12 on College GameDay, and will be looking to get back to .500.
How to witness
TV: 8:00 p.m. ET on ESPN.
Radio: The game will be available for Michigan fans on 950 am and streamed live on MGoBlue.com. For Notre Dame, here’s a list of affiliates.
Online streaming: WatchESPN.
Further reading
For Michigan’s perspective, previews and analysis, be sure to head to Maize n Brew. For everything Notre Dame, go over to One Foot Down.
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