Rain pours, Weis injured and Notre Dame beats Michigan Save Email Print
Posted: 8:51 PM Sep 13, 2008
 Last Updated: 6:21 AM Sep 15, 2008
 Reporter: Angelo Di Carlo
Email Address: angelo.dicarlo@wndu.com
63 comments
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For the second time in five years, Notre Dame has avenged a 38-0 loss to Michigan with a win to remember for the ages at the Stadium.

Monsoon like conditions poured on South Bend before the game--- and returned late in the 2nd quarter-- and Irish head coach Charlie Weis tore his ACL and MCL, but nothing was stopping him from watching his Irish dominate the Maize and Blue en route to a 35-17 win.

Notre Dame is now 2-0. Michigan is 1-2.

Last year, Michigan forced four turnovers on the Irish. This year, Notre Dame returned the favor, taking the ball away from the Maize and Blue six times.

It begin early in the 1st quarter when Brandon Minor fumbled a lateral toss from Steven Threet that was recovered by Brian Smith deep in Michigan's red zone.

Robert Hughes rushed it in from two yards out to give the Irish a 7-0 lead.

On the ensuing kickoff, Michigan fumbled again and walk-on turned scholarship player Mike Anello recovered for the Irish.

Jimmy Clausen then found Duval Kamara for a 10 yard touchdown and just 10 minutes into the game, Notre Dame was up 14-0 just four minutes into the game.

Golden Tate scored on a 48-yard touchdown pass to put the Irish up 21-0. Tate also had a fantastic 60 yard reception to setup a 4th Irish score.

Weis was injured late in the 2nd quarter on a punt return when Irish linebacker John Ryan fell into Weis from behind.

Weis joked afterwards that he finally felt like an athlete and that Tom Brady had nothing on him.

Notre Dame led 28-17 at the half when the rain really began to pour. With Michigan threatening to score in the 3rd, David Bruton forced a fumble that gave the Irish possession.

Then in the 4th, Brian Smith returned a Threet fumble 35 yards for ND's final score.

The Irish will now go on the road to face Michigan State next Saturday.

Notre Dame is looking to start 3-0 for the first time since 2002.
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Posted by: MI Fan Location: MI on Sep 19, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I'm a total ND hater! I can't stand the team, I can't stand the excuses from the fans, just plain can't stand them! Now, on that note, I can't say who played well and who didn't as I was on my way to TX for a Hurricane relief mission on an ambulance BUT I did pay attention to it all on my phone. Someone said ND still had to put the ball in the end zone, you're right BUT without the fumbles of MI's young QB that probably wouldn't have happened as much. Yes, MI lost, yes, MI is not doing very well this season BUT where was ND at this time last year?? 0-3 I believe! SOOOO, let's get over it and move on eh? You have another game Saturday, let's see how good ND REALLY is! They didn't play a great game, they had TD's given to them!
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 18, 2008 at 10:23 AM
With comments like those, I bet Ashley and Anon were a matched couple on eharmony. Now on to football... ND wins a close one, that's my prediction. As long as they have someone dedicated to defending Ringer, we're "golden". Ha! Craig- I get you, supporting your division. But why not go for OSU instead of MSU? As you said, you already are going to have an ulcer due to U of M, MSU could fall apart as they are prone to doing... why risk it? I liked MSU until they speared our field- that will take a while to get over. Bring on the debates, Craig, you're not a hater. Just wish I was going to be at the game to support the Irish. GO IRISH!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 18, 2008 at 08:37 AM
Rabid is inflamed? I'm not suprised in the least. They have antibiotics for that! LOL. ND SUX!
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Sep 18, 2008 at 08:14 AM
WoW!! Ashley from Niles, that was a real neat statement. What? some rah-rah boy turn you down on a date....who would go out with a Niles girl anyway?
Posted by: ashley Location: niles michigan on Sep 18, 2008 at 04:13 AM
Yeah yeah notre dame SUCKS
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 17, 2008 at 03:52 PM
Gary, now I really am inflamed. Why don't you take a minute to peruse this comment section and see what else has been said to me and by me. Maybe then you can retract your "dork" insult. GO IRISH!
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 17, 2008 at 02:22 PM
RIF, I'm disappointed in you. Somewhere on here in the past couple weeks I stated that ND would beat My Wolverines 24-13! I also expected ND to beat SDSU 28-10. I am 2-0 with ND!!! If MSU loses you can proudly rub it in. I can take it. What do you get if I am wrong? You get most of the other people on here agreeing with you that I'm not as smart as I think! If MSU wins, I'm 3-0 and start to get people to really think about my opinion. I'm not as sure about the Purdue game, but still feel the Irish will be 2-2. If I go 4-0...WOW!!! I am just having fun with this, but am using true logic, and yes I am very successful at predicting these, for my insight. As far as worrying about my beloved Wolverines, what are you trying to get me to do, get an ulcer? I want to concentrate on a team that could go either way this year, not worry about a team whose season was over as it started! Take care, RIF.
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:54 PM
RIF, If the Irish wins the toss this weekend, I hope Charlie goes with the defense first. Put the Spartans in the hole. The defense gets better each week, and the O-line is 0 for sacks. I think last year they were already around 55 sacks the first two games. (kidding of course)...I think the idea is that Jimmie goes in with a clean jersey and comes out with a clean jersey. Beginning of the season I predicted 8-4 for the Irish no worse than 7-5. So far I am ahead because I picked Michigan as a loss also MSU. Now I not so sure about MSU being one of their games to lose. I really believe the Irish has a darn good chance of beating MSU this weekend. I think its payback time for the Irish and some of the Irish pride showed up for the game last Saturday. I hoping for a sweep over the Big 10 teams. Can you believe I cheered for USC. Cannot believe that OSU has escaped the rath of the Trojans for 18 years. USC has always been better than the Buckeyes. Michigan will NOT go 3-9, Craig.
Posted by: Gary Location: Indiana on Sep 17, 2008 at 01:02 PM
Wow, Rabid, look how inflamed you get when someone just says, AMIABLY even, that ND will not win. People, most ND fans are not like this dork! Believe me. He gives us all bad names. Go Irish!
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Sep 17, 2008 at 12:19 PM
Craig, yes I would bet you on this weeks game. I do believe its pay back time for the Irish...and thats also goes for the Boilermakers.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 17, 2008 at 10:55 AM
Well, I would assume you also thought the Irish would be 0-2 right now but they are 2-0, so, I would not gloat too much as you would be batting .000 right now. IF MSU takes a loss all I can say to you is, wind blew, **** flew. What do I get if you are wrong? I mean you are "guaranteeing" an Irish loss, back it up. Your starting to sound like Mark May, worry about your team first.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 17, 2008 at 09:56 AM
Vegas line also had UM by 2! I have won several contests predicting college football. One year, out of 200 contestants, I won the grand prize with a 119-31 record. I am guaranteeing an MSU victory!! By the way Joe, I used to live on campus at MSU(wife attended) and after the MSU-ND game one year at Spartan Stadium I saw the same behavior from ND fans! I told my wife, "If I was a MSU fan, I would be mad right now." All teams have those kind of fans.........ND included. I'm not as positive on the Purdue-ND matchup, but still believe ND will lose 2 in arow before bouncing back. Irish will finish around 7-5, give or take a victory.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 17, 2008 at 08:03 AM
Predictions are nice, but, only when they are right. I won't make a prediction, real or not Ringer is not going to be allowed to run like that against ND. Besides, I think McGuffie is a better back. Vegas line is 7 points MSU.
Posted by: Joe Location: Goshen on Sep 16, 2008 at 05:49 PM
After reading some of these comments I got to thinking about past seasons and games I have attended. I was not at the game this week but I have been to a few Michigan games at ND in the past. Besides Michigan I have been to a few dozen other games and been on campus on game day for at least ten more without going into the stadium. I've seen a lot of great games and seen a lot of losses too but my point is that Michigan fans have been by far the biggest poor sports I have encountered. Every time I have had an opportunity to see this matchup it gets worse. I was at the game in 2006 when the Irish were ranked #2 and Michigan upset them by a large margin. Leaving the stadium I was amazed at the horrific behaivor by Michigan fans running up to ND fans and shooting off their mouths. I saw things being thrown and while walking in front of the Joyce I was treated to a shirtless twenty something "gentleman" stumbling along the walkway yelling "F--- Notre Dame" repeatedly. Lots of bad apples.
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Sep 16, 2008 at 04:47 PM
It will be interesting this weekend...MSU is not that much better at this point. Hoyer is only throwing at a 44% completion and Claausen is at 54.6%. Ringer and Dell seem to be their strongest players....hmmm... could be better than I thought. Maybe I am being overly optimistic. GO IRISH!
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 16, 2008 at 02:37 PM
Javon Ringer is for real! That wasn't his first good game. MSU has more weapons and they used them against Cal in week one. They were a mediocre team last year, but have improved immensely. McGuffie is a true freshman, running behind an O-line that has nobody leftover from last year, learning new blocking schemes. Ringer will not be stopped Sat. If his carries are limited, it will be because MSU's passing game is finding success. My pick is MSU 38 ND 13. By the way, MSU is the only Big Ten team I dislike, but if they are good, they are good. ND struggled all last year. They struggled all the way vs. SDSU. All their scoring has been "Big Plays". How many sustained drives have they had since last year, where they marched down the field and controlled the clock? Few, if any. That is their demise. It would be kinda nice if they prove me wrong this week. Claussen will also be sacked at least 3 times this week.
Posted by: Anon Location: Here on Sep 16, 2008 at 01:13 PM
G, yeah,they were Ty's kids. Ty did nothing with them. They became as good as they were under Charlie's reign. I think the Golden Dome and the promise of a top notch education was more of a recruiter than Ty. He let them roll in, then couldn't help them progress. Charlie did. How many games did ND go w/o an offensive TD his first season? Doomed from the start. Good riddance to Ty- Washington knows what I'm talking about.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 16, 2008 at 12:50 PM
You know Craig, MSU is going to use the one weapon they have, Ringer. Just like Michigan tried to beat us with one back. If they try that, beat down on the way! I bet Brown and Tenuta were hollerin' at those fellas for letting McGuffie run all over them. I hope the lesson was learned. Besides, Ringer ran for all of those yards against...uh,um..well, nobody I have ever heard of. Florida international, or atlantic, somthing like that. GO IRISH!
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 16, 2008 at 09:41 AM
Thanks RIF, ND fan, and Kimberly. I knew I wasn't being personally singled out. I just thought it was funny because the roles have reversed this year for fans. Many of my friends are ND fans and we never rant back and forth. We celebrate our victories without the in-your-face stuff. Then after you gracious fans clear up the confusion, Slade has the audacity to post, "To all you Michigan fans...". Now, that includes me! It's my time to shut up? No disrespect to my ND friends, but knowing my football, I am not waiting on pins and needles for the next ND loss because it is coming Saturday!! Wanna bet me Slade, then we will go double or nothing on the Purdue game. Then ND will win vs. Stanford. See how these predictions work out! As for UM...3-9...tops! I need to go cry now.(wah!)
Posted by: Slade Location: Mishawaka on Sep 16, 2008 at 08:44 AM
To all you Michigan fans...last Saturday was the game to Put Up or Shut Up...so now its your time to Shut up!!! Yes, I know you will be waiting on pins and needles for a ND lost so you all can mouth off again!!! Not only do you have a bad team you are also poor losers.
Posted by: Pam Location: Nashville on Sep 15, 2008 at 11:02 PM
I will never complain or make excuses for why N.D. loses and I will not listen to anyone say we did not deserve to win. No team deserves to win, it is something they have to earn. As I said in a previous post, if it is already decided who cannot be beat then what is the point in playing the game. Just assign the N.C. trophy right now and don't worry about playing the game. N.Dame may not have been the best team on Sat. (although I thought they were) they did what it took to win. So there is no reason for all of the whining and excuses out there. Everyone just needs to put on their big kid pants and move on. A team winning or losing does not change the lives of any of the fans. They play for our enjoyment and although we want them to win every game, that just won't happen. It does not decide for me how my life turns out. I am a huge fan of Notre Dame and will cheer for them forever but I will not let their wins or losses affect me as to the point of sending out nasty comments.
Posted by: G Location: SB on Sep 15, 2008 at 10:06 PM
Hey homer, Tyrones boys made Charlie look real good that one year they were all hype. Alot of those kids were his players, that he got. Did you post anything that year thanking him for recruiting some very talented atheletes. Oh wait, they just wanted to play for ND right, but now, since Charlie is here, unproven as a head coach on every competitive level, you can just tatse that championship huh? Really bro? You think. Because I'm going to guess you forgot that lil fact about that really good year ND a couple years back was with Tyrones kids. They werent Davies boys, maybe a few stagglers here and there, but no, Tyrones. Why talk about him, he was here to do his job, which he did. Charlie has not done any better, yet atleast, since he is still the coach, FOR NOW! I garuntee that is he does not get ND to and win a BCS bowl game, he will be putting his house up for sale and the only time we will see him here is for his great foundation that he started. Anyone who disagrees, ask Ty&Bob.
Posted by: Kimberly Location: South Bend on Sep 15, 2008 at 04:34 PM
Craig, I don't see where anyone called you a whiner.....I believe that the point that was being made is that a lot of anti-ND people were bashing ND fans for stating obvious flaws in our team last year, stating we were crying or making excuses, now they are the ones using the same "excuses" for their team, but that is o.k. for them. Funny thing about karma....it comes back to bite you in the a## at times. We still have a long way to go to be considered a great team, but we are on the road to recovery it appears. I see many improvements in the Irish and am confident that we will continue to see more. As for Michigan, they are going to have a very rough season, but they too will improve within time. They have always been a great ball club and a great rivalry to the Irish.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 15, 2008 at 02:26 PM
By "worried about recruting" I simply mean this, before someone blasts me for saying it.. Coach Weis had a good two year run his fist two at ND. That gave him help, even after the clunker last season he still pulled in 100% of his recruits. Rich Rod on the other hand is a first year coach and is going to possibly be .500 or worse. That won't help, that and the fact that more and more players want to go to a team with a "Pro Style" offense to help them later. I do hope I am wrong, Michigan is rich in tradition and being from the "northern" states I want them to have a good team, same as OSU as well.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 15, 2008 at 02:20 PM
Craig, never said you were a whiner, yet, all I heard all day at work is whining. I did not whine last season when I knew the Irish were going to be a real stinker of a team. I also said "enjoy it now, while it lasts" all these haters had thier shot. I am going for mine now. I would also argue that saying Clausen had to roll out is a good observation. But I would call that a compliment, last season he would have been face down in the turf. Also, I would ask you to show me one game of any team where the QB did not have to roll out due to a break down of the line. I think the "almost every play" part of your comment is a bit off. As far as fast play passing goes, shows me coach knows how to run the show. I also do not gloat, I gave props to UM for the job they did. Like I said, can we have McGuffie? I told a friend at work today (after busting his chops about UM) they seem a lot like the Irish did last season. I would be worried about recruiting though.
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 15, 2008 at 01:46 PM
Craig- I know what you're saying- we were saying the same last year and we still get the Notre Dame/Notre Lame/Notre Shame comments. Don't dish it out, Wolverines, if you can't take it! We tend to only go at the ones who make personal attacks. We are up for lively banter anytime- even N/ Rabid Boiler is beginning to understand us, I think. Unless it is a ploy to get free tix out of RIF...
Posted by: Barb Location: SB on Sep 15, 2008 at 01:38 PM
I say we have Lou at every game to pump up the boys!!! He is such a class act and ND made a huge mistake when they treated him so poorly. Yet he still comes here and only has positives to say about ND. Too bad, it will never happen (Lou returning us to 'glory'). Hopefully, they will play well this weekend!
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 15, 2008 at 11:55 AM
You know what's funny to me? All these comments! So, all UM fans are whiners? I'm not whining...we suck! It's a process in the works. All the gloating by the ND fans is peculiar. The comments by the UM fans sound familiar. Weren't alot of these excuses the same ones ND used last year? Are you ND people whiners too, then? "It's a rebuilding year", "We play a tougher schedule", "If this, if that..". UM plain sucks this year. S---happens and I am living with it. No complaints out of me. Don't be fooled, though, ND is not good yet. The O-line is better but Claussen still needed to roll out of the pocket almost every play and use play action to free up his receivers. As Rich Rod said, They used a "fast-play" passing attack to keep pressure off the QB. ND is progressing. UM will too in time. UM fans, keep your heads up and show some class. As for the "Wah", remember, we heard alot of it from the ND fans last year, but that's okay if it's them. That's why I don't whine about UM. Time!
Posted by: Joe Location: Goshen on Sep 15, 2008 at 11:37 AM
For the Hurricane fan - is that what you call a "real team"? A steady history of convicts and dimwits going through the revolving door of football U? 5-7 last year really isn't all that much more impressive than 3-9 when you add the 26-3 effort they showed against Florida. And a fan of a team that schedules Charleston Southern (who even knew that was an actual team?) should probably not be tossing stones. Miami's days of relevance are finsished for the immediate future. Maybe twenty years down the line some eager coach can do something but top notch recruits have no incentive to go there that they can't get elsewhere.
Posted by: Craig Location: Bremen on Sep 15, 2008 at 09:39 AM
My prediction came true. My Wolverines really suck. ND still has a long way to go, and did have a lot of help Saturday, but give them credit for taking advantage of all the mistakes. Also, look at the way they were flying to the ball on defense! Every time UM put it on the ground, an ND player came pouncing. Um is a 3-9 team, as I have said. ND is better, but they will have more troubles by the end of the year. They should have 6-8 wins, but their losses will still show their weaknesses. Two words for next week....Javon Ringer! Stop him and you may have a chance. Let him run and it's MSU 31 ND 13.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 15, 2008 at 07:27 AM
All you Michigan whiners, here is what is really funny. You clowns are now 1-2 and all losses are against "cupcake" teams in your book! Impressive. Why don't you just give credit when it is due and stop acting like little girls. Anonoymous, "in your house" when did anyone give a rats hind end about you or your opinion? Same to you Elaine, ND needs to prove nothing to you or anyone else. We see the difference a year makes, keep your ND gear handy, you will be needing soon, talking about how you never gave up on the Irish! Watch these haters start changing thier names and doing an about face, fairweather pukes!
Posted by: ND Fan Location: ND on Sep 15, 2008 at 06:49 AM
ND was fortunate to be able to capitalize on U of M's turnovers and put those extra points on the board before the monsoon came. We knew is would be a punting spectacle after that. Thanks for a great game, Irish! It is nice to see the improvement and Jimmy building chemistry with the team. Hope you enjoyed your day off- now focus on MSU! Would like to see more from the tight ends... and our D has it's work cut out with Ringer this weekend. But as fans we have 5 more days to enjoys the victory. GO IRISH!
Posted by: Teri Location: Indiana on Sep 15, 2008 at 01:51 AM
S--- happens;live with it!
Posted by: Elaine Location: Indiana on Sep 15, 2008 at 01:38 AM
They are not "out of the woods",yet.The next two(2)games will reveal their real colors!Notre Dame has a long way to go,in order to prove themselves.
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 14, 2008 at 09:57 PM
To anyone saying Michigan handed ND that game due to turnovers...ND still had to put the ball in the endzone. Sounds like poor LOSERS to me. Charlie was right, here come all the excuses. Grow up. RB, Michigan got thier rear end handed to them, they would have better off playing OSU, they might have had chance, but, then again probably not.
Posted by: Pam Location: Nashville on Sep 14, 2008 at 09:55 PM
To John who made the comment about Charlie suing the doctor, shame on you. Do you know the circumstances of why he did that? Well neither do I but I will not condemn someone until I walk in their shoes. Let us see how you would react if you were put in the same situation. Are you saying that if something bad ever happens to you that regardless you would not sue. You can't say that because you do not know until you are faced with the situation.
Posted by: Pam Location: Nashville on Sep 14, 2008 at 09:23 PM
Why can't people just take the game for what it is, a win. Turnovers are a part of the game and we were just able to take advantage of them, which we were unable to do last year. So in that respect we have improved. Our O line hasn't allowed a sack yet which is better, our O is scoring which is better & our D is playing better. We may not win the championship this year & we may not be able to beat USC, but Vandy wasn't supposed to beat S. Carolina or Rice this year and they are 3-0. This folks is why we play the game. Otherwise we may as well just hand USC the N.C. because according to all the sports casters no one can beat them this year. Maybe maybe not but I prefer to play every game to the best of our ability and not worry about what everyone else is doing. Win, Lose, or draw I will never cheer against ND and will always support them. They are MY TEAM. Go Irish! Remember Charlies 1st year we were going to go 1-10, well guess what they were wrong then & I hope they are wrong again.
Posted by: KT Location: Michiana on Sep 14, 2008 at 08:02 PM
Great Game! Full of Excitement and of course an Irish Victory! They looked alot better than they have in a long time and I think they will have a pretty good season. By the time he graduates Jimmy will be a top notch QB. As for Michigan.....Wah!
Posted by: Anonymous on Sep 14, 2008 at 07:00 PM
all you guys have to remember is that.notre dame WAS and in my house still considered 116th out of 119 teams.what was last year cant be wiped away over a summer.so just because you beat a team that really isnt doing the best this year doesnt mean that you guys have any bragging rights. so just keep on dreaming
Posted by: Mis Location: Big Rapids on Sep 14, 2008 at 04:43 PM
Even an ugly win is a win! Go Irish!
Posted by: doug Location: granger on Sep 14, 2008 at 02:00 PM
big 10 fan, i bet u were gloating last year when big boo beat up on a ND team that would have lost to IUSB. so gloat we will! i wish we could play em again today and smash in down in the mud again!
Posted by: Rabid Irish Fan Location: Standing Tall on Sep 14, 2008 at 01:28 PM
Yeah Big 10, I was waiting for that one. What would you have said if Michigan had won, I bet you would have gotten your gloat on. You guys are just "rebuliding" right? Funny all the M fans that were so sure ND was going to lose...oops. Open mouth, insert foot. John you should sue as well,