Notre Dame Football: 3 keys to victory vs. Michigan in Week 9

The largest stumbling block left on Notre Dame football’s schedule, Michigan poses a challenge to an Irish squad looking for their fourth straight win.

Despite a loss to No. 3 (at the time) Georgia on the road, Notre Dame has rebounded nicely with wins over Virginia, Bowling Green, and USC. The first of those three games was impressive, the second expected, and the third simply one of those games that comes down to the wire against a rival committed to ending your season. All things considered, it’s been a pretty good month.

However, October’s final test has the potential to be the most dangerous as the Irish find themselves on the road against a Michigan team coming off a disheartening loss that they likely felt should have been theirs. Nevertheless, Michigan will host the Irish with two losses to their name, prepared to do all they can to avoid a third.

Notre Dame, on the other hand, has proven that they are a team not easily affected by trap games and big moments. While quarterback Ian Book hasn’t been as explosive this season, head coach Brian Kelly has built up a squad (most notably a defense) that has taken significant pressure off of his second year starter.

Book’s play included, the Irish will have to play clean for the most part against a rival that has the chance to give them an even greater run for their money than USC did. With that said, here are a few keys for the Irish as they aim to keep their playoff hopes alive with a win over the Wolverines.