Michigan Stuns Notre Dame in Thrilling Finish, Moves Into National Championship Contention

Strategic Insights -

On another storybook Saturday afternoon in South Bend, Ind., Ron Powlus and Notre Dame's hopes for a perfect season were cruelly dashed by Todd Collins and Michigan's improbable comeback. Collins led a 59-yard drive from Michigan's 17 to the Irish 24, setting up kicker Remy Hamilton for the game-winning 42-yard field goal with 2 seconds left. This was Michigan's first victory over Notre Dame in three years, leaving the Wolverines with a strong claim to a national championship.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michigan's victory marked the first time in three years that the Wolverines emerged from the traditional early season matchup with Notre Dame with an inside track on a national championship.
  • Ron Powlus, the sophomore quarterback, performed what appeared to be another last-minute miracle for Notre Dame, but ultimately fell short.
  • Remy Hamilton, a sophomore kicker, split the uprights from 42 yards out with 2 seconds to play, securing Michigan's improbable 26-24 victory.
  • The Wolverines have the week off before playing host to seventh-ranked Colorado in Ann Arbor, Mich., on Sept. 24.
  • Notre Dame fell from third to eighth in the A.P. poll and fourth to ninth in the coaches' poll.
  • Nebraska remained No. 1 in the coaches' CNN-USA Today poll after crushing Texas Tech in Lubbock, 42-16, on Thursday night, but Florida regained the top spot in the Associated Press poll after thrashing Kentucky, 73-7.

Statistics:

  • Michigan's comeback drive covered 59 yards in 5 plays.
  • Remy Hamilton's game-winning field goal was from 42 yards out.
  • The Wolverines scored 26 points in the game, including 3 in the final 2 minutes.
  • Notre Dame's already-blemished season hit a new low with its 3rd-consecutive loss to Michigan.
  • Florida's Terry Dean threw 11 touchdowns and has yet to be intercepted in 5 quarters this season.
  • Michigan's Todd Collins was superb all day, leading his team to victory.
  • Michigan's Remy Hamilton kick was good, as he knew it was and as did the Notre Dame players.

Sources:

  • Associated Press
  • CNN-USA Today