Now it's the House of Pain
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- There's a fragile feeling at Michigan Stadium, an atmosphere not suiting such a hulking sports structure.
The players who run through the tunnel Saturday are fortified by rippling muscles, shock--absorbing pads, and proud histories of the schools they represent. At any given moment, though, there's a sense they could crack and crumble.
The Big House has suddenly become the Glass House for the diluted duel between winless Notre Dame and winless Michigan. Unlike most seasons, the intrigue is not about which team makes a statement or boosts its national ranking (by the way, it's the first time neither squad is ranked).
This is a test of resolve. ESPN's Lou Holtz, likely overstating the case, called it the biggest matchup ever between unranked teams.
So who will fall apart first?
"You hope your kids keep a good attitude, keep a good willingness to work," said Notre Dame offensive line coach John Latina, whose starting five have allowed a nation--high 15 sacks. "That's the only chance to overcome what we're going through."
Michigan likely is the more shaken team after a stunning loss to Appalachian State and an embarrassing effort against Oregon. Running back Mike Hart tried to galvanize the Wolverines by guaranteeing a victory Saturday, but by now you have to question the team's vaunted senior leadership after two unsettling performances.
An early deficit could make the home crowd turn against Michigan. If Hart can't get going and a decelerated defense continues to splinter, the boos will come and a mentally mushy Michigan could pack it in for good.
"We can be a great team,"Wolverines tackle Jake Long vowed. "It's going to come around."
The Irish didn't enter the season with a top--5 ranking, but they expected much more than this. Freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen showed poise last week at Penn State, but his evolution hinges on the line improving and the running game making its season debut after two mortifying showings.
Frustration appears to be an issue for the Irish, who were flagged for personal fouls both losses. Another slow start on offense could punt ND into a panic.
"Usually, when guys lose confidence, they lose a little bit of spark, a little bit of pizzazz,"Latina said. "I don't see that happening here."
Picking Saturday's winner is perilous, seeing that Notre Dame and Michigan have accounted for my two losses this season.
Oh, well. Here goes.
Michigan at Notre Dame, 2:30 p.m., Ch. 7
The skinny: Notre Dame has a better defense, but Michigan actually has a running game. Could go either way. Wolverines, reluctantly.
The pick: Michigan 20, Notre Dame 17
Ohio State at Washington, 2:30 p.m., ESPN
The skinny: Todd Boeckman threw 2 INTs last week at home against Akron. Saturday he makes his first road start. Defensive struggle. Buckeyes go down.
The pick: Washington 19, Ohio State 17
Arkansas at Alabama,
5:45 p.m., ESPN
The skinny: Tide coach Nick Saban wants a statement win and place--kicker Leigh Tiffin wants redemption after last season's disaster in Fayetteville. Won't happen. Why not? Darren McFadden.
The pick: Arkansas 23, Alabama 17
USC at Nebraska,
7 p.m., Ch. 7
The skinny: The Trojans weren't overly impressive in their opener, aside from Vidal Hazelton's filthy one--handed touchdown grab. With a week off, it's showtime.
The pick: Southern California 31, Nebraska 21
Rittenberg on the season: 6--2