Irish, like Wolverines, in a must-win mode

ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- There was no counter-guarantee from Notre Dame, no snappy reply to Mike Hart, no mention of a hackneyed pledge to be nasty again.

The Fighting Irish instead approached today's game (2:30 p.m., Channel 7) at Michigan with a mix of aplomb and angst. They kept their wits but remained mindful that progress is critical.

When players broke the huddle at Tuesday's practice, they shouted the only word that matters: Win.

"We absolutely need to get a win," reserve tight end Will Yeatman said. "The confidence level might be down a little bit, but you've just got to focus."

Lining up across from Notre Dame today is a team dealing with its own crisis, only magnified. Michigan, the preseason Big Ten favorite, has opened with back-to-back home losses, prompting a hailstorm of criticism for coach Lloyd Carr and raising doubt about a decorated senior class led by Hart, tackle Jake Long and quarterback Chad Henne.

By now, you know the dismal details: Today's the first time Notre Dame and Michigan are both unranked and meet with 0-2 records.

Michigan comes off its worst loss (a 39-7 pasting by Oregon) since 1968, and a loss would make 0-3 for the first time since 1937.

"It's about two teams rich in tradition that are 0-2 right now, trying to get to 1-2," Irish coach Charlie Weis said.

Two freshman quarterbacks take center stage as Jimmy Clausen makes his second start for Notre Dame and Ryan Mallett his first for Michigan in place of the injured Henne. Rivals.com rated Clausen the nation's top-ranked recruit, while Mallett was No. 4.

Clausen owns a slight edge in experience after showing good poise last week at Penn State, but Mallett has a bigger asset in Hart. Michigan's lone bright spot this season, Hart ranks sixth nationally in rushing average (157.5 ypg) and has had 816 consecutive touches without a fumble.

Hart guaranteed a win over Notre Dame, and with the untested Mallett taking snaps, Hart should get plenty of chances to back his smack.

"He's got good vision, good cutback ability and balance," Weis said. "And he certainly will break tackles."

Michigan's run game could be the difference, especially if Notre Dame's continues to go kaput. Irish running backs have been dropped for losses eight times in the first two games, contributing to the nation's worst rushing average (minus-4 ypg).

Another weak effort against the nation's 109th-ranked rushing defense (245.5 ypg) could prompt line changes.

"We haven't produced," left guard Mike Turkovich said. "We need to be physical. We need to go out there and bust heads, move guys, open up holes."

Any production from running backs Armando Allen, Travis Thomas and James Aldridge could open up play-action opportunities for Clausen. Weis will expand the playbook today, hoping to increase tight end John Carlson's passing game role.

"It shows that he's got confidence in us," receiver Robby Parris said. "Hopefully, as receivers, we can do our job and make plays."

Notre Dame must avoid penalties after being flagged 14 times against Penn State. The Irish had six pre-snap penalties (4 false start, 2 delay of game) in the loss. Perhaps more disturbing is the fact Notre Dame has had a personal foul in each game.

Defensive end Justin Brown was ejected against Georgia Tech, and Thomas, a co-captain, could have been tossed for roughing up Penn State's Jerome Hayes.

"There's no tolerance for that," Weis said. "You can't have efficiency with that volume of penalties."

They haven't looked like a team set for a breakthrough, particularly on the offensive line, but the Irish know a strong game restores hope.

"We haven't really done anything worth earning respect," Turkovich said. "I take it personally. We all do.

"We know exactly what we need to do. No more talking. Just doing."

Notre Dame (0-2) at Michigan (0-2)

When: 2:30 p.m. at Michigan Stadium

TV: Channel 7. Radio: WLS 890-AM. Series: Michigan leads 19-14-1.

Coaches: Charlie Weis (19-7, third year at Notre Dame and overall); Lloyd Carr (113-38, 13th year at Michigan and overall)

Players to watch: Despite the loss of quarterback Chad Henne, Michigan is stocked with big-play threats. ND will get a heavy dose of Mike Hart, the nation's active career rushing leader (3,994 yards). Coach Lloyd Carr wants to see better play from receiver Mario Manningham, who has yet to catch a TD pass but torched Notre Dame for 137 receiving yards and 3 scores last year. "He just dreams of playing Notre Dame every year," coach Charlie Weis said. ND running backs Armando Allen and James Aldridge could see increased roles if Travis Thomas struggles.

The skinny: Most expected growing pains for the Irish, but no one expected such futility from Michigan, which ranks 91st nationally in scoring offense (19.5 ppg) and 101st in scoring defense (36.5 ppg). Both teams start freshman quarterbacks (Jimmy Clausen and Ryan Mallett), but the game may come down to ND's ability to contain running back Mike Hart. If the Irish line can protect Clausen, he should have a good day. If not, how does 0-3 feel?

-- Adam Rittenberg