Inside The Game: Wolverines vs. Fighting Irish

This week’s ‘Inside the Game’ matchup is sure to be one of the great games of the season: Michigan vs. Notre Dame. Both teams are recovering from mediocre programs and both coaches need this win as a feather in their hat. Both teams are looking to show that they are back to the elite level that they once were. This is a difficult game to pick. Here’s what each QB must do if they team is going to win on Saturday.

Tate Forcier (Wolverines): Forcier is a young quarterback that has been named the starter for this week. He had 3 TDs and a 65% completion percentage last week in Michigan’s win over Western Michigan. Forcier is a freshmen who has less experience on a big stage compared to Jimmy Clausen on the Irish. Playing at home will make it a little easier in his first big game. Forcier will need to be equally sharp this week against the Notre Dame defense. He must play mistake free football in order to give his team a chance to win.

Jimmy Clausen (Fighting Irish): Clausen was equally impressive last week, with an 85% completion percentage and 4 TDs in their shutout against Nevada. Clausen must utilize his offensive weapons in order to win this game. He has the experience and skills to be a great quarterback. How he handles the rowdiness of the Michigan fans and gaining momemtum for his team early will prove important. Furthermore, his movement in the pocket and ability to escape the pressure that the Wolverines will put on him will determine how well he adjusts to their first big game of the season.

Look for Clausen and Forcier both to have great games, with Clausen having just a little more experience and offensive tools to get the win.

(N Dame at Michigan–Saturday 9/12, 3:30 PM ET ABC)

EverydayQB pick: Wolverines 31, Fighting Irish 35.