The 11th ranked Michigan Wolverines stunned 2nd ranked Notre Dame by winning 47-21 ending a three-game losing streak at Notre Dame Stadium. The win marks Michigan’s first win in South Bend since 1994. Michigan junior quarterback Chad Henne threw three first half touchdowns to sophomore receiver Mario Manningham boosting Michigan to the win.
Henne guided a balanced offense taking advantage of tailback Mike Hart on the ground and Manningham through the air keeping the Irish guessing throughout the game. Hart gained 124 yards rushing on 31 carries and a touchdown while Henne completed 13-of-22 passes for 220 yards with three touchdowns and an interception. Manningham finished with four catches for 137 yards and three first-half touchdowns.
The Michigan defense gave the Wolverines their first points on the second play of the game as senior linebacker Prescott Burgess intercepted a Brady Quinn pass and ran it 31 yards into the end-zone. The scoring interception was Burgess’ first interception of his career.
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The Irish returned the favor on Michigan’s first offensive series as free safety Chinedum Ndukwe picked off a Henne pass and took it 51 yards to the Michigan four-yard line. Following a one-yard rush by tailback Darius Walker, Quinn found fullback Ashley McConnell in the end-zone for a three yard touchdown pass to tie the game at seven with 10:23 left in the first quarter.
After exchanging punts, the Wolverines began their third drive from their own 20-yard line. A couple plays later Henne threw deep to Manningham who hauled in the pass and rambled to the end zone for a 69-yard scoring play. The PAT was blocked making the Michigan lead 13-7 with 3:53 left on the first quarter clock.
On the ensuing kickoff Notre Dame returner David Grimes was stripped of the ball at the Irish 25-yard line and the Wolverines came up with the turnover. Michigan quickly capitalized on the turnover scoring after a short drive making the score 20-7 with 1:12 left in the first quarter.
Henne would lead Michigan to two more scores, both passes to Manningham upping the Wolverine lead to 34-7. With seconds left on the first half clock, Notre Dame quarterback Brady Quinn connected with Smardzija capping a seven play seven pass drive making the score 34-17. Michigan senior kicker upped the score six points on a couple of field goals in the third quarter giving the Wolverines a 40-14 lead.
Quinn connected with Rhema McKnight for his third touchdown pass of the afternoon and the final points Notre Dame would score. With 3:50 left in the fourth quarter senior defensive end LaMarr Woodley scooped up a fumble and ran 54 yards for a touchdown. It was Michigan’s second defensive score and capped off a 47-21 win.
