SOUTH BEND, Ind. --- Before Notre Dame plays Michigan today, the Fighting Irish will honor their last national championship team -- the 1988 squad coached by Lou Holtz -- and remind everybody about how important this rivalry used to be.
The Michigan-Notre Dame game has launched and dashed national title runs and Heisman Trophy hopes. Every time the teams met from 1986-2006, at least one was ranked in the top 10. From 1989-94, both were in the top 11 each game. Twice, the Fighting Irish and Wolverines were ranked 1-2 when they played.
The games have featured Hall of Fame coaches and superstar players. For most of its history, the Michigan-Notre Dame game was one everyone wanted to see.
Until last year.
That's when both teams entered the annual early-season matchup 0-2 and looked so pathetic that late-night TV comedians poked fun at them. Now, for the second season in a row, the two winningest teams in college history enter the game unranked.
The concern for the Irish (1-0) today is losing a third consecutive game to the Wolverines (1-1) for the first time since Michigan won the first eight games in the series during 1887-1908. Just as worrisome, the Irish have been blown out in the past two -- losing 47-21 and 38-0.
Meanwhile, the Wolverines have struggled to grasp the spread offense of new coach Rich Rodriguez and likely will have to depend on their defense to win.
Last year's game proved pivotal for both teams. Michigan's big victory turned its season around, as the Wolverines ran off eight wins in a row wins en route to a 9-4 record. The loss sent the Irish spiraling to a 3-9 finish.
Although neither team is in as bad shape as last season, both appear fragile, which is a far cry from the vast majority of games in this rivalry.
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