Notre Dame-Michigan: A Last Look
9/8/99
Written by: Thomas Mannion

Bob Davie has a young, talented team.
The youth showed in numerous turnovers and false starts.
The talent showed in several fancy runs and big catches.

Unfortunately, youth prevailed as the Irish shot themselves in the foot
in the 26-22 loss at Michigan.

Jarious Jackson passed for a career high 302 yards and had a dazzling
12 yard touchdown run.  However, Jackson also had some questionable plays.
For example, he threw an interception at the Michigan 20 when he misfired to
a wide open Dan O'Leary.  Jackson also muffed three option pitches to which
Bob Davie called "Grade school football."  Finally, Jackson took a
quarterback sack with only 20 seconds left in the game (he was reminded
before the play not to take the sack).

The Irish showed that they are a very talented team.  They also
showed
that they need some more experience to pull out the big games.  This
is
exactly what Bob Davie has said for the past several weeks.

Some highlights of the game....
1) Jackson made several accurate passes on third and long.
2) The WRs found open spaces and caught the passes thrown to them.
3) Tony Fisher shows explosive play making abilities
4) Jabari Holloway is a player in clutch situations

Some areas on concern.....
1) The Defensive Line needs to get more pressure up front and close
the
     running lanes.
2) The CBs must improve their coverage skills.
3) Where is Tony Driver?
4) The offensive line needs to create some holes for the running
game.

Even with the areas of concern, the Irish almost pulled this game
out.
Two stupid penalties hurt the Irish late in the game and set
up Michigan's winning touchdown.  Bobby Brown silly unsportsmanlike
conduct and Ron Israel's boneheaded late hit gave Michigan an extra
30 yards.  Those guys need to apologize to ND fans everywhere.

What, if anything the Irish learned against Michigan, must be
absorbed
quickly.  Purdue plays to our weaknesses very well.