Michigan in rear view.

In the over 40 plus meetings between Notre Dame and Michigan this was the first time that the Irish shut out the Wolverines and first time since the 1920's that Big Blue was shot out by a team outside their conference.  That's pretty impressive looking at the teams that play in the Big Ten Conference over the years including a defense monster like Michigan State.

The question Irish fans have to ask was Notre Dame that good or is Michigan that bad.  After thumping Appalachian State 53-14 realistic college football fans had to keep things in perspective that there is no way that game could be a true measure of the Michigan football teams abilities.

At the end of the day, or night as the case may be take out the score, turnovers and penalties the game was a lot closer than 31-0 from a statistics standpoint.  What the Irish did well is took advantage of situational opportunities; getting first downs when needed (third down conversions 7-15 and 1-1 on fourth down), making timely stops and putting the ball in the end zone and not settling for putting it through the uprights when the offense was in the red zone (3 touchdowns and 1 field goal in four trips to the red zone).

This was a team win.  Everyone played well and no one had to play great.  To be fait the offense was defiantly lead by the passing attack; 54 yards rushing and 256 yards passing.  This win is more about the bigger picture than wining a football game on September 6, 2014.  The Irish end this current rivalry run with a win, recruits that were in South Bend had to be impressed and momentum is building as the Irish move onto Purdue in the Shamrock series then into a bye week.