Normally, non-conference matchups of this caliber are reserved for the early days of January, but there's no need to double-check your calendar. It really is September, and No. 2 Texas really is playing No. 4 Ohio State.
The last time junior quarterback Vince Young led Texas against a Big Ten opponent, he deconstructed the Michigan defense to the tune of 372 total yards and five touchdowns in a 38-37 Rose Bowl win. If Young and the Longhorns want to get back to Pasadena-the Rose Bowl will host the 2006 National Championship game-they'll have to get past the Buckeyes first.
This won't be an easy task. Ohio State boasts some impressive playmakers as well. Wideouts sophomore Ted Ginn Jr. and junior Santonio Holmes are two of the most exciting players in college football. Junior quarterback Troy Smith is through serving his two-game suspension for taking money from a booster. The last time anyone saw Smith under center, he was putting up a Young-esque 386 total yards against Michigan last season.
With all these luminaries on the field, expect big plays early and often. It's not easy to beat the Buckeyes in the Big House, but if anyone can do it, it's the Longhorns.
-Joe Hasler
The No. 3 Michigan and No. 20 Notre Dame look to continue their rivalry Saturday at \The Big House"" in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines lead the all-time series with the Irish 18-13-1.
Last Sept. 11, the underdog Irish took advantage of a simplified Michigan offense, Chad Henne was playing in his second career game, and a breakout performance from then-freshman running back Darius Walker led to the toppling of the No. 8 Wolverines 28-20 in South Bend.
The Irish look to ride the momentum of last week's 42-21 drubbing of then-No. 23 Pittsburgh. New head coach Charlie Weis' renowned offensive prowess was on full display as Notre Dame rolled up 502 yards of total offensive behind strong performances from quarterback Brady Quinn (227 yards, two touchdowns) and fullback Rashon Powers-Neal (three touchdowns). The Irish scored six touchdowns by the third quarter, whereas it took them three games to accomplish that feat last season.
Michigan faithful hope to see a more stout defense than the one that surrendered 411 yards in a sloppy season opening victory over Northern Illinois. The Wolverines will need another string of strong performances from their ""triplets"" of quarterback Chad Henne (227 yards, two touchdowns), wide receiver Jason Avant (127 yards, one touchdown), and running back Michael Hart (117 yards, two touchdowns) if they want to defeat the upstart Irish.
-Ryan Hessenthaler
