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College Football Preview: #14 Michigan vs. #12 Notre Dame

By Eric Robinson

BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 14: Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a touchdown during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)
BLOOMINGTON, IN - OCTOBER 14: Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines runs for a touchdown during the game against the Indiana Hoosiers at Memorial Stadium on October 14, 2017 in Bloomington, Indiana. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) /
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MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 18: Devin Bush #10 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a pass during the third quarter of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)
MADISON, WI – NOVEMBER 18: Devin Bush #10 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a pass during the third quarter of a game against the Wisconsin Badgers at Camp Randall Stadium on November 18, 2017 in Madison, Wisconsin. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

Michigan Players to Watch

Rashan Gary, DL: It was no question that the Wolverines defense was absolutely loaded last season while ranking third overall, holding opponents to just 271 yards per game. This season, Gary is the leader of the pack and a possible top-10 pick in next year’s draft if things are aligned a certain way. Gary posted 58 total tackles last season with 11.5 tackles for loss, and 5.5 sacks. The versatile defensive lineman can line up nearly anywhere and can make an impact whether it’s disrupting a run play or chasing down running backs from behind.

Shea Patterson, QB: Remember that quarterback I mentioned earlier that transferred to Ann Arbor? Meet Mr. Patterson. A strong-armed passer who tossed for 2,259 yards and 17 touchdowns for Ole Miss last season before a torn PCL ended his season after just seven games. After being ruled eligible to transfer and play this season, Michigan received a talented quarterback who can stabilize what has been a mediocre position for Michigan recently.

Karan Higdon, RB: The run game was the only bright spot on offense for Michigan last season and Higdon was a vital reason why. He led the Wolverines in rushing yards last season with 994 yards and 11 touchdowns to go along with it. The senior running backs is shifty and has a tendency of making a key play or two when the Wolverine offense is in desperate need for one.

Devin Bush, LB: A preseason All-American, Bush led Michigan in tackles last season (102) and added 9.5 tackles for loss and five sacks to boot. While his teammate Gary gets much of the publicity, Bush is capable of being Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year material. A modern day linebacker such as Bush can be a game changer at the drop of a hat.

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