ESPN College Football

After having played two lethargic games to start the season, the Michigan Wolverines came into South Bend on Saturday and made a huge statement. The anger and desire that had been building up the past nine months was on display in the Wolverines' 47-21 win over Notre Dame. To see Michigan not only win but dominate every phase of the game was the most impressive performance so far this season. I was happy to see the defense, under new defensive coordinator Ron English, play with great passion.

Now that he's healthy, RB Mike Hart is the spark plug for that team, providing toughness in the running game. The Wolverines have a veteran leader in QB Chad Henne and an arsenal of wide receivers led by Mario Manningham.

The question has never been about Michigan's physical ability but about its passion and competitiveness for four quarters. (Michigan lost five games last year despite leading in the fourth quarter in each.) It's not practical for Michigan to play with that much energy every week; but as long as the Wolverines play with the same kind of focus and determination, they have the ability to beat everyone on their schedule and arrive in Columbus, Ohio, undefeated.

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