THIS WEEK'S GAME: Michigan at Notre Dame, Sept. 13 -- The two winningest programs in college football history aren't expected to do much of that very thing this year. Michigan is a mess and Notre Dame should be improved over last year's 3-9 finish, but struggled mightily with San Diego State. Give the edge to the Irish for being at home, but this could be ugly.

PLAYERS TO WATCH

QB Steven Threet -- Will get the start again this week as Rich Rodriguez pleads with him or Nick Sheridan to take control of the starting job. Threet is 14-of-32 passing for the year, with 132 yards and a touchdown.

RB Sam McGuffie -- Looked good last week in rushing for 74 yards on 17 carries. Might be starting to separate himself from the stable of backs on the roster.

SS Brandon Harrison -- Second on the team in tackles and a leader in the secondary. The defensive backs will have to play well -- better than they have in the first two games -- to beat Notre Dame.

ROSTER REPORT

--OL Mark Ortmann dislocated his elbow against Miami (Ohio) and has been ruled out. Coach Rich Rodriguez hopes with the bye week he will be back for the Wisconsin game Sept. 27.

--WR Greg Mathews (ankle) will play after missing the RedHawks game.

--RB Michael Shaw (groin) was expected to return to practice this week and play against Notre Dame.

Copyright (C) 2008 The Sports Xchange. All Rights Reserved.