Irish zone in final hours before Michigan

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – The Notre Dame Football Team is hoping not to relive history at Michigan Stadium on Saturday.

The Irish can’t seem to escape the reminder of their 35-31 loss during their last trip to Michigan, but Irish Head Coach Brian Kelly said this week they’ve just got to play better.

“We’re going to have to play well,” said Irish Head Coach Brian Kelly. “It’s a very good football team. We know that. We can’t go up there and turn the ball over like we did a couple years ago. We understand that. It’s a well-coached football team on both sides of the ball and in special teams so we know the challenges ahead of us,” added Kelly.

For the Irish players who will battle it out on the field Saturday, they’re ready to face their state line rival.

“When I played them last year, it was a great experience, it was a great game so they’re going to come out hard against us and play their best,” said Irish defensive end Stephon Tuitt. “So we’ve got to go up there and play to the same potential as they do, and the rivalry itself is just amazing,” he added.

Two years ago, the Irish lost in the final minutes of a nail biter at the Big House, and in preparation Kelly said it’s important to remember the Wolverines haven’t lost at home since.

“If you’re going to win at Michigan, and nobody’s been able to do that now under Brady Hoke, at Michigan, you better go up there with an attitude to be aggressive and go play the game. You can’t sit back and wait and hope. If you do, you’re not going to win,” said Kelly. The Irish face the Wolverines Saturday at 8 p.m.