Mike,
Doesn’t mean the estimates were that far off. The stadium had capacity of well over 125,000. Check out the MICHIGAN Stadium Wikipedia site http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Michigan_Stadium
under Attendance records. They seem to admit even low estimates would be higher.

Really? Tuitt looks slow? Sure, he took a couple of bad angles at times last night, but, he hussled and we were all commenting on his speed for as big as he is. As for Nix, he was being held much of the night.

I wondered what happened to the run, myself. Carlisle was running all over Michigan’s front seven. Why not let him continue? Dumb move by the staff to abandon the run.

Absolutely. A few times, I watched Michigan players pull him to the ground after he blew them up… not once was it called. At least twice he was on his way to Gardner and was held.

I think it’s more likely those records aren’t considered because they’re also not verifiable. Turnstile counts weren’t known for their accuracy back in those days.

1) I understand why posters think BK habitually seems to abandon the run too early. However, I am not certain that this is the case. BK plays with a pass-to-set-up-the-run scheme, and he like to go deep early and often. Opposing DC’s know this, and as Mattison did last night, are willing to give the run in an effort to keep the ball “inside and in front of the defense.” IMO, it seems like the run is really working well, but it’s only because the defenses are playing nickle to prevent the “big play.” In last three ND v UM games, with Kelly as coach, when ND goes short yardage, i.e., Michigan knows they’re going to run, ND hasn’t been very successful, IIRC. ND’s offense under Kelly is scary good, like in the beginning of the 2011 game, when they spread you out, make you think they’re going to pass, and then gash you up inside.

2) Tommy Rees is very good for 95% of the game, but the 5% where he’s not so good, has cost them both the 2011 and 2013 games.

3) ND’s DL is scary good, especially against the run. However, it seemed to me that their game plan utilized too much pinning their ears back and rushing Gardner with their hair on fire, and not enough containment.

4) Gardner is everything that Michigan fans hoped Denard Robinson would become, and he still has another year of eligibility left. He is a great kid that has waited his turn, switched position, and has worked his butt of to improve his game. As well as he played last night, with the exception of that horrible decision that resulted in an INT, he still has a long way to go in refining his game.

5) Please don’t complain about the officiating. BOTH the Pass Interference calls were legit. Watch the DVR of those plays. The first one (the one that seems to have upset people the most) the ball was in the air, the ND DB pushed Gallon out of bounds, and stepped in front of the pass. Close, but there was contact while the ball was in the air. The second one was obvious — he held him off the line, continued to hold him while the ball was in the air, and had a fist full or jersey when the ball arrived. Further, unless the referee called out the wrong player, there was a phantom call that stopping a Michigan drive, as well as several horse-collar and facemasking no calls on Fitz. Lastly, and I know it’s not the fault of the readers of this site, but there was no music blaring as ND was calling out signals, nor whistles coming from the stands. All-in-all, it was a pretty well played game.

5) Final take, I think the people commenting that BK isn’t that great of a coach, and got out coach are correct. Personally, I think he’s a ego-maniac who has no business coaching young men, especially at a great traditional college football program like ND. ND is going to get talent because its ND. But, as the attrition of recruits should evidence — especially when contrasted by how recruits seem to be doing the opposite at Michigan and OSU — that there is something wrong with the guy. I think he’s got some good tactics and schemes, but he’s not worthy of being the coach of a program like ND’s.

Sorry this is so long, and again I am sorry to see the rivalry fade away. Hopefully the powers that be will work it out and it can renewed as it is one of this Michigan Man’s all time favorites.

See you in South Bend in ’14, hope you end the season with one loss, and Go Blue!