• Recap
• Bleachers
• Game Tracker

Lights, camera, Robinson: QB rallies Michigan past Notre Dame

Sep 11, 2011 - 6:24 AM Ann Arbor, MI (Sports Network) - In the first-ever game under the lights at the Big House, Denard Robinson culminated a special performance with a magical ending, as the Michigan Wolverines claimed a thrilling 35-31 victory over the Fighting Irish of Notre Dame.

Robinson only completed 11 of his 24 passes, but those 11 completions went for 338 yards and four touchdowns. Robinson also added 108 rushing yards and one more score on the ground for Michigan (2-0).

As for the Fighting Irish (0-2), they were led by Tommy Rees, who threw for 315 yards and three touchdowns on 27-of-39 passing. Michael Floyd was the main target for Rees, finishing with 159 yards on 13 catches. Giving the Irish a balanced attack was Cierre Wood, who rumbled for 134 yards and one touchdown on 25 carries.

The Fighting Irish came out trying to prove a point in the first quarter, as Reese and the offense scored twice in the first 15 minutes of action.

The first score was a seven-yard touchdown pass from Rees to Theo Riddick. That was followed by a four-yard touchdown scamper by Wood late in the frame.

Michigan cut its deficit in half early in the second stanza when Robinson hit Junior Hemingway with a 43-yard scoring strike.

Notre Dame was able to go into the break with a 17-7 lead after David Ruffer connected on a 38-yard field goal late in the second quarter.

The lone score in the third frame came courtesy of the Fighting Irish, as Rees hit T.J. Jones for a 15-yard touchdown pass, capping off a seven-play, 71- yard drive.

However, the Wolverines did not tuck their tails between their legs, but instead clawed their way back with two straight scores to open the final stanza.

The first touchdown came seconds in the fourth quarter when Robinson plunged into the end zone for a one-yard score. It wasn't long after that Robinson and the offense was back on the field.

The signal caller went to work once again, this time connecting with Jeremy Gallon for a 14-yard touchdown. The two quick scores cut Michigan's deficit to 24-21, and shifted the momentum into the Wolverines corner.

Michigan's offense continue to steamroll Notre Dame's defense and again it was Robinson leading the charge, as he connected with Vincent Smith for a 21- yard scoring strike, giving the Wolverines a 28-24 lead.

However, Rees did not worry or sweat. The quarterback for Notre Dame was calm cool and collected as his led the Irish down field quickly and less than a minute after Michigan took the lead, Notre Dame went back on top with a 29- yard touchdown pass from Rees to Riddick.

Down, but certainly not out the Wolverines had one more chance to claim a victory with less than a minute remaining. Most teams would be in trouble, but not Michigan, which possesses one of the most electrifying player in college football. Robinson led the offense 80 yards down field on just three plays and on the third play the sensational signal caller found Roy Roundtree for a 16- yard touchdown, giving the Wolverines a 35-31 victory.