The Fighting Irish of Notre Dame have exploded out of the gate to start the 2005 season. First they trounced Pitt on the road 42-21, and today convincingly beat #3 Michigan, 17-10. The Irish never trailed against the highly-regarded Wolverines and led by two touchdowns until the final three minutes:

Charlie Weis' college coaching career is off to a big start.

No. 20 Notre Dame stunned No. 3 Michigan on Saturday, making Weis 2-0 as a college coach. The former New England Patriots assistant outfoxed Dave Wannstedt's Pittsburgh Panthers last week and had the Irish well-prepared to face the rival Wolverines.

It was the first time since 1918 that a first-year Notre Dame coach opened with back-to-back road wins.

Brady Quinn ran a ball-control offense, completing 19 of 30 for 147 yards, or 4.7 yards per completion. He spread the wealth, connecting most often with running back Darius Walker, who also ran for over 100 yards, but five different receivers had multiple receptions. The defense stood tall against the Wolverine offense, holding them to only 335 yards and 15 first downs. They stuffed Michigan on third down, only allowing five of eighteen conversions, and they also grabbed an interception and a fumble.

The Irish have gone several years since anyone took them seriously. With Brady Quinn maturing at QB and the defense showing its usual imperviousness, we could have a very good chance at a BCS bid. Michigan State comes to South Bend next...

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