Michigan's offense took the field at Notre Dame Stadium on a humid night, seeking a fresh start with a new quarterback.
Coach Jim Harbaugh had reshaped the offensive staff, bringing in Jim McElwain, Ed Warinner and others to bolster the brainpower. In late April, the Wolverines learned that quarterback Shea Patterson, who had 23 touchdown passes in his first 10 college games at Ole Miss, would be eligible immediately. The unit began the season with more experience at key spots.
If Michigan could get the offense right after two underperforming seasons, it would finally contend for the Big Ten East division and possibly much more.