What a way to kick-off the college Football season, especially if you are a fan of the Michigan Wolverines or Notre Dame Fighting Irish! On Saturday night these two top 15-ranked squads will get the season underway from South Bend in a game that should come right down to the wire.

Now or never for Wolverines

The Michigan fanbase was elated when the team announced the signing of former Wolverine star Jim Harbaugh as their new head coach back in 2014. While the team has had some success in his first three seasons, this year is the biggie. Unlike the first few seasons, Harbaugh will now have a full arsenal of players that he recruited.

With transfer Shea Patterson taking over at quarterback, and a defense that is being hailed as one of the top in the NCAA, 2018 is a big year for the Wolverines and Jim Harbaugh to live up to the hype.

Irish look to make a statement

The Fighting Irish and Brian Kelly are in the same boat as the Wolverines. SB Nation indicates that the Irish entered the month of November last season with a 7-1 record, with their only loss coming from the Georgia Bulldogs. Notre Dame was a virtual lock to make the NCAA playoffs if they could win two of their final three games, but the direct opposite occurred. The Irish lost two of the final three games in embarrassing fashion and had to settle for a Citrus Bowl bid against the LSU Tigers.

The facts, odds and prediction

So who will win this huge Week 1 tilt between the two top-ranked teams? Lately, when these two meet up, home field has been key. The home field advantage has done wonders for the Fighting Irish in this head-to-head rivalry, as Notre Dame is 6-2 SU and ATS in its last eight against Michigan, however, that is likely to change on Saturday night.

The Fighting Irish are currently a 2-point favorite, with the over/under number set at 47. This should be an instant classic, but in the end, Michigan’s defense should help the Wolverines get off to a 1-0 start on the season.

Pick -- Michigan +2

Kickoff for the Michigan vs Notre Dame game is scheduled for 7:30PM ET and will air live on NBC nationally and stream live on the NBC Sports app.

Here is everything you need to know for the Michigan vs. Notre Dame 2018 matchup:

  • Who: Michigan Wolverines at Notre Dame Fighting Irish
  • What: Week 1 of NCAA college football
  • When: Saturday, September 1 at 7:30PM ET
  • Where: Notre Dame Stadium, Notre Dame, Indiana
  • Latest Odds: Notre Dame +2

Who is your pick to win the game?
© ALL RIGHTS RESERVED