Notre Dame leads Michigan 10-0 after ugly first half
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Notre Dame's Theo Riddick (6) evades Michigan's Kenny Demens (25) on a run play during first half action at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. (Photo By Jennifer Shephard)

Notre Dame's DaVaris Daniels (10) makes a reception as he is hit by Michigan's Jordan Kovacs (32) during first half action at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. (Photo By Jennifer Shephard)



Notre Dame's Bennett Jackson (2) looks upfield as he takes possession from Michigan on an interception during first half action at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. Teammate Danny Spond (13) moves to block Michigan's Taylor Lewan (77). (Photo By Jennifer Shephard)



Notre Dame's Everett Golson (5) steps back from the line of scrimmage and looks to hand-off the ball to a teammate during first half action at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. (Photo By Jennifer Shephard)



Notre Dame's Stephon Tuitt (7) pressures Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson (16 during first half action at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. (Photo By Jennifer Shephard)



Notre Dame's Stephon Tuitt (7) brings down Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson (16 during first half action at Notre Dame Stadium Saturday, Sept. 22, 2012. (Photo By Jennifer Shephard)


Between Everett Golson and Denard Robinson, there have been six interceptions and only eight complete passes in the first half.
Oddest of all: Michigan has thrown five interceptions on five consecutive passes (Tailback Vincent Smith accounts for Michigan’s fifth pick).
After a scoreless first quarter — which ended with 25 yards total offense for Notre Dame, all on the ground — Notre Dame kicker Kyle Brindza nailed a 33-yard field goal early in the second quarter to give Notre Dame a 3-0 lead.
Golson threw his second pick midway through the second quarter and was benched with three completions on eight attempts for 30 yards.
After yet another Notre Dame defensive takeaway, Notre Dame quarterback Tommy Rees came in to lead the Irish on an 8-play, 48-yard drive. Rees scored off a 2-yard keeper, putting Notre Dame up 10-0.
The half ended with a pick from Notre Dame freshman cornerback Kei’Varae Russell. Manti Te’o has two interceptions, while Bennett Jackson and Nicky Baratti have one a piece.












