Notre Dame's #1 Kryptonite: Denard Robinson

If there was a year Notre Dame takes down Michigan in the Denard Robinson era, this is it. Or is it?

The stage is set for the Fighting Irish to prevail. Home crowd, 3-0 for the first time in a decade, and Brian Kelly’s squad is coming off an impressive 20-3 at Michigan State. They are finally ready to put the last three years of frustrating losses behind them.

No. 16 is still out there though. He’s still the most electrifying player in the country and has tormented Notre Dame since he took the field in Ann Arbor in 2009. He’s had more success against the Irish then most players do their entire career. He is without question the Golden Domer killer.

He’s done it on the biggest stage, including last years comeback in the Big House. Down 24-7, Robinson brought the Wolverines back connecting on 7 of 10 pass attempts for 202 yards and three touchdowns. He hit Roy Roundtree from 16 yards out for the winning score with two seconds left, leaving the Irish dismantled once again.

Robinson owns the career record for total offense against the Irish with 969 yards. He’s killed them in every way possible, even when he’s not accurate in throwing the football. He’s had a pair of 87 and 88 yard touchdown scampers to go along with all of his success.

Notre Dame has arguably their best defense in a decade this season under Kelly. They’re shutting down opponents and for a change have been turning the football over in their favor. They can talk about stopping Fitzgerald Toussaint, winning the battle on both lines and forcing early turners, but in Notre Dame’s mind they are really only thinking about one thing.

Stopping No. 16 with the dreadlocks.

Will Wilson is a writer for Rant Sports covering College Football and the Big Ten Conference.

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