Has there ever been a less appealing Michigan-Notre Dame game than the one scheduled for next Saturday in Ann Arbor? Two 0-2 teams, two storied programs in a state of collapse, and likely two true freshmen starting quarterbacks in over their heads in parallel season that can't be salvaged.

Sure, both teams still can rebound, win a few games, even make a bowl. But when you've been exposed as a fraud (see: Charlie Weis, offensive genius; and Michigan, leaders and best) that's little consolation. Fact is, if the Wolverines lose next week they'll be staring at their first 0-3 start in 70 years. It's both ironic and amusing that the last time Michigan was this bad was 1937, the year the Hindenburg exploded.

And depending on Chad Henne's mysterious "lower leg" injury, things could get worse. With Penn State up in two weeks, games against Wisconsin and Ohio State to close, and a potential night game at suddenly scary Michigan State still waiting, Michigan could be looking at its first bowl-less season since 1974. Or worse, an invite to the Motor City Bowl.

As for MSU, the 2-0 start is nothing championships are made of, but at least there's a good vibe around town again. Brian Hoyer made some questionable throws at quarterback Saturday against Bowling Green and the running game spent a half spinning its wheels, but coach Mark Dantonio and coordinator Pat Narduzzi have infused some life into the defense and Devin Thomas is the type of gimme-the-ball receiver the program's lacked since Charles Rogers.

Thomas had an impressive 261 all-purpose yards Saturday, including a career-high 156 receiving, prompting reporters to ask why he wasn't used more last year, especially after what seemed like a breakout four-catch, 82-yard game at Indiana.

"I knew I could do it last year, but I guess the coaching — whatever it was, now it's my opportunity," he said. "Hey, that's why they're gone."