Not only did the Wolverines have stars like QB Chad Henne, RB Mike Hart and WRs Steve Breaston and Jason Avant returning, the offense is probably as good as any team this side of USC.

But the defense needs to stand up. In the season opening 33-17 win over Northern Illinois, that unit stepped up by forcing five turnovers but also showed a need for significant improvement after allowing 411 yards against a very game of Husky team.

Michigan got torched by a Garrett Wolfe 76-yard TD run last year that brought back memories of Ohio State's Troy Smith and Texas's Vince Young running through the Wolverine defense at the end of last year. But the Wolverines did not sit back and simply take it as they had against the Buckeyes and Longhorns. They became far more physical and punished ball carriers like Wolfe and Shatone Powers when they had the chance.

The Michigan offense impressed Carr with its diversity and power in the first half. Hart scored two touchdowns on a 34-yard swing pass and a two-yard run. H finished with 166 all-purpose yards, including 117 rushing on 27 carries.

Avant got his chance as a lead receiver and responded well, catching nine passes for 127 yards and the game's first touchdown. Throw in Henne, who was 20-of-31 for 227 yards and two touchdowns, the offense appeared even better than had been expected.

"The offense performed as well in the first half as I can remember," Carr said.

But that unit and the defense will have to step it up this week against a revitalized Notre Dame team led by new coach Charlie Weis.

KEEP AN EYE ON: SS Bradent Englemon -- He was active in coming up with five tackles and two fumble recoveries. He could be a major factor for the defense all season.

QUOTE TO NOTE: "When you win the turnover battle, the statistics tell you you win 79 percent of the time; so I'd say they're pretty doggone important. I think our guys did a great job causing those turnovers. Are they important? Absolutely." -- Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr after Michigan won the turnover battle 5-1 in its game with Northern Illinois.

--WR Jason Avant recorded the second 100-plus receiving game of his career (127) after an 18-yard reception in the second quarter. He registered 175 yards at Iowa in 2003. Avant earned a career-high nine receptions against Northern Illinois, bettering his previous mark of seven at Iowa in 2003

--CB Leon Hall earned his sixth career interception in the third quarter. He also recorded his 17th career pass breakup.

STILL NEEDS SOME WORK: The run defense gave up a huge 76-yard TD run to speedy Garrett Wolfe on the first play of the second quarter. The defense produced five takeaways, but needs to do a better job of preventing the big plays.

--WR Steve Breaston is expected to be a big-play performer this year, but he caught just 2 passes for 15 yards in the opener.

-- PK Garrett Rivas missed one extra point and one FG attempt (a 48-yarder) against Northern Illinois.

ROSTER REPORT: WR Adrian Arrington injured his right foot on a second-quarter kickoff return and Lloyd Carr said he's "going to miss some time."... DE Tim Jamison did not dress against Northern Illinois with his right arm in a sling. ... S Ryan Mundy played after missing significant practice time with a right shoulder injury.