 They next faced a highly ranked Michigan team at home and Willingham stated that an improved running game would be important if the Irish were to be able to beat the Wolverines.Darius Walker answered Willingham in his first collegiate game, gaining 115 yards and scoring two late touchdowns to lead the Irish in the upset.With the win the Irish were rejuvenated, and rallied to move to 3–1 on the season with wins over Michigan State and Washington.