For Michigan coach Lloyd Carr, there may be nothing more important than hanging on to the football. Turnovers plagued the Wolverines at the end of last season, and it is a problem that the Michigan coaching staff has worked hard to correct this year.

Thus far, the Wolverines have commited just three turnovers: Two John Navarre interceptions and one fumble. But despite losing just one fumble, Michigan has still coughed the ball up four other times.

Against Notre Dame, the Wolverines will have to be especially careful to take care of the football because they may not be quite as fortunate against an aggressive Fighting Irish defense.

"Defensively, anytime that you pursue the football and get to the football, they turn and their defensive front turns and they chase the football," Carr said. "And anytime that you do that, you are going to be good. And they are good."

So good in fact that the defense has led Notre Dame to a 2-0 record and an average of 23 points per game - all without an offensive touchdown. Last Saturday against Purdue, the Fighting Irish scored on three turnovers: Safety Jerome Sapp's 54-yard fumble return, a 4-yard fumble return by safety Lionel Bolen and a 33-yard interception return by cornerback Vontez Duff. With two touchdowns on the season, Duff, who scored on a 76-yard punt return against Maryland, has been the biggest scoring threat for the Fighting Irish other than kicker Nick Setta.

Michigan linebacker Victor Hobson knows how much scoring a defensive touchdown can impact the game.

"It helps out the offense and it's a big momentum builder," Hobson said. "They have been able to do it the past two weeks and it is something we have to respect them for."

Despite the lack of offensive production, Carr still respects the scoring threats of Notre Dame.

"When you can establish a great defense and special teams, and the fact they are averaging 23 points per game, I don't think it matters how you score," Carr said. "You average 23 points per game and play defense and special teams like they have, and you are going to have a hard time losing games."

While forcing turnovers, Notre Dame has been quite careful with the ball on offense. It has turned the ball over just once in two games while its defense has stolen the ball seven times.

While turnovers are always emphasized, Navarre knows that in preparing this week it will be especially important to prepare for turnover prevention.

"It is a big premium every game but especially against a team that is dangerous," Navarre said. "With the speed that they have and what they have done in the past couple of games, you have to be especially careful."

Running back Chris Perry is concerned about Notre Dame's ability to cause turnovers, but he also sees this characteristic as an opportunity for the Michigan offense.

"They're going to take a chance to try to strip the ball, so you have to take that chance to break and make a big play," Perry said.

Kicking woes: While in the friendly confines of Michigan Stadium, the Wolverines have made just 1-of-5 field goals - Philip Brabbs' game-winner against Washington is the lone made attempt. Brabbs has looked good on extra points thus far, but has struggled with field goals.

"It is a mindset like hitting a golf ball or baseball," Carr said. "There are so many things to think about that sometimes you can think too much."

Against Notre Dame, Brabbs will have one more thing to think about - 75,000 rabid Fighting Irish fans all wanting him to miss.

Carr pointed to Brabbs' excellent kicking on extra points in order to display Brabbs' ability.

"We lost four footballs a week ago on extra points and that has never happened," Carr said. "Brabbs hit four footballs over the netting. What that tells you is that those kicks would have been good from 50 yards."

Carr even jokingly offered a reward for the safe return of the footballs, on one condition: They return the footballs to him personally.

Injury updates: Last Saturday against Western Michigan, Michigan played without senior wide receiver Ron Bellamy and junior defensive lineman Grant Bowman. When asked whether Bellamy and Bowman would be ready to play against Notre Dame, Carr responded, "Affirmative."

Wide receivers Tyrece Butler and Braylon Edwards have stepped up well in Bellamy's absence and have been the focal point of the Michigan passing game. An already deep defensive line will only be reinforced with the return of Bowman, who should jump right back into the rotation.

Fullback Sean Sanderson received extensive playing time against the Broncos while wearing a wrap on his hand. As per his always endearing policy, Carr refused to comment on Sanderson's injury.