Mon Sep 10 18:54:59 2007

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Michigan woes continue; Henne sidelined for Notre Dame game

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Ann Arbor, MI (Sports Network) - Michigan quarterback Chad Henne is expected to miss Saturday's game against Notre Dame because of an undisclosed injury.

Henne was hurt during this past Saturday's game against Oregon and did not play in the second half of the 39-7 setback. ABC-TV reported it to be a lower leg injury during its broadcast.

Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr did not reveal the nature of Henne's problem during a news conference on Monday, saying only that the senior is week-to- week.

"We'll see how he does this week," Carr said about Henne. "He's in good spirits. He's disappointed, but I think he'll come back quicker than most."

Carr also said that freshman Ryan Mallett will start against the Fighting Irish. Mallett took over for Henne against the Ducks and completed just 6- of-17 passes for 49 yards with an interception.

"Our job as coaches is to give him a plan that he feels good with and that gives us a chance to put points on the board," Carr stated about what he expects from Mallett.

"He's going to make some mistakes, he's going to learn some things, but I guarantee you he is not intimidated. That's one of the things I like about him. He has to go into this week and play within himself and within the context of the game plan."

Michigan and Notre Dame will enter the Big House on Saturday with 0-2 records. It is the first time both storied programs have started 0-2 in the same season.

Henne had not played well in Michigan's first two games. He was 19-of-37 for 233 yards with a touchdown and an interception in the shocking, season-opening loss to Appalachian State, then threw for 172 yards on 12-of-23 passing with a score in the first half against Oregon.

Before leaving the contest, however, Henne tied John Navarre's school record with his 72nd career touchdown pass.