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The Top 4 Notre Dame-Michigan games of all time

Andrew Weber-USA TODAY Sports

After a three-year hiatus, Michigan and Notre Dame, the two winningest college football programs in history, will get back at it Sept. 1, 2018.

To celebrate the rivalry, here's a look back at the four best games between the two schools:

4. Michigan 24, Notre Dame 14 (1991)

Michigan went for it on fourth-and-1 on Notre Dame's 25-yard line. Elvis Grbac tossed one to the corner of the end zone and Heisman trophy-winner Desmond Howard hauled in the pass for the score. The win snapped a four-game losing streak against the Irish.

3. Notre Dame 24, Michigan 19 (1989)

Notre Dame came into the game as the defending national champions and the No. 1 team in the nation. Michigan was ranked No. 2 but had no answer for Raghib Ismail. Ismail ripped off two kick returns for touchdowns of 88 and 92 yards. It marked the last time they played each other as the top teams in the country.

2. Notre Dame 19, Michigan 17 (1988)

In the season opener for both, Ricky Watters returned a punt 81 yards for a touchdown and Reggie Ho knocked through four field goals, the winner with 1:13 remaining. The Wolverines' 48-yard attempt at the end of the game just missed to give the Irish the victory. Notre Dame would run the table and win the national title, while Michigan would beat USC in the Rose Bowl.

1. Michigan 35, Notre Dame 31 (2011)

In the first ever game under the lights at Michigan Stadium and both teams wearing throwback uniforms, the Wolverines and Fighting Irish produced a wild finish. Michigan came back from a 17-point deficit to take the lead 28-24 with 1:12 remaining. Tommy Rees led the Irish back down field and hit Theo Riddick with 42 seconds left on the clock to give Notre Dame a 31-28 lead. Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson completed a 64-yard pass to Jeremy Gallon before finding Roy Roundtree for the winning score.

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