Deep down, Brandon Minor knew he could have played.

He was convinced his ankle was strong enough to start the season a week ago, but when Michigan's trainers and coaches told him otherwise, the senior tailback knew he would just have to sit and wait.

Each day, he felt stronger and more confident. He was anxious to return, especially in a week when the Wolverines had the chance to win for a second straight week - this time against rival Notre Dame.

And in Saturday's 38-34 upset of the No. 18-ranked Irish at Michigan Stadium, Minor didn't waste any time in showing he was at full strength.

Minor not only anchored Michigan's ground game with a 106 punishing yards, but with the game on the line, he provided key protection for freshman quarterback Tate Forcier on the Wolverines' game-winning drive.

Powerful running and pivotal blocking. For Minor, it was all in a day's work.

"That's just me - the physical style of play," Minor said. "I like to hit and if someone's going to tackle me, they've got to pay for it."

Minor entered the game on Michigan's second offensive drive, but wasn't called upon until after Michigan had driven from its own 21-yard line to the Notre Dame 26. He handled the rest by himself, carrying the ball on the next three plays, finishing the drive with a 2-yard touchdown run.

And from the first time he touched the ball, he knew he was back.

"For me, not starting isn't a big deal because I know when I go out there, I'm just going to give 100 percent," Minor said. "Coaches can't doubt that - that's one thing coaches love is 100 percent and toughness."

In Minor, Michigan got both.

Minor had 16 carries - the final which covered 6 yards, giving the Wolverines a first down and setting up Michigan's march down the field. From there, his responsibilities shifted from runner to blocker, making certain Forcier had time to operate.

And after playing without Minor in last week's win over Western Michigan, Forcier didn't need long to see what Michigan's main tailback means to the Wolverines' chances at success.

"Oh, God, he helped us so much, and it showed on almost every carry - he did something," Forcier said afterward. "He saved my butt a few times when they blitzed, and I'm happy to have him back."

And given all Minor did on the field, Minor put in more work in a way that wasn't noticeable. Over the final two drives, the tailback and quarterback joked back and forth, insuring Forcier remained loose. And the more relaxed Forcier remained, the more focused he became. Minor repeated a message he's depended on since he met Forcier, knowing the more confidence he showed he had in his quarterback, the more Forcier would produce.

"I just kept telling him, 'You the man,'" Minor said. "Even if he's not, it's not going be that long before he is. So I just kept joking with him and if I see him looking shaken up, it's just my job to loosen him up."

Mission accomplished.

Jeff Arnold covers sports for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2554 or jeffarnold@annarbor.com