On-again, off-again Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry has last game before going off-again

Notre Dame quarterback Everett Golson heads toward the end zone for a touchdown during an NCAA college football game against Rice in South Bend, Ind., Saturday Aug. 30, 2014. (AP Photo/Joe Raymond) (The Associated Press)

Michigan wide receiver Devin Funchess (1) stands with head coach Brady Hoke, center, and offensive coordinator Doug Nussmeier, right, greeting players coming off the field after a touchdown in the third quarter of an NCAA college football game against Appalachian State in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Aug. 30, 2014. Michigan won 52-14. (AP Photo/Tony Ding) (The Associated Press)

SOUTH BEND, Ind. – Michigan and No. 16 Notre Dame have a shot at a big finish.

The teams started playing each other in 1887 and are meeting for the 42nd time Saturday, with no more games scheduled. The games usually have been close, with half of the past 24 games decided by five points or less.

During a three-game span from 2009-11, each game was decided in the final minute. Michigan won all three of those and leads the series 24-16-1.

Notre Dame coach Brian Kelly said there's added incentive Saturday, saying his team wants to be able to say it was the last Irish team to beat the Wolverines.

Michigan quarterback Devin Gardner says he's disappointed the series is ending, but he's happy he gets one last shot at it.