ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Tough times at Michigan have led to some tough talk by the Wolverines.

Michigan (0-2) opened a season with two straight losses at home for the first time since 1959 and has dropped four straight, including last season’s losses to Ohio State and USC, for the first time in four decades.

After being stunned by Appalachian State and routed by Oregon, coach Lloyd Carr was asked why he hasn’t appeared angry.

Carr responded with an anecdote about a second-grade classmate of one of his grandchildren. Carr said the student, Peter, asked one of his children how the embattled coach was doing last week.

“I want to answer Peter,” he said in front of a slew of reporters and TV cameras. “I’m doing great because I’ve got great kids here.

“There is nothing that can keep me down. Not a loss to Appalachian State. Not a loss to Oregon. Not 100 losses. And, not the loss of my job. I think the same thing can be said for our team.”

Hart has not allowed two losses to shake his confidence.

The star running back guaranteed Michigan would beat Notre Dame shortly after Oregon routed the Wolverines 39-7 Saturday, their worst loss since Bo Schembechler was coaching at Miami of Ohio.

“I talk a lot, everyone knows that. I mean what I say. It came out,” Hart said after making the bold prediction at the postgame news conference. “I feel like we’re being doubted. I think it’s something we need.”

Carr’s reaction to Hart’s comments: “We have to back him up now. When you put yourself out there, you have to back it up.

“That certainly will give Notre Dame some ammunition. But it doesn’t matter what’s said before the game. It’s really about what happens when the ball is teed up.”

When the Wolverines and Fighting Irish play Saturday at Michigan Stadium, they will be matched up as winless teams for the first time, not counting season-opening meetings.

Notre Dame (0-2) lost at Penn State 31-10 Saturday night.

“Obviously, Notre Dame is struggling this year, too,” Hart said. “But both teams are going to be ready to play and they’ll be hungry. This team is going to be ready to go.

“There’s no doubt in my mind, I’m not going to lose. We’re not going to lose.”

Both teams will likely start freshman quarterbacks.

Carr said it was doubtful Chad Henne would play, after missing the second half against Oregon with an injury. Ryan Mallett completed six of 17 passes for 49 yards and an interception against the Ducks and would likely replace Henne. Jimmy Clausen started against the Nittany Lions and finished 17 of 32 for 144 yards and an interception.