After all that Michigan fans and alumni have been through with the previous AD's mysterious decisions from on high, you would think that the current AD would realize that this will create a shit storm, and would have a viable explanation at the ready.

If there is some hidden compelling logic behind this decision that we, the great unwashed masses, just don't get, it's time to come out with it.

 

It works either way for me. Its a better opponent than before, and while I've never cared about ND as much as others, its good to get the rivalry back.

If I would have thought of the ways UM could have been raked over in getting ND back on the schedule, this implementation would have covered all of them.  Just HORRIBLE planning.

The 2018 season ticket renewal package will include a Warde Manual replica dildo with instructions on how to properly insert it.  Lubrication will be at your own expense.

"Write that check to me, bitches!"

I'm looking forward to

Rashan Gary locking up the heisman in the first game of 2018

Wait a minute...I thought we were finished with the dong punches.

WTF - on the road to start so they get back to back home games?!

When did we re-hire Brandon?

On this move is malfeasance.  Where are Schlissel and the Regents, aren't they supposed to be the ultimate grown ups around here?  I'd be fired if I blew $2 million on a deal like this.

I'll be really disappointed if this turns back into an annual series and we lose our future games against Texas, Oklahoma, and UCLA, not to mention any other potential match ups against big-time programs. I'm all for playing ND but we need to mix it up and play other top programs from around the country since we'll only have 3 non-con games every year.

I don't like this at all. We gave up 2 million, went for what was best for NDs schedule and terrible for ours. And all this in addition to the way ND ended it before. This is strike one for Ward in my book, a very poor early showing for the new AD.

Can anyone help me understand why it is better for the logistics to cancel the Arkansas home and home and not just get rid of notre dames ball state, our ball state, or our SMU or something?

One scenario I could envision:

Jim Harbaugh: Warde, I don't care what it takes, I really want ND on the schedule ASAP

Warde Manuel: ND, huh? OK, Jim, let's see what we can do coming up in the 2020's...

JH: Nah-uh, I am thinking by year 4 or 5 of my contract at the latest.

WM: But Jim, we already have this nice series with Arkansas...

JH: I don't care about that. I want to play ND before I...I just want 'em.

WM: Before what?

JH: Never mind. Just get ND on the phone.

a few days later...

WM: Well Jim, I talked to ND. But they said the only way they're interested is if we reopen the series THERE in the opener in 2018. That'll mean OSU, MSU, and...

JH: Fine, do it!

WM: But Jim, we played there last, and the sneaky bastards cancelled on us...

JH: I don't care about that, the past is the past.

WM: But that will also mean we'll have to dump Arkansas, and that could get pricey.

JH: Look, my next contract will get even more pricey if you don't do it! And you know, just about every week my agent is getting calls from NFL...

WM: Alright, alright.

 

Who cares if we play them at home first, who cares if it stacks our home/away schedules alternating years, i'm glad ND is back, theyre our second biggest rival, nothing else matters all that much.