What's the story on the 2012 Michigan-Alabama game?
Just before the beginning of fall practice, there was discussion on this blog and in other media about a football game between Michigan and Alabama that was to be played in Dallas in 2012. Allegedly, the contract setting this game in stone was finalized and only required the parties' signatures.
That was more than three weeks ago. Since then, there's been nary a word about this powerhouse matchup. What's the story? Did negotiations break down? Should somebody get Bill Clinton on the phone?
September 1st, 2010 at 3:50 PM ^
My understanding, based on comments from the Rodriguez and Brandon, is that this is something that has been discussed at length, but nothing has been finalized. RR, for what it's worth, seems to really want to schedule this game. He made some comment to the press when the subject was brought up, along the lines of: "Wouldn't that be fun?!"
September 1st, 2010 at 4:26 PM ^
Ahh yes, "Wouldn't that be fun?!", instantly implies that, RR seems to really want to schedule this game.
Sorry for the dickheaded comment it was all in good fun. But seriously, I hope RR does really want to schedule this game and it happens. I would most definely go visit my brother in Texas as an excuse to go to this game.
September 1st, 2010 at 4:01 PM ^
My understanding is that when ND comes off the scheudle for the 2012 and 2013 seasons (we agreed to this when they agreed to the night game next year) we will do a home and home wiht Alabama to replace the ND series.
As my grandfather says, "We Shall See."
September 1st, 2010 at 4:06 PM ^
I would prefer a H-n-H to the neutral site, but going down to Texas for a game is very attractive to, as an event, good for recruiting (before and after the game), etc. Maybe we could do a Home/Home/Neutral? That's probably too much Alabama for us.
September 1st, 2010 at 4:27 PM ^
Frankly, I find it hard to believe that a one-off game in Texas is going to make any tangible difference in recruiting. We're Michigan. Kids in Texas know who we are already. And for the 2% of our fanbase that lives down there, hey, no one put a gun to your head.
I'd be far more excited if the game were in Ann Arbor or Tuscaloosa. I'm having a hard time understanding the logic of asking your fanbase to foot a $226M stadium renovation bill and then scheduling marquee nonconference games elsewhere. Fuck Jerry Jones. I want the Tide to come to Ann Arbor. I love Michigan football, but I don't appreciate being taken for granted by the AD. They ask us to accept I-AA opponents on a yearly basis AND take away marquee opponents?
This announcement was an early indication that Brandon seems primarily concerned with the bottom line, and was willing to let tradition go by the wayside where necessary. I'm no longer in his corner.
September 1st, 2010 at 4:32 PM ^
September 1st, 2010 at 4:40 PM ^
It's possible Alabama doesn't want to do a home and home, and would rather play only once. They may also be unwilling to play this single game in Michigan, and therefore the only option may be in Tuscaloosa or a neutral site. If that's the case, a neutral site may be preferred.
September 1st, 2010 at 7:25 PM ^
Wow, you're really against these nuetral site games, and fired up about it. You don't think it would help recruiting to say "Hey, in 2012 you'll get to play in the new stadium where the Cowboys play, get used to it before you play there as a pro" and let them know it's against Alabama and will be one of the most televised non-bowl games of the year. You don't think that will help recruiting? Oh also, we'll get paid a ton of money to do it. I think giving up one home game is worth it.
September 1st, 2010 at 7:40 PM ^
Atleast once a month a thread comes around that has everyone complaining about beating up on the Delaware St's of the world; however as soon as mention of a HUGE neutral site possibility happens, we've got more whining. Face the facts, we don't know the in's and out's of why we may not be able to do a home and home. I do know however that a showdown (or two) with Bama would be fantastic for UM fans and all fans of college football. Take your pick, Delaware St at home every year or 2 national powerhouses going head to head in primetime at a neutral site.
September 1st, 2010 at 7:08 PM ^
ND appears to have replaced UM with BYU starting in 2014. That sure happened quickly
September 1st, 2010 at 4:17 PM ^
It's good to see that RR wants to play some great teams in the non conference instead of Baby Seal U or Florida's non conference schedule.
September 1st, 2010 at 4:40 PM ^
Saban is having second thoughts because he doesn't want his defense embarassed by Devin Gardner.