More than 100,000 people on Saturday watched the Michigan football team upset No. 23 Notre Dame 38-34 from Michigan Stadium, but many of those on the inside had their minds on the game’s television broadcast.

That’s because ABC-TV assigned color commentating duties to Matt Millen, who led the nearby Detroit Lions to a 31-84 record before being fired last season as team president and general manager.

Seizing the opportunity for a belated sendoff, Michigan fans delivered a message Millen heard often at Ford Field, launching a chorus of “Fire Millen.” But that familiar chant was the only reference to the past, as Millen predictably declined to mention on air his recent employment history in the Wolverine state.

What Millen did, though, is what he does best: Millen delivered solid X's-and-O's analysis.

That’s not to suggest Millen, who looks better groomed than he was during his unshaven Lions days, gave a flawless performance. There were some odd gaps in Millen’s commentary, and he spoke at times as though Notre Dame was the best team in the nation, facing a Michigan opponent that didn’t belong on the same field.

For instance, when Notre Dame lined up for a third-down play, threatening to score with about 4 minutes left in the first half, Millen told the audience it was about to see “a big play here for the Michigan defense if they’re going to stay in this game.”

That might have been a bit dramatic, though, since Michigan trailed 17-14 at the time - not quite an insurmountable deficit - and eventually would lead by as many as 11 points before winning the game.

Millen also seemed hesitant to criticize anyone - coaches or players. When he did offer criticism, it usually was mild and directed toward a group of players. “It’s like seven-on-seven,” Millen said late in the second quarter, describing the Michigan defense’s inability to harass Notre Dame quarterback Jimmy Clausen.

Strangely, Millen almost never mentioned or commented on Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez - a particularly conspicuous omission given the adversity Rodriguez has faced this season.

But Millen had plenty - mostly nice things - to say about Notre Dame coach Charlie Weiss. “I think Charlie’s doing a good job of keeping (Michigan) off balance,” Millen said, an observation he offered multiple times.

Millen also praised Michigan players, especially quarterback Tate Forcier and running back Brandon Minor. When Forcier scored on a 31-yard run in the fourth quarter, Millen admitted speechlessness. “All I can say is wow,” he said. “Wow to that kid. That kid is a stud bolt.”

At another time, Millen gave an almost embarrassingly high compliment to Forcier, comparing him to one of the game’s greatest players. “He has some finesse to his game that you can’t teach,” Millen said. “Joe Montana had that, and Forcier’s got a little bit. In fact, he’s got more than a little bit.”

Millen’s strength in the broadcast booth always was, and is, breaking down plays. He demonstrated that again and again, showing a nice touch on the telestrator - without overusing it - and providing insider commentary on replays and upcoming scenarios.

Referring to Minor during the third quarter, Millen said, “He’s a powerful kid. He’s got good eyes, he slides nice and easy to the hole. (Michigan needs) to use him more.” Almost as soon as the words left Millen’s mouth, Minor galloped for a 32-yard run, taking the ball to the Notre Dame 1. “I think you and I should be calling (the plays),” Millen said to McDonough.

While Michigan - and Detroit Lions - fans might not want to admit it, Millen offers some of the best analysis in football, and he demonstrated that again Saturday. He just doesn't seem as introspective about his performance as an executive as he is about his golf game.

“I’m not much of a golfer,” Millen said after Notre Dame missed a first-quarter field-goal attempt, “but it looks like he pushed this one.”