The lead portion of Meandering today will take a different tone. Instead of football or press conferences or something in the sports world., Meandering asks you to take a minute to remember what happened on Sept. 11, 2001 when so much in this country shifted forever.

Remember the lives lost, the heroes whose stories just now come to light and those that have yet to be told.

Enjoy the links. And don't forget...

FOOTBALL:

Tying in with the John Ferrara story from yesterday (linked above), Notre Dame center Eric Olsen's father, Andy, was a New York City firefighter. This story last year in the Fort Wayne Journal Gazette spurred a conversation and a new bond between father and son, writes Brian Hamilton in the Chicago Tribune. Also, eight years has passed, which means there's a group of people - teenagers - who barely remember what happened, writes Eli Saslow in the Washington Post.

For the Pomarico family, Saturday's game is different. Father Frank played for Notre Dame. Son Tom is the long snapper for Michigan, writes Angelique Chengelis of the Detroit News.

Corwin Brown played football at Michigan, coaches at Notre Dame. One day, he's going to make a good head coach, I opine on Annarbor.com.

Why I Love College Sports, actor Steven Pasquale from Rescue Me.

Junior Hemingway is doubtful for Notre Dame. Brandon Minor is probable.

Kelly Whiteside of USA Today writes that both Michigan and Notre Dame are looking for new beginnings.

Former Michigan linebacker Jarrett Irons discusses his favorite Notre Dame-Michigan memory.

BASKETBALL:

Eso Akunne will be on scholarship this year.

UMHoops has a Q&A with David Merritt, the former Michigan walk-on.