Michigan football team to play 4 late games, including primetime matchup against Nebraska
The Michigan football team's 11-win season last year included night game wins on national television against Notre Dame and Virginia Tech, pumping up the program's national profile after a three-year rut.
It shows in next year's schedule, which expands to four games with late starts, according to releases from the school and its TV partners.
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson runs against Nebraska in the teams' first Big Ten meeting last season at Michigan Stadium. Their second conference meeting will be under the lights in Lincoln, Neb.
Melanie Maxwell I AnnArbor.com
Most intriguing among them is a 8 p.m. kickoff time for Michigan's first-ever trip to Lincoln, Neb. on Oct. 27. It will play the Cornhuskers on one of the ESPN platforms, in a matchup that could be a candidate for the network's College GameDay.
Michigan beat Nebraska 45-17 last season in the Cornhuskers' first tour through the Big Ten. It was the teams' first regular-season meeting since 1962, when Michigan fell 25-13 at the Big House.
Along with the opener against Alabama and the finale against Ohio State, the Nebraska game will be one of Michigan's highest national profile games of the year.
The Alabama and Notre Dame games already were believed to be night matchups. The Wolverines' game against Purdue also will be a late start, with kickoff scheduled for 4 p.m. It will be broadcast by the Big Ten Network.
Michigan went 3-0 in night games last year, beating Notre Dame in the first night game in Michigan Stadium history, Northwestern in its first road game of the season and Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
UlyssesWrong1
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 8:20 p.m.
Looks like I can finally get some quality sleep at least a few extra times and not have to tailgate at 9 AM : )
Blue1st
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 4:36 p.m.
I like the night games too, good for national attention and can get stuff done during the day. only problem is, when I'm hootin' and hollerin' at midnight like I did during the UM/ND game, the wife is sleeping and doesn't appreciate it ;-) and, I agree, lose the bumble bee uniforms..............
TheWay
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 3:20 a.m.
I'm fine with the night games... as long as they retire those hideous bumble-bee uniforms and grey facemasks.
7718
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 12:57 a.m.
"pumping up the program's national image after a three year rut"? This is Michigan isn't it? Michigan is the winningest program in college football over the last 100+ years.
TommyJ
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 11:43 a.m.
"3 year rut" == Rich Rodriguez. More appropriately, wiping his stain off the program.
MRunner73
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 10:02 p.m.
Not liking the ohio game being played at night in the Snakepit.
michboy40
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 1:23 a.m.
I don't think the Ohio game will be at night. They were just referring to it as high profile...
MRunner73
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 9:53 p.m.
Should be fun to watch. Let's see how well Nebraska does in Year Two in the B1G.
Steve McQueen
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 7:32 p.m.
It is going to be fun to watch Baby-Bo Pellini's Red Angry Face light up, under the lights.
Steve McQueen
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 8:53 p.m.
Hail...it is not Bo's perceived intensity that I make fun of. It is his inability to accept responsibility when his team loses. He is ALWAYS pointing fingers and making excuses. His accusing Michigan of faking injury last year (in the 28 pt beat down in AA) was dispicable. He lacks moral character and will never be a big winner as a college coach.
Hailmary
Wed, Apr 25, 2012 : 1:23 p.m.
It is evident to me that some folks enjoy the jokes about coaches like all the fat boy jokes I hear about our coach Brady. While I find some jokes in poor taste I do find some downright funny. Bo Pellini has a very intense nature about him and that coach is turning that program around in a hurry. I listened and watched him on a Big 10 network and I find him very likable but as Steve described him and well I might add, very intense. Brady, our coach is in my opinion comparable to Bo in his intense effort to turn a struggling program around. It's apparent to me that Brady handles his stress by not missing the chow line. Whatever, both these coaches are likable and I respect both of these coaches and their hard efforts to turn their respective programs back into national prominence.
Terry Star21
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 11:29 p.m.
You always have the right touch......good one !
Hailmary
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 7:05 p.m.
I believe Nebraska is going to prepare hard for this game. Nebraska was not prepared for the Big 10 last year at least I don't believe their players or fans were. I believe Bo new what to expect from the Big 10 although I'm sure he was shocked at the Mich. Nebraska outcome. I believe the game between Mich. and Nebraska could become a very competitive match. I like the addition of Nebraska to the Big 10 and look forward to Mich. traveling to Nebraska this yr.
treetowncartel
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 6:57 p.m.
I have to say that I enjoy the night games, it allows me to get a lot accomplished beforehand.
lugemachine
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 6:46 p.m.
The schedule indicates a 7:00 p.m. CDT start time for the Nebraska game. That would be 8:00 EDT.
Rich Rezler
Tue, Apr 24, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
That's correct, lugemachine. The story has been updated.