History Being Made in Michigan Stadium Tonight
Tonight, September 10, 2011, the Michigan Wolverines will play the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in the first ever "game under the lights" at Michigan Stadium. In the 84 year history of the stadium, they had never played a night game, until now. Adding lighting has just been one of many renovations at Michigan Stadium in an attempt to bring more of a "home field" advantage feel to the stadium.
In the past few years, the stadium has also built higher press boxes, more luxury suites, and giant scoreboard screens at both ends of the field. This has allowed the noise from the 110,000+ fans to stay down on the field, wreaking havoc on visiting teams. Previously, without these upgrades, even though Michigan Stadium is imposing in size, it was never intimidating to visiting teams. That has all changed now.
Tonight's game is going to be one for the history books. A battle between 2 of the top 3 most successful programs in college football. Playing under the lights for the first time in this legendary stadium just adds to the mystique. Although both teams have struggled in recent years to find their identity in the ever changing world of college football, both are beginning to show promise.
They have revamped their coaching staffs (Notre Dame last year with Brian Kelly, Michigan this year with Brady Hoke). The schools are clawing their way back into the national spotlight. Can these two great coaches bring these elite schools back to their former glory? Only time will tell.
ESPN College GameDay will be on site for this momentous occasion. Tune in to ABC/ESPN at 8pm EST/5pm PST. So who is your pick for the game?
I'm going to take Michigan by 6 with the home field advantage. Final score: Michigan 42 - Notre Dame 36.
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