It seems like the plan going forward for Michigan is to continue to capitalize off of the success they had this past season when they hosted Notre Dame for the Big House’s first night game.
However, Michigan athletic director David Brandon wasn’t going to schedule just any opponent for the nighttime game, it had to be special according to him.
Two of those special type games that are consistently on the Michigan schedule, Michigan State and Ohio State you would think could be the next two targets to face off against Michigan under the Big House lights.
For Brandon thought, this simply will not be the case.
In his blog on Friday, Brandon indicated that neither the Ohio State or Michigan State contests would be played at night in Michigan Stadium.
“If asked, the answer will be that Michigan regular-season home football games will always be played on Saturday and a night game will only be scheduled if it is a “special game” with significant fan interest,” Brandon wrote. “We are not going to schedule a home night game just to play a night game.
“In addition, we have no plans to move Michigan State or Ohio State to a night game in Michigan Stadium.”
In 2012 the Wolverines’ home schedule includes Air Force, Massachusetts, Illinois, Michigan State, Northwestern and Iowa. Michigan also opens up the season against Alabama however that game will be played down at Cowboys Stadium in Arlington, Texas. So with that said it doesn’t look like Michigan will be hosting a night game next year unless the opponent will be Illinois, Northwestern or Iowa.
Off hand, Ohio State and Michigan State would be the perfect candidates for the nighttime game at the Big House. However given the rivalry and the rabid fan bases, the interaction at the end of the game could get ugly after a full day of drinking and tailgating.
Ref: AnnArbor.com