Late last month, Nick Saban “broke” a “scoop” on his radio program that, while “it hasn’t been announced yet“, a 2012 Alabama-Michigan game in Arlington, Tex., had been all but finalized.
Almost exactly three weeks later — and a little over two months after the initial rumors came to light — it’s become officially finalized.
In statements released by both schools, it’s been announced that the Tide and the Wolverines will square off in a neutral site, non-conference game on Sept. 1 of 2012. The match-up between two of the most storied programs in college football history will be played at the home of the NFL’s Dallas Cowboys.
It will be the season opener for both schools.
“It’s exciting to announce that two of college football’s most tradition-rich teams will be meeting in 2012,” ‘Bama athletic director Mal Moore said in a statement. “We have such tremendous respect for Michigan: their school, their outstanding tradition, and their following. It’s a terrific opportunity for our student-athletes and our entire program, in addition to being a great benefit in recruiting. It’s yet another chance for our University to be showcased on a national stage early in the season at a terrific stadium.”
“This is a great way to kickoff the 2012 season with two of the nation’s winningest college football programs,” Michigan athletic director Dave Brandon said in his own statement. “We are excited about playing a regular season game in the state of Texas, a region of the country where we have traditionally recruited. Our goal is to get as many Michigan fans to the game as possible to witness this match-up of traditional powers.”
The 2012 game, which will be officiated by a crew from the Big 12 conference, will be the fourth football meeting between the schools. All three previous contests have been in bowl games, with the last coming in the Orange Bowl following the 1999 season.
The Wolverines hold the all-time edge in the “series” 2-1.
Denard Robinson will be a senior in 2012. So UM will be ready.
Brutal. UM must face Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Nebraska all away from Ann Arbor.
Good match up, but why Jerry world? The location doesn’t really add anything to either school or their fan base.
# OpinionsNAholes says:
Good match up, but why Jerry world? The location doesn’t really add anything to either school or their fan base.
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No Palace Near Dallas and there’d be no matchup. Michigan hasn’t left the state for non-conference games, except for ND and bowls since 2003. They’ve played Alabama 3 times but ONLY if they were forced into going to a bowl to match up.
I agree with OpinionsNAholes … but I’d really like to go to this game. I’d kind of like to see Jerry’s World. I’m sure not going to a Cowboys game. I’ll never get Super Bowl tickets and would only want them if my Steelers were there. (Boy, would I love for the Steelers and anyone but the Cowboys to make the Super Bowl in Jerry’s World teeheehee.)
So why not go for the Bama game? Someone has to go. They’ll have plenty of room.
I wonder if Michigan fans will sell their tickets to Buckeye fans like they do when they play in Ann Arbor.
NDalum07 says:
October 14, 2010 6:15 PM ET
Brutal. UM must face Alabama, Notre Dame, Ohio State, and Nebraska all away from Ann Arbor.
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Someone did their homework…
Who really knows what these teams will have in 2012. And even less will be known because it starts the season.
To paraphrase a popular wrestler, “For the hundred thousand in attendance and the millions watching at home…..’
Awesome! A Roady is convievable to this game….and I don’t root for either.
Oh yes Brownstown, the red and silver sea is overwhelming at the Big House, it’s sooo intimidating. Wow.
Wonder why OSU wasn’t chosen for that venue?
Hmmm… 1) National draw of UM football; 2) Loyalty of UM fan base to support the game; 3) Overall quality of UM as a nationally recognized institution; 4) We actually have the money to send our team there and not leave them in trailers; 5) Our Alum and fans know where Dallas, Tx is on the map
PS Brownstown and Deb: I almost forgot -
The Michigan Wolverines football program has the most all-time wins and the highest winning percentage of all-time. The team is also known for its record-breaking, record-breaking, record-breaking, record-breaking attendance figures…. wait, that would be TWO times this year.
The only broken record in Columbus makes this sound ‘flop flop flop flop flop…wait til next year’.
OSU can’t set an attendence record during your BEST years, and we’re doing it during rebuilding years. That’s pretty sick, eh?
The Wolverines have won or shared 42 league titles, more than any other football program in any conference… yes OSU fans, that’s right… more than any other football program… in any conference.
Since the inception of the AP Poll in 1936, Michigan has finished in the top 10 a record 37 times.
@Polego Jim …
Son, what part of Alabama fan didn’t you get? That means 13 National Championships. I appreciate your 37 top-10 finishes, but we’ve got more championships that anyone, and I’ll take that.
As for sell-outs … Bama had 42,000 people show up in a blistering heat wave just to watch the team practice. Our fan base is pretty loyal.
ROLL TIDE!!!!
Good match up, but why Jerry world? The location doesn’t really add anything to either school or their fan base.
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And so both schools can establish/re-enforce recruiting bases in the MetroPlex
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