The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
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the Sahara for a football fanatic like Lindy Davis, owner of Lindy's Sports. However that game turns out, he's ready to join the rest of the nation in an early pigskin pig-out. Davis knows a little about Alabama, given his Birmingham, Ala.-based publica- tion. He's got no dog in this fight, but he's more than ready to watch it unfold. "It's a national game, Michigan-Alabama kicking off the season feels like a tall glass of lemonade in Michigan-Alabama Matchup Lindy Davis Loves good as it gets, from a historical standpoint in college football. The country loves these games. I know I do personally. "To have it be at the JerryDome makes it even bigger. That stadium is spec- tacular. So it's great for college football. It's Big Ten versus SEC, which is terrific. " Davis pointed out. "Michigan-Alabama — that's about as Whether it's terrific for Michigan on that particular night remains to be seen. Most publications are respectful of the 2012 Wolverines, and reveren- tial regarding the defending national champion Crimson Tide. Lindy's has the Crimson Tide No. 3 in the nation coming into the season, and Michigan No. 7. The Lindy behind Lindy's can cite some compelling rea- sons for Alabama holding an upper hand, while not disregarding Michigan. "We rated Alabama's offensive line the best in the country, "Of course, Michigan lost a couple of big guys defensively up front. I would think Alabama would try the power running game, which is their bread-and- butter anyway. "The big question of the game, honestly, is can Michigan line up and stop Alabama's power running game? Going the other way, Denard Robinson is a great, great athlete. Will Michigan come out trying to throw the ball against a young Alabama secondary? Those are a couple of the big plot lines I see. The Crimson Tide lost Heisman Trophy finalist Trent Richardson out of a " loaded offensive backfield, but not much else. Davis noted the depth at running back in Tuscaloosa leaves Alabama with three or four very good alternatives. The questions enter on defense, where Nick Saban's team supplied the NFL with a host of performers from last year's squad. Nevertheless, the cupboard never seems bare in Tuscaloosa, with Alabama stacking future pros behind future pros. "Defensively, they did lose five, almost in the first round, out. "Those are great players, but they have terrific young talent coming in. They're not experienced, and three of those guys that are gone are from the secondary — both corners and the strong safety. That's where you get beat in a hurry. "It's really going to be interesting to see how Michigan tries to attack their " Davis pointed defense. Down here, we hear Denard had a great spring. And their offensive coordinator is an old Auburn guy. That will be interesting. "Running the ball on Alabama will be difficult for Michigan, or for anybody. Alabama will be much better on the defensive line than they were last year." Davis occasionally socializes with some of Alabama's football staff, enough Nick Saban has coached Alabama to two national championships in the last three years and a record of 55-12 in five seasons leading the Crimson Tide. PHOTO BY JASON IVESTER to know that the Crimson Tide coaches are feeling very good about talent and depth up front defensively. "They tell me they've got seven on the defensive line that can play, a big way. Whether or not it's ready for the sort of challenge it faces on college football's opening night will have him and millions of others tuning in. "Brady Hoke certainly has Michigan on the right track, Davis insists the nation sees Michigan coming back to national prominence in " "They're going to be very difficult to run on. Their linebackers are still very good. They'll be tough to run on for anybody. " Davis said. question is, are they there yet? Are they ready to play on the national scale, with the big guys? This will be a good test for Michigan, to see exactly where their program is. "The question in my mind is, is Michigan a year away? They may be, and they may not be — we'll see on Sept. 1." " Davis assured. "The — John Borton 60 THE WOLVERINE AUGUST 2012 home-and-home arrangement in- stead. After looking at schedules, it became apparent nothing along those lines would develop in mutually agreeable fashion. So Brandon gave ESPN a number, The U-M AD inquired about a " Davis said. " load them up and bring them back, just like any other normal away game." It isn't, of course. Brandon knew that from the moment ESPN first contacted him, informing him that Saban and Alabama would like Michigan to consider the matchup. Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones coveted hosting rights for the prime- time showdown. Brandon's first thoughts involved giving up a home football game, a considerable hit in Michigan's wallet. one that would make it worthwhile for the Wolverines to give up a home date and head south for a Texas-sized opener. It wasn't a small figure. According to the contract for the game, Michigan receives $4.7 mil- lion for its participation. In addi- tion, U-M procured 200 tickets, two luxury boxes, a field-level suite, and 25,000 tickets to sell in the 85,000- seat stadium.