The biggest remaining question about Michigan’s football schedule is where the night games will fall.
Yes, plural.
Michigan did not play a home night game last season but could have a number of them, including more than one at Michigan Stadium this year.
“It is a possibility,” U-M athletic director Warde Manuel told the Free Press today. “When the schedules come out, we can have up to two night games.”
Among those under consideration is the Oct. 7 game against Michigan State, a rivalry matchup previously considered off-limits when it was solely up to the schools' administration.
“Could be,” Manuel said of the MSU possibility.
The past hesitation centered around additional security concerns, beyond those for a night game against a different opponent. The game usually has a number of fans at either school who visit and remain outside the stadium tailgating, an addition that is far less frequent at other games during the season.
“It’s still a concern,” Manuel said. “The only difference is, the Big Ten and television can assign us to a primetime game and it’s not our option. In November, we have the option if we choose to do so. I don’t anticipate that choice being made.”
Which means Ohio State on Nov. 25 is not a consideration.