End Zone: Michigan Wolverines 9/12

9/12/2013
BY RACHEL LENZI
BLADE SPORTS WRITER
  • Rachel-Lenzi-1


  • Michigan coach Brady Hoke is a fan of glazed donuts. Cupcakes are on the menu for September in Ann Arbor. Grab them now — they may not be around too much longer.

    This is likely the last year the Wolverines can enjoy the sweet spoils of mid-major nonconference opponents such as Central Michigan and Akron, given that college football will move to a playoff system next season. In May, Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon said he wants his program's football team to veer away from playing "boring" football in future Septembers. In 2014 and 2015, Michigan's nonconference opponents will include Notre Dame, Utah, BYU, and Oregon State.

    College football isn't about delicacies and sweet treats — it's a business, a popularity contest, and an arms race rolled into one. And it comes with its "haves" and "have-nots."

    In Vegas' eyes, the odds certainly are not in Akron's favor. The Zips are a 38-point underdog against the Wolverines, but will earn nearly $1 million to show up at Michigan Stadium.

    Is it worth sacrificing some dignity to fill the coffers? When it comes to the bottom line, a lot of mid-major schools tend to think so. Put it this way: I'm not one to argue with money-making. But I'm not a fan of "boring" football.