Michigan football kicks off the season with two games under the lights for the first time this century. If you ask me, the New Mexico contest should be moved to noon, but it only lets the anticipation of opening day grow even larger. The Nebraska showdown will be at 3:30 and is also worthy of a late start on CBS, like the 2021 victory in Lincoln was.
These are three games that make the most sense and should be given serious consideration with the October opener against Wisconsin and Michigan's trip to Wrigley Field in November also deserving of being under the dark skies.
1. October 11th at USC
For the first time since the 1950's Michigan will visit Los Angeles for a can't-miss duel in another iconic stadium in the shadows of the bright lights of Hollywood. This game could be a battle of the unbeatens and would be a perfect choice for a primetime slot on NBC. Viewership would bring in gigantic numbers for the national audience, and to the surprise of no one, it was just that in 2024. This could also feature a five-star, freshman versus freshman shootout, which would be a goldmine leading to the build-up.
2. October 18th vs. Washington
The Huskies will invade the Big House again and it would be reminiscent to the 2021 clash. Washington is a sleeper team in the Big Ten with Demond Williams Jr. at the helm. The National Championship ratings were astronomical and 2024's tussle was one of the most watched games for that week of the season. Washington hosts Ohio State three weeks prior in what should also be another majestic night setting.
3. October 25th at Michigan State
Like the 2023 tune-up win for Michigan, the Wolverines could enter East Lansing undefeated again. Last year, the Big Ten network televised the affair in primetime and didn't post the same numbers that NBC did in the 2023 rout. But no matter where or when these two enemies engage each other, or on what station, people will be watching to see if chaos ensues.