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The Detroit Free Press
25 things I can't wait for this football season, from Bryce Underwood to the Lions
By Andrew Birkle, Detroit Free Press,
3 hours ago
Can you feel it in the air? Football is almost here.
Well, in some cases, it has already started, but mostly it has been teases with NFL preseason and some Week 0 action in the college game.
Maybe it's the Detroit Lions being Super Bowl competitors, maybe it's the new coaches for both Michigan football and Michigan State football , or maybe I'm just a football sicko, but whatever it is, I'm feeling extra excited for football this fall.
There's nothing like it. Wake up at 9 a.m., turn on ESPN College GameDay, look over the games for that day, and then just enjoy something you haven't experienced in nine months. Buckle up, you've got 15 more weeks.
Finding out how legit U-M, MSU are
It won't take long. If MSU can't beat Florida Atlantic in Jonathan Smith's first game, things could get ugly. The Wolverines, meanwhile, should be able to squeeze past Fresno State, but we'll find out everything we need to know when Texas comes to town next week.
The buzz has already started nationally. And remember when Matthew Stafford signed his "record-breaking contract" with the Lions, and for a full season the discussion revolved around him being the NFL's highest-paid QB? Goff's deal didn't quite break any records, but it was close. With a new four-year, $212 million deal, the former No. 1 overall pick once again has something to prove.
Setting up three TVs at home
If you're anything like me, this is a necessity, if time and plans permit. Basically every game that matters in today's day and age can be streamed, and the fear of missing out can be real. You don't want to miss the next "kick six" or "trouble with the snap" game because you were too lazy to set up the TV from your bedroom for an extra screen. OK, maybe this is just me.
Stadium entrances
I'm going to be 30 years old relatively soon, but a stadium entrance still gets me going every single time like a little kid. I hope it always does.
Remembering there is a Sunday Night Football game after watching 7+ hours of football
One of the longest waits of the year is waking up on the first NFL Sunday and sitting around until the games start at 1 p.m.. But once it begins, it's non-stop action until roughly 7:30 p.m. At that point, it feels like it should be over. Nope, Mike Tirico and Cris Collinsworth are here. And this year, we'll have the Lions' opener at Ford Field waiting for us.
More than any other position in football, you can see it right away if a running back has the "it" factor. Gibbs is one of those guys. It wasn't all sunshine and rainbows in his rookie year, but you saw he has the extra gear. He has been working as a receiver a lot this offseason. How can offensive coordinator Ben Johnson expand his role?
Can Michigan defend the Big House?
After last season's atrocity of a home schedule (prior to the Ohio State game, at least), Michigan season ticket holders are in for a treat in 2024. Fresno State shouldn't be taken lightly, and a night game is always fun. Then you have TEXAS, newly entered into the SEC. Yes, I think there will be some buzz around that. While the Wolverines don't have OSU at home, the consolation prizes are USC at Michigan Stadium for the first time since 1958, and top-ranked Oregon coming to town for a late-season showdown.
I hate waking up early. Always have, always will. But when there's an exciting day of football ahead, I'm the first one up, drinking some coffee, watching some pregame shows or maybe even a little Premier League (for a different type of football fix).
College football overtime
Man, it sure can be stupid. But I sure do love it.
Thanksgiving weekend
With the Lions raising their standard recently, the annual Thanksgiving game has becoming a meaningful test with real stakes. Then you get two more NFL games after that, a Friday game to hold you over before Rivalry Saturday in college football, where the Michigan-Ohio State game has gone to the next level, as well. This year, with no divisions in the Big Ten or SEC, I'm expecting chaos in the last week.
The first snow game
OK, this one isn't a guarantee, especially with the Lions playing in a dome. But the Lions' visit to Chicago on Dec. 22 certainly feels like a wintry possibility. And basically any game on Michigan and Michigan State's schedule after Nov. 1 is a possibility.
Even if it's not a full snow game, there's just something about watching cold-weather football that is beautiful. And it will be even more fun when USC, UCLA and the other West Coast teams make their November visits to the Midwest.
Controversial calls
In a state that the Lions call home, you know they're coming. And while they can be absolutely maddening, there's something communal about everyone agreeing on a terrible call. Just don't ask me if I feel the same way in the moment.
Please mic up Dan Campbell when the Lions return to AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas, in Week 6 after last year's controversy. Before, during and after the game.
Sincerely,
Football fans everywhere.
Fantasy football
I'm in eight leagues. Yes, I know I'm crazy. In Matthew Berry we trust.
What can Hutch become?
Aidan Hutchinson was an instant-impact guy for the Lions, and even though he's only been in the league two years, he already feels like a proven star. With some interesting pieces now on the D-line beside him, can he take it to the next level?
Amazing catches
There's something so beautiful about the one-handed catch. Or the toe-tap grab along the sideline with a perfectly thrown pass.
Arguing
It can be the best thing about sports, and it can be the worst. But there's just nothing like a good old fashioned debate about football, whether it's in your favorite group text chain, at a local watering hole, or even in the office.
Social media on game days
Football + social media = endless entertainment. End of story.
Lions crowds
Before long, "Lions fans travel better than anyone in the NFL" and "Ford Field during the playoff games was the loudest stadium I've ever heard" will be right up there with "Did you know Matthew Stafford and Clayton Kershaw were high school teammates?" Enjoy it while it's still fun.
College football's weird new landscape
USC is visiting Michigan in Week 4. For a Big Ten game. MSU is going to Oregon to open October. Alabama is going to Oklahoma in November. For a SEC game. Say what you want about realignment in college football, but these games will rock.
Kicker craziness
New Lions kicker Jake Bates burst onto the scene with 64-yard game-winning field goal for the Michigan Panthers last spring before eventually landing with the Lions. There's a lot of hype, and for good reason, but the strong-legged kicker still doesn't have a lot of experience. Between him and "Gamblin' Dan," fourth quarters could be a wild ride.
12-team playoff
It's too many teams. We all know it. But I'd be lying if I said I'm not excited for the new College Football Playoff. Home playoff games? In December? Yes, please.
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