Michigan breaks Arkansas deal for $2 million to play Irish

Posted July 07, 2016 7:00 am

The Associated Press

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. (AP) - A two-game football series between Arkansas and Michigan is off, and the Wolverines will pay the Razorbacks $2 million to break the deal.

Michigan said it wants to play Notre Dame instead in 2018 and 2019. The Fighting Irish had dropped Michigan from their schedule because of possible commitments in the Atlantic Coast Conference.

Michigan and Notre Dame have played 42 times since 1887.

Arkansas Athletic Director Jeff Long said he was disappointed to scrap a matchup between schools in the Southeastern and Big Ten conferences. He said it might be difficult to find a high-quality opponent on relatively short notice. College football schedules are set years in advance. The Michigan-Arkansas deal was signed in 2012.

Razorbacks football coach Bret Bielema said he looked forward to playing Michigan after previously playing and coaching in the Big Ten.

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