How will the Big House react?
There's a natural curiosity when a superpower is brought down, an intense human need to know what happens next.
There are more significant games on tap today in college football. A Virginia Tech-LSU clash with possible national championship implications. A delicious matchup between Miami and Oklahoma. Two non-BCS heavyweights (TCU and BYU) visiting two BCS bowl hopefuls (Texas and UCLA).
But it's not every day that Michigan picks up the pieces, and all eyes will be on Michigan Stadium as the shamed Wolverines host Oregon in their first public appearance since The Appalachian Statement. Michigan hasn't lost consecutive home games since 1994, but it has never come off a loss quite like last Saturday's.
Questions to ponder today at the Big House:
Will the first 111,000 fans get Lloyd Carr tar-and-feather kits?
Will running back Mike Hart carry the ball 60 times, preventing inconsistent backfield mate Chad Henne from deciding the outcome?
Will someone in a winged helmet bother to, you know, block on field-goal attempts?
Will the Jumbotron show "Fun facts about Appalachian State" during timeouts?
"There is still a championship out there and we can't hang our heads," UM tackle Jake Long said. "We just have to come back to work."
The Appalachian State loss was an inevitable outcome for a team that has played down to its opponents for years. A quick start and a convincing win today is the first step to restoring faith.
No team in America needs a victory more than Michigan, but other Big Ten squads are seeking clarity in Week 2.
Michigan State thrashed UAB in its opener, resurrecting a run game mismanaged in recent years. Mark Dantonio sounds like the savior for Sparty, but his team needs a strong showing against Bowling Green and quarterback Tyler Sheehan, who ruined Minnesota's opener.
Behind blossoming quarterback Kellen Lewis, Indiana had a near-flawless effort in its first game since coach Terry Hoeppner's passing. The Hoosiers visit Western Michigan, the Mid-American Conference favorite.
Wisconsin and Penn State are primed to usurp Michigan and Ohio State as league royalty this fall. Solid wins against talent-rich UNLV and Notre Dame will only strengthen their cases.
After a 3-1 week with an inane Notre Dame pick, the Kelly green gloves are off.
Here are my four games to watch today:
Miami at Oklahoma
11 a.m., Ch. 7
The skinny: Randy Shannon will get the U on track, just not yet. The Sooners won't put up 79 again, but they'll score just enough.
The pick: Oklahoma 37, Miami 31
Oregon at Michigan
2:30 p.m., Ch. 7
The skinny: Ducks quarterback Dennis Dixon will give UM fits, but a disciplined and focused Wolverines squad prevails, much to the dismay of fans everywhere.
The pick: Michigan 37, Oregon 30
TCU at Texas
6 p.m., Fox Sports Net
The skinny: If not for the mystery surrounding TCU defensive end Tommy Blake, I'd go with the toads. Texas quarterback Colt McCoy is in for a long night, but the 'Horns survive.
The pick: Texas 14, TCU 10
Virginia Tech at LSU
8:15 p.m., ESPN
The skinny: This is an NFL scout's dream, but there's much more talent on LSU's side. Love VaTech, but I'm not sold on quarterback Sean Glennon at all. Geaux Tigers.
The pick: LSU 20, Virginia Tech 17
Rittenberg on the season: 3-1