University of Michigan opens the 2012 College Football season

The 2012 NCAA  College Football season opened with a bang in Dallas, Texas on Saturday September 1st.  The 2012 edition of premier opening football game of the season featured defending National Champion University of Alabama taking on the University of Michigan.  The Wolverines knew that they would have their hands full when they signed onto this game 2 years ago.  Alabama came  into the game ranked #2 in the nation in the preseason polls with Michigan ranked #8.   The game would be played in brand new Cowboy Stadium with over 100,000 fans in attendance and a national television audience watching. 

Michigan would start the game without two key players serving a one game suspension including running back Fitzgerald Toussaint.  Arriving at Cowboy Stadium 3 hours before kick-off found the entire area packed with both of the schools in tailgating lots.  I felt as I was driving in that I was late before the game.  The fans were all pumped up for this big time matchup between College Football's two all time storied football programs.  Getting into Cowboy Stadium was simple and rather quick.  Leaving after the game with 100,000 of my other closet friends proved to be rather interesting even for a short 6 mile trip to the hotel.  

The University of Alabama had a plan to slow down the 2012 Heisman Trophy candidate Denard Robinson right from the start of the game.   He was under pressure and didn't look like the usual Denard that we have come expect over the last two season.   Denard ended the day with only 27 yards rushing on 10 carries and was 11-for-26 passing.   Then late in the first half Robinson threw an interception that was returned and he had to make saving tackle with a loud collision that sent both players flying.

Michigan was outmanned from the start with the Crimson Tide rolling out to an early 1st quarter 21 - 0 lead.  Michigan would score a late 2nd quarter touchdown from Denard Robinson on a 6 yard run.  Michigan would also start the game without two key players who would serve a one game suspension from Head Coach Brady Hoke for some out of season problems.   Michigan now must re-group and look to accomplish one of its goals to win the Big Ten title and that starts this weekend with the Air Force Falcons coming to Michigan Stadium.