That State of Football in Michigan

Michigan is a proud hard working State that loves it's football. You are either Maize and Blue, or Green and White, and still root for the Lions on Sunday. A home weekend could see 100,000-plus in Ann Arbor, 60,000-plus in East Lansing, and another 60,000 at Ford Field on Sunday.

But just like the economy and the auto industry, the football in the Great Lakes State has taken a turn for the worst. The State has five Division I college teams, and of course one professional football team. Their combined record this year is 21-30, with only two teams over .500.

So whose the best college football team in the State? This list may surprise a few:

1. Central Michigan: 7-2 Lost to BC this weekend 31-10


2. Michigan State: 4-5 Lost to Minnesota this weekend 42-34


3. University of Michigan: 5-4 Lost to Illinois 38-13


4. Western Michigan: 4-5 Lost t0 Kent State 26-14


5. Eastern Michigan: 0-8 Lost to Arkansas 63-27

Detroit Lions are 1-6, and lost to the Rams 17-10.

The state's teams went 0-6 this weekend, and gave up a combined 217 points. Where's the defense? What is going on with football in this state? There's only one team that is bowl eligible, and they may be the only one representing the State of Michigan this year in a post season game.

To be fair, the Wolverines and Spartans are not holding up their end of the bargain. They both had embarrassing loses this weekend to inferior opponents. Both programs are heading for a 6-6 year. Michigan will have to beat Purdue on Saturday to get to six wins, and State has Western Michigan, Purdue, and Penn State left on their schedule.

This state needs a pick me up, and it doesn't look like the Lions, Pistons, or Red Wings are going to do it this year. Michigan and MSU need to start playing with some pride and tradition. This weekend was embarrassing all around