Michigan Fans Aren't Pulling Punches

Div. I No. 5 falls to Div. I-AA 'rival'

(NEWSER) - In an upset for the ages, No. 5 Michigan fell to Appalachian State, the two-time defending champ of the division formerly known as 1-AA, before a dumbfounded crowd this afternoon in Ann Arbor, 34-32. Julian Rauch's 24-yard field goal gave Appalachian the lead with 26 seconds remaining, and the Mountaineers' Corey Lynch blocked Jason Gingell's FG attempt 20 seconds later. More»

NCAA football's greatest rivalry gets a reprieve

(NEWSER) - One of college football's greatest battles will be fought for another quarter century: the Notre Dame Fighting Irish are slated to play the Michigan Wolverines at least once per season until 2031. A previous contract had dictated the schools, which have played each other since 1978, would cease regularly scheduled competition in 2011. More»

There's a society for every taste

(NEWSER) - Looking to meet like-minded people as the new school year begins? Never fear—these days, there’s a club for everybody, the Detroit Free Press reports. A few of the oddest:

• Squirrel clubs. Both the University of Michigan and Western Michigan University offer societies aimed at interacting with our bushy-tailed friends.
• Tree Musketeers. Northern Michigan’s club welcomes those interested in learning to swing from tree to tree in the manner of Tarzan.

Colleges can't ignore race in admissions, say judges

(AP) - A federal appeals court today struck down Michigan's ban on the consideration of race and gender in college admissions, saying it burdens minorities and violates the Constitution. The 2-1 decision upends a sweeping law that forced the University of Michigan and other public schools to change admission policies. The 6th US Circuit Court of Appeals said the law, approved by voters in 2006, violates the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. Michigan pledged to appeal, and the case could end up in the Supreme Court. More»

(NEWSER) - The auto industry may be tanking, but Michigan has a new small-scale savior: Kid Rock Beer. A Michigan brewery has landed a tax credit to produce a line of beer with the rocker's name and image, the Detroit Free Press reports. It's expected to create about 400 new jobs in the state, and the beer should be in stores by mid-spring. More»