Michigan Is Paying $1.1 Million To Bring In Air Force

On Friday, the Air Force Falcons and Michigan Wolverines agreed to play Sept. 8, 2012 in Ann Arbor, Mich. with the Wolverines shelling out $1.1 million to bring in the Falcons. The deal took some time since Air Force was uncertain if they would be playing eight or nine conference games since the Mountain West is going to have 10 teams starting in 2012.

Michigan's Athletic Director David Brandon was very persistent in trying to get Air Force to play Michigan and once the Mountain West announced that in 2012 and 2013 they would be playing eight conference games the negotiations moved forward with Air Force's Athletic Director Hans Mueh agreeing to play at Michigan:

"They kept pushing and calling and asking," Mueh said. "I got the sense they really wanted us and were going to make it a special event. We're excited. It's a great opportunity to play in the Big House. "We were honored to do that. Dave Brandon was up front about it and said, "We respect Air Force and want you to come play here.' It [sic] was very honored for them to pursue us the way they did."

This finalizes the Falcons non-conference schedule with their usual games against Army and Navy with the final game being against Idaho State the week prior to playing Michigan.

Air Force To Visit Michigan In Ann Arbor For 2012 Season

Michigan's athletic director, Dave Brandon, announced on Friday afternoon that the school has scheduled a 2012 home game with the Air Force Falcons. It is a one-game deal that will take place on Sept. 8, the second week of the season. Michigan opens its season against the Alabama Crimson Tide, while the Falcons host the Idaho Vandals on Sept. 1.

In 2010, the Falcons played the Oklahoma Sooners in Norman and fell short of a late win, losing 27-24. Air Force is a mid-major team not to be taken likely.

The Falcons also play their annual service academy rivals, the Navy Midshipmen and the Army Black Knights. The latter game will be played at the New Yankee Stadium on Nov. 3. The Falcons won the Commander-In-Chief Trophy in 2010 and will hopefully still have it in two years.

The rest of Air Force' 2012 in-conference schedule has yet to have its dates finalized, but they will host games against the Boise St. Broncos, the Colorado St. Rams and the New Mexico Lobos. Their road games will be against the San Diego St. Aztecs, the UNLV Rebels and the Wyoming Cowboys.