The FAA’s grounding of flights across the U.S. has created a messy travel picture for a handful of Michigan teams, but most of the state’s major pro and college clubs appear to be in the clear. The one big question mark, as of 6:30 p.m. Friday, Nov. 13, is in East Lansing.
Michigan State was set to host Washington in a Big Ten football game at 4:15 p.m. Saturday, and the Spartans are already in place.
The Huskies, though, have not yet left Seattle, which puts the game in doubt. The timing makes things even trickier: there isn’t much room to slide the matchup around this weekend or early next week, since MSU is also scheduled to host Oregon on Friday, Nov.
Michigan’s teams, meanwhile, are mostly settled. The Wolverines traveled to Eugene on Thursday and are on track for their football game against Oregon at 3:30 p.m.
Saturday. The only potential issue still ahead for U-M is the men’s basketball team’s home game against William & Mary, which is supposed to tip at 2 p.m.
Sunday. William & Mary is coming from Virginia.
The Detroit Lions are already overseas and should be unaffected. They’re in Munich, Germany, where they’re scheduled to “host” the New England Patriots at 9:30 a.m. ET Sunday at Allianz Arena.
The Pistons also seem to be fine. They already flew to Miami before Saturday night’s game after playing the Washington Wizards in D.C. on Thursday night.
And the Red Wings, who are in the middle of a longer road swing, have already made it to Tampa. They played the Florida Panthers on Thursday in the southeast part of the state and are set to face the Tampa Bay Lightning on Saturday night. After that, they’ll have time to get back to Detroit before their next game, which is scheduled for Nov. 18 against the Boston Bruins at Little Caesars Arena.
In Other News...
Dan Campbell Had Lions Fans Cracking Up Before Patriots Clash
Dan Campbell brought a little levity to the Lions week in Munich before the matchup with the Patriots, turning a routine press conference into something closer to a comedy bit. The Detroit coach poked fun at his own limited German, then told a story about trying to work a German profanity into a motivational phrase, a reminder that even on a business trip overseas, Campbell still finds a way to keep things loose.
He also said he planned to sample German beer during the visit, adding another small detail to a trip that has already given Lions fans plenty to smile about. For a team trying to stay focused on football in an unfamiliar setting, Campbells humor offered a familiar touch, the kind of personality that has become part of Detroits identity under his watch. [Read more 🡒]
Dan Campbell Just Gave Lions Fans Another Reason To Love This Team
Dan Campbell spent part of the Lions trip to Germany doing what he does best: leaning into the identity of his team and the city it represents. Speaking with foreign reporters in Munich, the Detroit coach talked about the hard-working nature that connects his roster to its fan base, a theme that has become central to the way he has built the Lions.
Campbell also took a moment to acknowledge the supporters who made the trip overseas to be part of the experience, another reminder of how far this franchises reach has grown. Before the team heads back to Detroit, he even said he planned to try a German beer, a small detail that fits the kind of grounded, relatable presence that has made him such a favorite in the first place. [Read more 🡒]
Lions Head To Germany With Amon-Ra Uncertainty Hanging Over Offense
Amon-Ra St. Browns status has become one of the biggest storylines as the Lions head to Germany, where the offense could be asked to adjust on the fly. The star receiver is listed as questionable because of a rib injury, though he did take part in practice on a limited basis and made clear he was excited for the chance to play overseas.
Detroit is also navigating a few other absences before the trip, with running back Sione Vaki questionable after a limited practice week. On the other side of the ledger, cornerback D.J. Reed, center Cade Mays and safety Kerby Joseph have been ruled out and did not travel with the team, leaving the Lions to manage both availability and depth in a game with added international spotlight. [Read more 🡒]