- When players ask, they should receive. Players make it obvious when they need you the most, waving their arms up and down, begging for more noise. So follow their lead. During Saturday’s game, the kickoff team tried to pump up the crowd prior to every kick, only to be largely ignored. Waving your hat isn’t enough … so open your mouth and make some noise!

- Notre Dame or Eastern, the Big House should be rockin’: I’m not delusional. I know the Big House will be especially hyped for rivalry games, and that’s part of what makes those matchups special. But this doesn’t mean that the fans should take the other games off. Last year’s San Diego State game proved that any team can give Michigan a run for its money. Fans are quick to blame the Wolverines for looking past lowly opponents, and then do the same thing when Eastern Michigan or Illinois rolls into Ann Arbor.

Be proud, Michigan students. Consider the post-game sore throat a battle wound, and dull the pain with some alcohol afterwards. Worry about the opposite sex after the game. For three hours, on seven Saturdays a year, the team you love (and I know you love them) needs you. Show them you care.

— Matt Singer will happily buy throat lozenges for anyone who leaves the Big House with a sore throat on Saturday. He can be reached at mattsing@umich.edu.