Sept 21, 2001

By LARRY LAGE
AP Sports Writer

ANN ARBOR (AP) - Watching a game at Michigan Stadium will never be the same.

After last week's terrorists attacks, it will take longer to enter the stadium as an increased security presence attempts to ensure safety by searching bags and purses.

As they walk to their seats, fans may notice U.S. flags have replaced Big Ten flags on the rim of stadium. Half the proceeds from special-edition programs, at $10 apiece, will go to a relief fund.

When players from both No. 20 Michigan and Western Michigan run onto the field, they will do so through a sea of red, white and blue flags.

There will be U.S. flags stitched in jerseys and coaches' shirts.

"I think during the national anthem, when both teams will be on the field, which hasn't happened in the past, we'll see a lot of emotion," Michigan athletic director Bill Martin said.

The familiar sight of airplanes dragging advertisements will be just a memory. The Federal Aviation Administration has banned all aircraft from flying within 3 miles of major professional and college sporting events and any other large open-air gathering.

Emotions will likely be stirred in another way at halftime. The Michigan band will play "God Bless America" and "Battle Hymn of the Republic," and will join Western Michigan's band to perform "America the Beautiful."

Michigan coach Lloyd Carr believes Michigan Stadium will be an excellent venue for people to gather in the wake of the tragedy.

"I don't think there's anything in our society that can unify people like college football on a college campus," Carr said.

On the field, the Wolverines (1-1) try to move on after their 23-18 loss at Washington two weeks ago.

"It put a damper on our season," Michigan's Shantee Orr said. "But we still have a chance to win a Big Ten championship and possibly the national title. We still have a bitter taste in our mouth, but we'll go out there and win every game."

The Broncos (1-1) have been one of the best Mid-American Conference teams in recent years, but come off a 31-0 loss at No. 9 Virginia Tech two weeks ago.

"You have two football teams that need a win," Western Michigan coach Gary Darnell said. "Both programs are used to winning.

"Virginia Tech brought their `A game' and I don't think we'll see anything less from Michigan. We hope to be able to force Michigan to have to do their best to beat us."

This will mark just the third meeting between these schools and the first since 1943. Michigan has never lost to a MAC team and Western Michigan, which will be playing in front its largest crowd, has never beaten a ranked opponent.

Carr realizes Michigan will have to match the Broncos' intensity because they will be playing with something to prove.

"You play against some guys who maybe don't like Michigan because we didn't recruit them," Carr said, "so they have an opportunity to prove we made a mistake. Its an opportunity for Western to beat Michigan. They have a lot to play for, they have a lot of pride. We're forewarned about that."