ESPN's College Gameday Headed To Ann Arbor, Draws Mixed Reaction

It's normally an exciting thing when ESPN's College Gameday crew comes to your city, but the folks in Ann Arbor aren't expected to be all that welcoming to the network this weekend.

The negative response from Michigan fans stems from the fact that several members of the ESPN network have been leading the charge to have Michigan's season derailed due to the sign-stealing controversy. Rece Davis, one of the hosts of College Gameday, referred to Michigan as "cheaters and best." Stephen A. Smith, one of the loudest voices (literally) on ESPN, called for the conference to ban Michigan from the Big Ten Championship. Paul Finebaum, who never turns down an opportunity to take a shot at Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Football program, recently said he'll refuse to acknowledge the Wolverines as national champions if they happen to win it all this year.

Just announced: ESPN's @CollegeGameDay will be in Ann Arbor next week - 10th trip all-time to 'The Game' and 15th visit to a @UMichFootball home game. pic.twitter.com/UapytvO3eb
— bill hofheimer (@bhofheimer_espn) November 18, 2023

As a result of the constant negative coverage coming from the network, Michigan fans are expected to voice their displeasure loud and clear when the Gameday crew arrives to Ann Arbor on Saturday.

Here's just a small sample of the reaction:

No thanks.#GoBlue https://t.co/sKJSXVhcOC
— The Winged Helmet (@TWH_Chris) November 20, 2023

Michigan fans should show up en masse and boo so loudly the entire time, it’s inaudible. #GoBlue 〽️ https://t.co/EXYFIoaiz6
— Bart D. ⛳️ (@HeyCoachBart) November 18, 2023

https://t.co/bkGwsGA99f pic.twitter.com/qKDgfv6FkK
— Matt Missler (@TheMizOnAir) November 18, 2023

Go somewhere else https://t.co/71DY2lHcNo
— Cody French (@CoachCodyFrench) November 18, 2023

May I suggest a hearty chorus of 🖕 every time Rece, Thamel, Finebaum, or Dinich attempts speaking https://t.co/0UthpRw94F
— Due# (@JDue51) November 19, 2023

Oh, man. I'm not sure what ESPN expects from the crowd at that show, but yikes. https://t.co/TiEtdPhXap
— Trevor McCue (@trevormccue) November 18, 2023

Everyone bring air horns!!!! Only let @DesmondHoward talk!!! 〽️〽️ https://t.co/Omg3EtvBez
— GBD (@GoBlueDET) November 19, 2023

While some within the Michigan fanbase are advocating for folks to boycott the production altogether, there are others who are encouraging Michigan fans to show up and be disruptive when it comes to their thoughts on how the network has covered the program.

Either way you cut it, ESPN's pregame coverage in Ann Arbor on Saturday will certainly make for an interesting setting.