"There might be some trouble at the Big House for a proposed Maple Leafs-Red Wings Winter Classic.

University of Michigan Athletic Director Dave Brandon told the Detroit News earlier this week that an outdoor game at the school's football stadium held before as many as 100,000 people could encounter scheduling conflicts and other hiccups.

"When we were approached (by the NHL), I thought this could be a great opportunity. But boy, doesn't it have a lot of complications, and I still feel that way," Brandon told the paper.

"They play it on Jan. 1. It's a holiday, a long time after the stadium's closed up. And, everybody is out of town, and I hope, in fact, a lot are at a bowl game watching our football team."

With all the media, the university's hierarchy would presumably want a presence at the Classic in Ann Arbor, have its staff involved and be able to convey the whole college-sports spirit for the cameras. That would be tough if a road bowl game is going on at the same time."