Bob Wojnowski

In a move that stunned many, Belleville High School star Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the country, gave UM the moment it needed Thursday.

The Lions score more than any team in the NFL, but they didn’t become Super Bowl favorites just because of their fancy-schmancy offense.

It looked easy, too easy. Then it turned messy, too messy.

As The Game looms Saturday down in the smelly old ‘Shoe, the expectation is different. The Buckeyes are 10-1 and plotting a return to national prominence.

It was ugly and cold and violent, right to the end. Just the way the Wolverines like it. And as we’ve learned, just the way the Buckeyes hate it.

No game in NFL history has held the stakes and circumstances the Lions and Vikings are about to encounter on Sunday at Ford Field.

The Lions are at peak captivation level, in a sweet spot as Super Bowl favorites and embraceable underdogs at the same time.

Nobody figured they’d be here, but the truth is, the Wolverines went about as far as they possibly could in Dusty May’s first season.

The moment was right there, in the air, up for grabs. And then it was gone, snatched by the star/villain of the series.

The Tigers’ unflappability has been tested before, and if it’s about to be tested again, it won’t be the last time.