The tales of two cities, but one of them might as well be a sequel.

It was the best of times, the worst of times, in East Lansing on Saturday and Detroit on Sunday.

Both days showed promise - the age-old tradition of the Fighting Irish and Spartans and the christening of Ford Field in regular play. College football’s most heralded wide receiver, Spartan junior Charles Rogers, would have his chance to prove himself in a national spotlight. A day later, the kid, Lions rookie quarterback Joey Harrington, would have his chance, too.

For football fans in Michigan it’s become custom to chew their nails, grind their teeth and sweat in the Michigan cold - they would do all three on both days.

As if it was déj