Michigan vs. Florida State, Orange Bowl 2016: Time, live stream, TV schedule, and 3 things to know

Maybe we should call this the blue bowl, because there are straight up Blue bloods in this year’s Orange Bowl. Florida State and Michigan meet in Miami in what is an interesting matchup.

One team (Michigan) nearly lived up to lofty expectations, coming just one win away from a Big Ten Championship berth and the doorstep of the Playoff. Florida State came into this season with all the talent in the world, but was unable to gel early in the season and suffered an embarrassing loss against Louisville before getting tripped up at home against North Carolina and losing to Clemson, as well.

Jimbo Fisher is fresh off of another coaching carousel cycle that sees him rumored for big jobs across the country, including LSU. But the FSU head man will stay in Tallahassee after it was announced that he’ll get an extension that could see him get $55 million. He’ll be opposite Jim Harbaugh in what is one of the better coaching matchups anywhere this bowl season.

How to watch, stream and listen

TV: 8 p.m. ET, ESPN. The announcers are Steve Levy, Brian Griese, and Todd McShay.

Radio: Florida State and Michigan.

Online streaming: WatchESPN.

Spread: Michigan opened as a 7-point favorite.

Make friends: SB Nation’s Tomahawk Nation covers FSU, while Maize n Brew covers Michigan.

1. Will Harbaugh get to witness tradition? Noted wacky guy Jim Harbaugh gave some interesting comments about Florida State’s traditions at the bowl press conference in early December. He said of the FSU tradition involving the Noles’ live mascot planting a spear at midfield. “I want to see that. That’s one of the cool things ... We have cool things and other teams have cool things, but that is right up there as one of the coolest things.” FSU’s associate AD said that Harbaugh will get his wish.

2. Should Dalvin Cook suit up? One of the main storylines of bowl season has been which players aren’t playing in bowl games for their teams. As a talented running back whom many expect to go to the NFL Draft, it would make sense for Cook to sit for the Orange Bowl. But although he’s been nursing an injury most of the season, there are no plans for Cook to sit out this game (much to the chagrin of Michigan fans everywhere). it goes to show that sitting out bowls is just a “to each his own” situation.

3. The last ride for many Michigan men. A whole bunch of players will have their last hurrahs against the Noles. There are 43 seniors on Michigan’s team who will suit up in the maize and blue for the last time. For the draft eligible juniors like Jabrill Peppers, this could also be the last time they play for the Wolverines. Next season’s roster will look nothing like it does in the Orange Bowl, but can Michigan send out a hefty senior class with a win?