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Arkansas displeased with Michigan for series cancellation

Beth Hall-US PRESSWIRE

Michigan against Notre Dame. The two programs announced Thursday that they will renew their rivalry with games in 2018 and 2019, but it came at the expense of Arkansas.

The Wolverines replaced the Razorbacks on their schedule with the Irish and Arkansas athletic director Jeff Long isn't too happy with Michigan.

Long shared his thoughts with Trey Biddy of HawgSports.com:

Primarily, we are disappointed in Michigan's timing in pulling out of a non-conference football series between the SEC and the Big Ten that has been set for four years. While there are many other quality opponents that would help us strengthen our non-conference schedule, the late notice of Michigan's cancellation makes securing those games substantially more difficult. Our focus will be to find a program that welcomes the opportunity to compete against a nationally respected program in the most competitive conference in college football.

Razorbacks head coach Bret Bielema was equally frustrated with the Wolverines' decision.

“I’m definitely disappointed,” Bielema told the Chicago Tribune. “It was going to be an opportunity to play one of my favorite teams from the Big Ten.”

Arkansas didn't leave empty-handed as Michigan reportedly had to pay $2 million for cancelling the series.

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