It's been a rough year for Detroit. Motown's mayor was forced to resign as part of a plea in which he also pled guilty to two felony counts of obstruction of justice. The cornerstone of its once-vibrant economy teeters on the verge of collapse even after a multibillion-dollar bailout by taxpayers. The city's population has declined every decade since the 1950s and a third of its residents live below the federal poverty line. Michigan had its worst season ever; the Lions are one loss away from the worst record in NFL history. Mitch Albom and Rob Parker remain prominent sports columnists at major newspapers that can no longer afford home delivery.

Now, more than ever, beleaguered residents of the Motor City need the magic of a showdown between Central Michigan and Florida Atlantic.

In the midst of Chrysler's monthlong shutdown, at least Motown has a momentary escape via CMU quarterback Dan LeFevour's MAC-leading 306 yards per game in total offense. Through large swatches of downtown remain burned, vacant and condemned sweeps the sheer thrill of a Florida Atlantic attack that topped 40 points in three of its last four games. Factory workers unsure of their future can look on the swanky threads of ever dapper Owl coach Howard Schnellenberger not with envy, but with the aspiration that comes with knowing, somehow, some way, a prideful people will pull themselves up by their bootstraps and into a coat, tie and easy manner all their own -- soon, Coach Schnellenberger, Detroit, too, will be dressed to the nines again.

In the meantime, just put on a show, you valiant also-rans of the Sun Belt and MAC. Leave your hearts in Ford Field tonight. Do more than you think you can. Throw the ball high, throw it long and do your part, however small, to help heal this wounded artery of American industry.