Detroit Sports: Football Fuels October Across the State

Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) looks over the Michigan Wolverines defense during the 1st quarter of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 17, 2015; Ann Arbor, MI, USA; Michigan State Spartans linebacker Riley Bullough (30) looks over the Michigan Wolverines defense during the 1st quarter of a game at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mike Carter-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Detroit sports calendar for October 2016 is highlighted by rivalry football and the start of the Detroit Pistons and Detroit Red Wings seasons.

Here is what local sports fans have to look forward to this month.

Saturday, October 1

The Michigan State Spartans look to bounce back from last week’s loss to Wisconsin with a game at Indiana (8:00 p.m. ET, Big Ten Network).

Wisconsin makes a second-straight trip to the State of Michigan, this time to take on the Wolverines at the Big House (3:30 p.m. ET, ABC).

In a big MAC opener, Western Michigan travels to Central Michigan (7 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network) after both teams pulled off wins over Power 5 teams in non-conference play. While the loser can’t be counted out of the MAC West race, the winner will be in good shape to compete for a spot in the MAC Championship Game.

Sunday, October 2

The Detroit Lions put their six-game winning streak against the Chicago Bears on the line at Soldier Field (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

The Detroit Tigers wrap up the regular season with a game at the Atlanta Braves.

Tuesday, October 4

AL Wild Card Game, which may or may not include the Detroit Tigers.

Thursday, October 6

AL Division Series begins, which, again, may or may not include the Detroit Tigers.

Saturday, October 8

Michigan State wraps up their non-conference schedule with a home game vs. BYU (3:30 p.m. ET).

Michigan finally plays away from Michigan Stadium when they travel to Rutgers (8:00 p.m. ET).

Sunday, October 9

The Detroit Lions start a three-game stretch of home games when they host the Philadelphia Eagles (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

Thursday, October 13

Detroit Red Wings regular season hockey is back when they open on the road against the Tampa Bay Lightning.

Saturday, October 15

Michigan State steps back into Big Ten play for good with a home game vs. Northwestern

Sunday, October 16

The Lions host the relocated Los Angeles Rams (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

Monday, October 17

The Detroit Red Wings play the final home opener at Joe Louis Arena when they take on the Ottawa Senators.

Saturday, October 22

Michigan State hits the road to take on Maryland.

Michigan football returns from their bye week with a home game vs. Illinois.

Western Michigan plays their second in-state conference game of the month when they host Eastern Michigan.

Sunday, October 23

The Lions end their three-game homestand against the Washington Redskins (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

Wednesday, October 26

The Detroit Pistons get their 2016-2017 regular season under way with a road game against the Toronto Raptors.

Friday, October 28

The Pistons open the home portion of their schedule against the Orlando Magic.

Saturday, October 29

The likes of Western Michigan, Central Michigan and Eastern Michigan got in-state rivalry football going earlier in the month but college football in October closes with Michigan at Michigan State.

Sunday, October 30

For the first time in four weeks, the Lions hit the road when they play at Houston (1 p.m. ET, FOX).

Next: Top 5 Detroit Lions Games Over Last 20 Years

What are you most looking forward to in October?