WESTLAND -- The congregation sits in silence, leaving Taysom Hill's scooter and some crying toddlers as the only sounds in the Westland Stake Center.
Hill's knee is propped up on the steerable walker. A season-ending foot injury three weeks ago claimed the star quarterback's Heisman Trophy campaign, so he pushes himself across toward the microphone with his good leg, arriving with a smile.
Speaking to a crowd of over 1,000 "brothers and sisters," he cites a Bible passage -- Matthew 11:28-30 -- sharing how it represents the support he's received of late.
Then, gazing over the room, Hill adds, "But in the long run, the relationship of real value has been the one I've had with the Savior." Behind him, 50 or so more Brigham Young University football players nod their heads.
"As difficult as this has been, the Lord will provide blessings to make up for it," Hill says.
Many University of Michigan fans around here like to say college football is a religious experience.
This gives the idea a whole new meaning.
A tradition since 2005, BYU football -- U-M's opponent Saturday at Michigan Stadium (Noon, TV: ABC) -- holds what's call a fireside the evening before every home and away game. One of the most unique and unknown (outside Mormon circles) customs in college football, the events are distinguished by having nothing to do with football. BYU is owned and operated by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and these night-before firesides, the brainchild of coach Bronco Mendenhall, are a means for the mission.
"Yeah, I have no idea if the folks at Michigan have any idea this is going on," said Remington Peck, a BYU senior defensive lineman, referring to the Wolverine football team, not the 43,000-plus LDS members in the state.
Friday night's gathering begins at 7 p.m. As some young churchgoers toss footballs in the tall grass of the Stake Center's front lawn, dirtying up their dress shirts and polos, a loud rumble comes from down the road. "Look!" one hollers, pointing down Hix Road, "They're coming!"
Two coach buses appear, hanging a left into the parking lot. Footballs are discarded as kids give chase.
This is no pep rally. If anything, the Michigan Wolverines are incidental acolytes of something much larger. Saturday's game is not once mentioned. Only the players sing the closing hymn; standing with eyes straight ahead.
"And we will be the Lord's missionaries. To bring the world his truth."
This is football at Brigham Young. After spending 20 minutes outside the Westland Stake Center signing autographs and posing pictures -- a reminder of their athletic status -- Mendenhall and his players board the buses. Cheers ring out and thumbs go up. One woman yells, "You can do it!" Despite all the optimism, the Cougars are still 6.5-point underdogs on Saturday.
It's fair to say the faithful believe.
Brendan F. Quinn covers University of Michigan basketball and football. Follow him on Twitter for the latest on Wolverines hoops. He can be contacted at bquinn@mlive.com
Follow MLive's Michigan coverage on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram