We’ve been perplexed by this story for a whole week, so now we feel compelled to ask the inevitable question: Why Michael Strahan? ABC won’t confirm the change, but the rest of the world seems to think that the former New York Giants defensive end and current on-air pigskin analyst will soon become Kelly Ripa‘s new counterpart on “Live.”

We’re experiencing some mixed emotions here: Relief that it wasn’t Seacrest yet again tinged with a little sadness on behalf of Pat Kiernan and a secret hope that the job might still go to Greg Kelly of “Good Day New York,” also known as the Unlikely Voice of Reason.

But really, why Michael Strahan?

Sure, he’s about as far from Regis as one can possibly be, so that’s a plus. He has a sense of humor, which is absolutely necessary. And he’s popular…in the sports world. At the same time, we don’t see much overlap between the audience for “Live!” and the audience for “Fox NFL Sunday.” Note to ABC: If you’re trying to get men aged 25-59 to watch morning variety shows, we feel like you may just be out of luck.

So what was ABC thinking here? Help us out!