Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Games

The fifth installment of the series examining the first games of Michigan coaches takes us to 2015. By the end of the 2014 football season, Michigan was in desperate need of change. Once again, optimism had faded into disappointment, with even a tinge of embarrassment. The fan base clamored for a coach who could restore confidence, belief, and success.

That December, a Michigan graduate close to the athletic department sent out a text to a blogger. He’d just seen a potential coach with the initials “JH” enter Schembechler Hall. On Dec. 30, 2014, Michigan hired Jim Harbaugh as the next head coach of the Michigan Wolverines. It would be an understatement to say that Harbaugh rejuvenated the fan base immediately.

Harbaugh returned to Michigan as a veritable “prodigal son.” A Michigan graduate who played for Bo Schembechler in the 1980s, Harbaugh had been critical of his alma mater on occasion. More important, he was a winner who had succeeded at the highest levels, and he brought instant credibility to the Michigan football program.

On Sept. 3, 2015, Michigan entered Rice-Eccles Stadium in Salt Lake City to begin the Jim Harbaugh era with a visit to Utah. Michigan alumni traveled to Utah in droves, and there were numerous spots of maize and blue throughout the stadium. Local news reports indicated Michigan fans had been spending a lot of money at nearby restaurants, and tipping well. The excitement around Harbaugh’s return was palpable, and even Utah residents appreciated the enthusiasm. Once the game began, Utah wasn’t so hospitable.

The Utes had an established roster, and they were able to open holes for Devontae Booker and Travis Wilson, enabling Utah to take a 17-3 lead in the third quarter. Gradually, Michigan woke up. Quarterback Jake Rudock connected with Jake Butt and Amara Darboh for a pair of touchdowns, but the Wolverines were never able to close the gap, and Utah won, 24-17.
Still, the tenacity that Michigan showed in the second half made it clear that Harbaugh was the right person to lead the Wolverines, and he eventually led them back to college football Valhalla.

Harbaugh’s counterpart, Kyle Whittingham, defeated Michigan for the third team in three attempts as Utah coach. Each time, I remember thinking “I wish that guy was on our side.” Now, he is. Tomorrow, we’ll see his first game as Michigan coach, and get a better idea where he’ll take the football program.

Thanks to Fox Sports and YouTube poster College Football Archive for the following broadcast of the 2015 Michigan game against Utah. As always, we own nothing and do not profit from this blog post in any way.

This and other great content can be found at newyorkwolverine.com

Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Games

The fourth installment of this series examining the first games of Michigan coaches takes us to 1995. Before the season even began, 1995 had been a tumultuous year for Michigan. Gary Moeller resigned due to an off-field incident, and athletic director Joe Roberson hired defensive coordinator Lloyd Carr, but only on an interim basis.

Carr was thoroughly qualified to be a head coach, having served as Michigan’s defensive coordinator since 1987. In addition, Carr had been assistant head coach for the past five seasons. Nothing about the job would surprise him.

Still, the offseason left Michigan followers with an uneasy feeling, which only got worse when the Virginia Cavaliers jumped out to a 17-0 lead on a brutally hot day in the Pigskin Classic at Michigan Stadium.

Michigan followers, both fans and alumni, couldn’t be blamed for fearing the worst. Michigan was facing a large deficit in a season opener at Michigan Stadium. That’s not the sort of start that develops a lot of confidence.

Gradually, Carr’s Wolverines began to make plays, notably Mercury Hayes, who wrestled a ball away from a defensive back when the game seemed all but lost. Hayes’ tenacity ignited a spark in his teammates, who fought back with what felt like a sense of anger. Was there enough time left for them to pull off a miracle?

With time left for just one play, Michigan had the ball at Virginia’s 15-yard line. Scott Dreisbach faded back and threw a fade pass into the far corner of the north end zone. Hayes caught the ball, and managed to get one foot in bounds. Just like that, Michigan won. The only time Michigan had the lead was when time had run out. In one play, Hayes made himself a name for the ages among the Michigan faithful, and the Wolverines had won arguably the most exciting season opener in their illustrious history.

The victory also proved to be an outstanding first step for Carr’s Wolverines, and by November, the interim tag been removed from his title. Lloyd Carr was head coach of the Michigan Wolverines, and he was here to stay.

By now it’s common knowledge that Carr led the Wolverines to heights they had not achieved in decades. At the time, it required a leap of faith. After a win like that, Michigan supporters were more than happy to put a little faith in Lloyd Carr.

Thanks to ABC Sports and YouTube poster RXwolverine2 for the broadcast of this game. As always, we own nothing, and we do not profit in any way from this blog post.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7NpTXz_q6mM

This and other great content can be found at newyorkwolverine.com