Looking Back is a Special Feature by Jeff Cummins Highlighting Key Games
The third installment takes us back to 1969. The previous season would have been considered quite successful by many teams, but a season-ending loss left a bitter feeling for the Michigan football community. Bump Elliott resigned following the 1968 season, and athletic director Don Canham needed to replace him. Numerous coaches and university officials throughout college football sang the praises of Bo Schembechler, prompting Canham to hire him. Few at Michigan knew who Schembechler was, and a local newspaper ran the headline, โBo Who?โ
The Michigan players learned about Bo very quickly. He ran grueling practices that prompted players to question their life decisions. Many simply gave up, but others stayed, and formed the nucleus of a team that would make 1969 one of the most memorable seasons in Michigan history.
Bo also benefited from a talented core of returning players. Elliott might have had difficulty winning certain games, but he built a solid roster, and Bo made the most of it. Michigan benefited from standout performers including tight end Jim Mandich and running back Billy Taylor, as well as scrappy players like nose tackle Henry Hill.
The modern era of Michigan football began on Sept. 20, 1969. Vanderbilt emerged from the tunnel first, but Michigan scored first when Garvie Craw scored on a 1-yard run. In the second quarter, Glenn Doughty took a handoff, broke several tackles and ran 80 yards for a Michigan touchdown to increase the Wolverinesโ lead to 14-0. Michigan won, 42-14, and left no doubt that the Wolverines were in good hands with Schembechler at the helm. There were several bumps on the road as the season unfolded, but Boโs vision for his team was clear: The Wolverines would run when they had the ball, and stop the run on defense.
The 1969 Wolverines would go on to earn one of the biggest victories in the history of Michigan football. For now, it was enough that the Schembechler era got off to a good start. Other goals would be accomplished in due time.
Thanks to YouTube poster Jess Chabot for the highlight film of the 1969 Michigan game vs. Vanderbilt. As always, we own nothing and do not profit from this blog post.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=a-blBLT8IXo&themeRefresh=1
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