Podcast- 2015 Michigan Football- Michigan 28 Penn State 16 Game Commentary with Phil Callihan and Andy Andersen
Michigan vs Ohio State Football – Looking Back – 1957
This year, for the first game of the “Looking Back” series on the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, we’ll go back to 1957. Dwight D. Eisenhower was our president, the Korean War had ended several years before, the Vietnam War had yet to begin, and Americans enjoyed a rare combination of peace and affluence. A new phenomenon called “Rock and Roll” was appealing to American youth, and cities were experiencing a mass exodus, as many Americans entered the middle class for the first time and bought homes in the suburbs, and inevitably had children, lots and lots of children. And then there were the automobiles. Detroit certainly enjoyed the ‘50s, as the suburban American required an automobile to go almost everywhere.
Americans also found their attention increasingly turning to football. The 1957 iteration of “The Game” was notable, from a Michigan perspective, for only one thing: It marked the first time in the series that game attendance exceeded 100,000, which later became the standard for the rivalry.
As for the game itself, Michigan actually fared very well in the first half, leading at halftime, 14-10. The second half belonged to the Buckeyes, who scored three touchdowns to win, 31-14, but the game wasn’t the romp that score would seem to indicate. The Wolverines, led by Jim Pace, took a 7-0 lead when Pace scored on a 16-yard run. Ohio State responded promptly and tied the game on a Dick LeBeau run. (Yes, that Dick LeBeau, long-time Steelers defensive assistant.) Ohio State kicked a field goal a three-point lead, but when Jim Van Pelt connected with Brad Myers for a touchdown, Michigan went in at halftime with a 14-10 lead. Early in the third quarter, LeBeau put Ohio State ahead for good. Pace led Michigan with 164 yards on 22 carries, but it wasn’t enough, as the Buckeyes’ victory sent them to the Rose Bowl, where they beat Oregon 10-7, to claim the national championship, while Michigan finished with a 5-3-1 record.
So the ’57 football campaign ended poorly for everyone in the Great Lakes State, right? Well, not really. For once, Michiganders got a boost from their NFL team, and they rejoiced as their Lions trounced the Cleveland Browns, 59-14, to win the NFL championship. The championship also served to soothe the Wolverines’ loss to Ohio State, if not serve as outright revenge.
Couldn’t find any video of that game, so that will have to wait until next time.
M FOOTBALL 2015-HARBAUGH FUMES, TEAM SPUMES CONFIDENCE AS DEFENSE OWNS RED ZONE, AND OFFENSE ANSWERS FGs WITH TDS FOR THEIR NINTH WIN OF SEASON 28 TO 16.
Last Saturday the Wolverines traveled to the not always happy Happy Valley, Pennsylvania, determined to do nothing that would enhance the happiness therein, while paying another short visit to the huge, noisy, and sold out Beaver Football Stadium. Happy Valley was not happy when the Wolverines left clutching a 9 and 2 record, and their second Big Ten away victory in a row.
While Beaver Stadium is a little reminiscent of an old fashioned child’s toy, slightly resembling an “Erector” set in places, there is nothing childish or toy like about the level of football played there. The Beavers are 6 and 1 there this season, and they played tough Saturday.
But so did the Wolverines. The defense battered talented PSU QB Christian Hackenberg, and held PSU to 207-yards, with 70 on the ground. Hackenberg was 13 of 31 for 137-yards. PSU RB Barkley had 13 carries for 65 net yards. PSU was a measly 3 of 14 on third down, but they did convert 2 of 4 fourth down attempts.
Jake Rudock had a great day at QB for Michigan, completing 25 for 256-yards, even though he fumbled twice and threw an interception. He lost one fumble, but he recovered one and advanced the ball for a few yards. M outgained PSU 393 net to 207.
The Wolverines have had spectacular success in Beaver Stadium in 1997, and on other occasions as in 2006, when Alan Branch laid out PSU quarterbacks.
The defense has often carried its share of the load well in this game, and they did again. Chris Wormley and Taco Charlton had 14 tackles combines, and Jabril Peppers broke up three passes. They have a real aptitude for red zone stops.
No game was a more spectacular success by the Wolverines in Beaver Stadium, than 1997’s so-called “Judgment Day”. But in football what counts is what you have done have you done lately. The lately in this instance was a very needed and satisfying team win.
That this game was changed from 8:00 P.M. to noon was probably a benefit to the Wolverines. Penn State fans are as fervent as any, and they rock that stadium even more for night games. I suppose it would be apropos to say that the crowd’s enthusiasm ferments for night games, but they were already rabid for Saturday’s noon “white out”. Additionally, it was Senior day for 19 Seniors. Second year PSU Coach James Franklin now owns a 15-10 record.
As you know, Saturday’s game presented a very serious challenge to the quality of the Wolverine’s season. Those that have characterized the Wolverine’s current situation as a play-off game for each game remaining were spot on. PSU was the last regular season away game.
This week Wolverine fans were in the odd and distasteful position of having to root for Buckzilla. Unfortunately, it was to no avail, as the Spartans beat the formerly third ranked Bucks by a field goal in Columbus with a back-up QB. Go figure.
The Wolverine’s control of its own fortunes had slipped away with that now infamous, funky, last seconds, and failed M punt attempt resulting in their loss to MSU.
In last Saturday’s game, it was anticipated PSU would give the Wolverines a tussle, and they did.
The defensive line was considered the gem of PSU’s defense, and they were strong. The defensive backfield, while not a highly regarded as the D line, had usually been effective in spite of the earlier loss of Safety Jordan Lucas for the balance of the season.
RB Saquon Barkley had rolled up rush yardage of 836-yards to date. M’s rushing defense was reeling in recent games. M has no rusher with that kind of yardage. The M rushing game Saturday was anemic. Thirty attempts for 87-yards, and a long of 29-yards for a 2.9 average is the stuff of which losses are made.
But not Saturday, as tossing wide to the WRs replaced it. RB Smith contributed mightily in stiffening the pass pro, and also grabbed a couple of short passes at a critical time. Darboh grabbed 7 passes for 68-yards and a TD, and Jake Butt nabbed 5 for 66- yards, and a TD. Chesson, Smith, Grant, Williams, Way, Houma, and Jones all made catches, most of the short variety. This group, which we underrated so much at the onset of this season, is still rising, and has become the strength of the offense.
PSU’s standout RB Barkley, made his presence felt on the opening series of the game with a 56-yard run, and prospects were instantly looking bleak as to defensive effectiveness, but M safety Jarod Wilson stopped the run short of the goal line, and the defense held to force a FG. Don’t mess with Michigan in the red zone as they defend well when concentrated..
The Wolverines defense demonstrated their red zone dominance twice more with terrific stands. They stopped Barkley cold for the rest of the game after his 56-yard jaunt. Remarkably, he ran for only 14 more yards during the rest of the game, and managed only 70 net yards total.
Jehu Chesson has become indispensable to M’s fortunes, running and receiving, and Saturday he also recovered a fumble. A couple of completions to Jehu set up a 26-yard TD throw to TE Jake Butt. With M up 7 to 3, the 1st Quarter ended.
Both the good and the bad of the day showed up in that first quarter. Jake Rudock threw an interception to turn over possession at the PSU 35, and the penalty bug appeared. Overcoming this bad was the defense again proving they were for real by forcing a PSU punt after the interception.
PSU had the ball to start the 2nd Quarter. A 10-yard penalty hurt the Wolverines but Taco Charlton got it back with a ten yard sack to force a PSU punt.
No scoring happened in the rest of the 2nd quarter, until M managed to get a punt blocked. PSU got possession at the M 43. A 25-yard pass put the ball in the Michigan end zone and it was M-7, PSU-10.
This sparked Jake Rudock and the Michigan offense to answering with another perfect two minute drill. It was not for overtime in this game, but still important. Seven plays covered 70-yards, including a couple of key pass completions to D. Smith, and an11-yard pass to Amara Darboh in the end zone to make it M-14, PSU-10 at the half.
M received to start the 2nd half. A 12-yard Jordan Lewis return raised some expectations of M taking over the game, as did a pair of short completion to Darboh, and one each to Ways, Chesson, and Perry, but three incompletions spelled stall, and M punted.
This turned out to be a big deal for the Wolverines as the receiver called a fair catch and muffed the catch. Chesson was Jehu on the spot, recovering the football at the PSU 9. Peppers, Smith, and Houma all lugged for short yardage, with Sione finally breaking the plane for six on a one yard run, and it was M-21, PSU-10.
M’s defense diddled some on their next possession drawing consecutive major penalties, but then they held. The Wolverines were ticketed for 13 penalties for 117-yards. One of them were most perplexing. There was another targeting issue as it appeared Jake Rudock was hit nose on, and it wasn’t called. There was also a personal foul called on what seemed a legitimate hit on TV, but called low by the officials.
Coach Harbaugh did his best Bo Schembechler impression as he shed his coat, hat, and headset, and fumed on the sidelines. There is legitimate discussion whether this ultimately helps his cause or harms it, but one thing is certain. It lets his team absolutely know he has their six. I did not like the two calls either.
Additionally, I do not understand what was drawing the defensive line off sides so much. Just a hard count? The coaches will work that out.
M’s defense had held, but Jake Ruddock couldn’t hold on on the Wolverines next offensive possession. Onto the ball that is, as he was sacked. PSU started at M’s 42 after recovery of the fumble.
The 4th quarter started with the Beavers still in possession. They made the most of their gifted opportunity until they got to the M 6, where the Wolverines stopped them cold. The subsequent PSU FG made it M-21, PSU-13.
In about the middle of the 4th quarter, PSU moved to another FG. This time it covered 18-yards as the defense held again. Another escape had been earned by the Wolverine’s defense, as the two late stands forestalled 8 possible points. M-21, PSU-16.
Now came the extraordinary, and very timely 56-yard KO return of Jordan Lewis. Jehu Chesson rushed for 20 to the PSU 20. Jabril Peppers had a short run. Jake Butt caught a five yard pass. Finally D. Smith leaped high into the goal line pile, reaching to extend the ball though the plane, to score from the one.
The Final score of 28-16 was established, and it was all over but the final sacking, and one more M possession, where D. Smith clawed for 21-yards before the clock stopped ticking.
Nine wins for this team is a great accomplishment, but ten wins would be even better. It will be interesting to see how the Buckeyes handle their loss Saturday to the Spartans in Columbus.
While they will not be Number One in the country this season, and couldn’t lick the Spartans for all the marbles, the highly talented and well coached Buckeyes will be highly energized by just the sight of the M helmets.
The Bucks will be a tough out for the Wolverines as usual, but this year it should be extra intense on the part of the Wolverines. There is still so much for which to fight.
Go Blue!
Podcast- 2015 Michigan Football Michigan 48 Indiana 41 2OT Game Commentary with Phil Callihan and Andy Andersen
M FOOTBALL-2015: THE WOLVERINES BATTLE TO 2ND OVERTIME VICTORY OVER THE COMPETITIVE HOOSIERS FOR A FINAL OF 48-41.
Michigan’s Wolverines breezed into the Indiana Hoosier’s Memorial Stadium (52,929) with a history of solid accomplishment against the Hoosiers at their back, having bested them 64-9 over the years. They also had an abundance of solid accomplishment this season, sporting a 7 and 2 record with only one Big Ten loss this season while Indiana had not yet won a Big Ten game.
While the former was less result important than the latter, and both are impressive to an extent, the Wolverines had every reason to be wary of the Hoosiers for a number of reasons. History means nothing as each game is unique, and the Hoosiers have been playing their best against better competition. They have been losing this Big Ten Season, but coming close against Iowa, Michigan State, and Ohio State, and now the Wolverines.
Late in the fourth quarter Michigan bollixed a fine series in an attempt to score a go ahead TD on third and goal. Inexplicably they chose to run Drake Johnson outside, and he was easily stopped short of the goal. A field goal got the Wolverines on top again by a single point. It was 27-26.
Considering the course of this game it seemed very unlikely that that score would stand up, and it didn’t.
The hope at the time was that Michigan’s beleaguered run defense could finally get a stop, but they didn’t as the Hoosiers drove to what used to be called pay dirt, establishing a 27-34 point lead with a little over two minutes left in the fourth.
Jake Rudock was up to the ensuing two minute drill. Emulating Tom Brady a little, he hit Jehu Chesson with a games saving TD for the tie, and much to the absolute surprise and delight of M fans, they were still alive with but a couple of ticks remaining on the clock.
Rudock played the best game of his Michigan career. He has elevated his status from “care-taker” to a rising star at QB. He heaved 33 passes for 432-yards, and he set a Michigan school record by tossing 6 TDs. His only error was an interception he lofted late in the game. It fell short.
Jehu Chesson has become a force at wide receiver, setting a school record with four TD catches. The long anticipated downfield passing connection of Ruddock to a streaking Chesson is now a matter of fact. He made some difficult, and timely receptions. His talented fellow wide out, Amara Darboh presented his best Jason Avant impersonation of a possession receiver, by collaring 8 for 109-yards and moving the sticks on critical third downs. He made a great TD catch.
The wide receivers, long considered as more or less a liability, have proven to be one of the strengths of the offense. TE Jake Butt continues as a consistent offensive strength. He caught 7 for 82-yards. Chesson, Butt and Darboh carried their great play to overtime.
Saturday’s accolades belong to the offense as the defense struggled to stop the Hoosier running game. No longer will M’s defense be considered at the top of the national heap, but in spite of their poor tackling, they preserved the victory with a brilliant 4th down goal line in the 2nd overtime. The Hoosiers became so confident in their running game that they ran 8 straight times with good result.
Hoosier RB Howard, had a very good day against the Blue. He rushed 35 times for 238-yards and had 2 TDs on the ground and one in by air, both at critical times. This collapse of the Wolverines highly ranked defense against the Hoosier running game was a total surprise, but it will recover.
As everybody knows, a happenstance which elevated the importance of this game was the renewed life Michigan State’s loss at Nebraska a week ago provided the Wolverines.
It injected new hope into a possibility of the Wolverines making it to the Big Ten Championship Game in this, Harbaugh’s first season. It make this Indiana game as important as Penn State or Ohio State, regardless of the win/loss records of M, or their opponent. Aspiring championship teams have to win in November.
Practically moribund earlier this season, M’s championship hopes could only be realized if the Wolverines could win out. Their last three games of the season, Indiana, Penn State, and Ohio State each had to fall to realize the dream. With this win one third of the job is done. Thus the importance of beating the Hoosiers had assumed a level not imagined earlier. Injury concerns at RB and at nose tackle are grating. Both D. Smith and Drake Johnson were a little dinged, Isaac and Green were nowhere in sight, and the running game suffered, producing only 141 net yards.
Nose Tackle Ryan Glasgow did not play, and his absence was very noticeable. He is a player that makes those around him better. Obviously, this hurt the run defense more than I had hoped it would.
Michigan had not exactly blown away the opposition in away games, and that trend continued Saturday. For a while, the outcome was questionable, and it was questionable if the Wolverines could ever stop the Hoosiers from scoring, but they did when it counted most, with Delano Hill tapping the ball away at the goal line late in the second overtime on a fourth and goal to save the lead and the win.
While Indiana was credited with one of the better Big Ten offenses, their defense was not considered to be at the same hyper solid level, and they proved that Saturday. As they say, defense wins ball games, as does a lack of defense, but for the other side. Suffice it to say that Hoosier offensive prowess exceeded their defensive performance Saturday, as did that of the Wolverines. Aspects of both offenses were outstanding Saturday. Michigan totaled 581 net yards and the Hoosiers 527.
The Wolverines special teams surprised all by giving up more punt returns. A 51-yard TD return was the result of poor tackling on the edge as the runner slipped a tackle and got outside. Though improved over the Saturday before last in some respects, the unit again showed some rough edges on return coverages and a couple of low center snaps, one of which accounted for a missed field goal. This nearly caused a critical extra point miss which could have cost the game, but the kick hooked through.
The Wolverines have displayed some problems in pass defense at times, but Saturday they excelled, holding the best passing unit in the Big Ten to 220-yards.
Indiana had not presented an over whelming ground game this season, but as recorded above, it was more than adequate Saturday. At times, it simply seemed unstoppable. The Hoosiers have an outstanding hurry up offense and caught the Wolverines off guard a couple of times. The Wolverines wanted to avoid a shoot-out, but couldn’t. Michigan incurred more than their usual number of penalties this game.
The Wolverines scored first after stopping the receiving Hoosiers. Jehu Chesson caught two during the drive, one for 12-yards, and one for a 34 yard TD. IU then hit two FGs of 39 and 36-yards to make it M-7, IU-6 at the end of the first quarter.
The Hoosiers dominated time of possession 11.49 minutes to 3.11 for the Wolverines, but the Hoosiers were hindered by multiple false start penalties, and a 12-yard Wolverine sack.
M started the second quarter with a bang, driving for a second TD. Jake Butt caught one for 24-yards, and Jabrill Peppers showed again why he is one of the better players in the Big Ten with an 18–yard scamper. Jake Rudock ran for 19, and threw to Jehu Chesson for a 25-yard TD. M-14, IU-6. It looked like the Wolverines were in control with great offensive execution.
IU answered with another FG, this time from 51-yards to get within 3.
M answered with a D. Smith run for 16-yards, and a spectacular end zone reception by Jehu Chesson for 64-yards made it M-21, IU-9.
Hoosier QB Nate Sudfeld passed his team into the end zone via a 7-yarder to RB Jordan Howard, aided by an M penalty during the drive for Indiana’s first TD, and it was 21-16, and half time.
M received to start the second half. And it wasn’t pretty as Jabrill Peppers was thrown for an 8-yard loss on a jet sweep, and Channing Stripling couldn’t collar the IU punt returner who slipped his contain tackle, got outside and sped for a 51-yard TD to make it M-21, IU-16.
To make matters worse. Kenny Allen missed a FG because of a low snap, and IU got its next TD, to make it 24-26 Indiana, and Rudock threw a floater that came up short and was intercepted.
The miserable third quarter finally ended. Aided by a pass interference penalty, and a Jake Rudock scamper, M answered with a 78-yard drive which produced an Allen FG of 20-yards. The Blue led by one with about 6:30 left in the game.
RB Jordan Howard then took over for Indiana with consecutive carries, and scored with a rush from the IU twenty-five to put IU up by seven, 27-34.
At 2:52 of the 4th, M answered with a Jake Butt 16-yard catch to the 50-yard line, D. Smith, Houma and Chesson contributed to one of the most important comeback drives of the year so far, with Chesson contributing a 41-yard snag and grabbing a five-yard TD. M-33, IU-34. The clock recorded two seconds left in the game. When Kenny Allen nailed the extra point, it was time for overtime at 34 all. This drive was as good as it gets, with everything on the line, and no mistakes allowed. Kudos to holder Blake O’Neill for righting a low snap to provide the extra point for the win.
M deferred at the start of OT. IU set up at the M 25. Several runs and Jordan Howard bulled in for the IU TD from the one M-34, IU-41. A 21- yard Jake Butt catch, and a Kenny Allen extra point quickly ties it again at 41 up.
Michigan set up at the 25 and Amara Darboh quickly broke the suspense with a TD catch for the go ahead points. M-48, IU-41, and it was IU’s turn. M defense rose to the occasion and foiled the 4th down pass on a play described above for a final of 48 to 41.
While the Wolverines inability to stop the run was not expected, they played hard enough to overcome circumstances, and win. This time the offense gets the kudos, but like losses wins are team accomplishments.
All that is left before M’s Bowl game, are the States, Penn and Ohio. Both are red letter must wins.
Go Blue!