Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 2007

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

The third installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back 2007.

Lloyd Carr’s final team began the season with a lot of expectations; too many, as it turned out. The Wolverines came in with one of the best rosters in the last 50 years of Michigan football. Quarterback Chad Henne, running back Mike Hart and offensive tackle Jake Long were all seniors with significant experience, and they led an explosive offense. Mario Manningham and Adrian Arrington were dangerous receiving threats, and Carson Butler and Mike Massey were both reliable tight ends. The defense was led by outside linebacker Shawn Crable, with speedy cornerback Morgan Trent able to provide blanket coverage on receivers. Player for player, the Wolverines could match up with any team in the nation.

Unfortunately, the matchups didn’t end all that well in the first two games, as Michigan fell to Appalachian State and Oregon, starting the season with an inauspicious record of no wins and two losses. However, by the time Michigan was about to face Michigan State, the Wolverines had reeled off seven consecutive wins, and were playing with the kind of zest that led them to 11 consecutive victories in 2006. Michigan State had a new coach named Mark Dantonio, who went on to make quite an impact on the rivalry.

Things started well for Michigan. After Jamar Adams came up with a clutch interception, Hart added a couple of long runs and Henne connected with Butler to give Michigan a 14-3 lead that seemed to be commanding. Emphasis on the word “seemed.”

The second half was quite different. Jehuu Caulcrick got things started with a 1-yard plunge for a Michigan State touchdown, and suddenly, there was a footballl game in East Lansing. As the fourth quarter began, MSU quarterback Brian Hoyer tossed a 5-yard touchdown pass to Kellen Davis, and the Spartans grabbed the lead. Seven minutes later, Caulcrick scored on another 1-yard run, and things looked pretty bleak for Michigan.

With precious little time left, the Wolverines woke up and started playing like a championship team. Following an injury to Henne, freshman Ryan Mallett came in to play quarterback for Michigan. Mallett was promptly sacked and stripped of the ball, but Hart alertly picked up the fumble and fought his way for 15 yards and a critical first down. Following several plays with Mallett at quarterback, Henne returned to throw a beautiful touchdown pass to Greg Matthews, and the Wolverines were back within stiking distance. Then, on 3rd & 11, Henne completed a daring pass to Manningham, who walked a veritable to tightrope to earn a first down for Michigan. A few plays later, Henne found Manningham again, as the receiver caught the ball while falling backward for an amazing touchdown. Michigan had retaken the lead, for good.

Michigan State got the ball back, and Crable promptly sacked Hoyer to stick the Spartans in a deep hole. Three incompletions later, the Wolverines took possession of the ball and the game, earning one of the most hard-fought victories in the history of the rivalry.

Following the game, Hart referred to Michigan State as “little brother,” an infamous quote that fired up the Spartans for more than decade to follow. But on this day, Hart performed in a clutch manner, and the Wolverines earned a win for the ages.

Thanks to ABC Sports, YouTube, and YouTube poster Pizza Pizzichetti for the accompanying broadcast of this game. As always, I own nothing, and this blog post is strictly for the enjoyment of readers.

October 17, 2023October 17, 2023

Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 1973

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

The second installment of this year’s series looking back at classic games in the rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back 40 years, to 1973.

The year started with a flurry of events. CBS sold the New York Yankees to a 12-person syndicate headed by George Stainbrenner and in late January, President Richard Nixon announced that a peace agreement had been reached to end the war in Vietnam. In September, Yankee Stadium closed at the conclusion of the baseball season to begin a two-year renovation project.

In college football, Michigan entered the ’73 campaign with a roster that could certainly be called “loaded.” Mult-threat quarterback Dennis Franklin ran the offense, and tight end Paul Seal, a fierce blocker, was a favorite passing target. Franklin and Seal were joined by running backs Ed Shuttlesworth, Gil Chapman and Chuck Heather on the All-Big Ten squad. Defensive end Dave Gallagher and defensive back Dave Brown, both consensus All-America selections, headlilned the defense. Strong-legged Vietnam veteran MIke Lantry handled the placekicking duties.

Michigan State limped into the game with a 1-3 record, but as every Wolverine knows, the Spartans are dangerous in the rivalry game, particularly when they’re at home. Michigan entered the game as the heavy favorite, but more than 78,000 fans jammed Spartan Stadium, including many hoping for an upset.

The Wolverines probably would not have lost to anyone on this day. Five years into the Bo Schembechler era, Michigan was playing some of the best football of any Bo team. Once the game started, “53” seemed to become Michigan’s magin number. Brown scored on a 53-yard punt return with Chapman adding a 53-yard touchdown run in the second quarter. Lantry had a 35-yard field goal in between, and the Wolverines opened up a 17-0 lead by halftime.

With the game being played in a steady rain, Michigan State had one hope for the second half: If the rain forced Michigan to fumble the ball, State had a chance. The rain kept coming, but Michigan kept control of the ball. In the fourth quarter, Franklin connected with Seal for a short touchdown pass and Shuttlesworth run for a touchdown to make the final score, Michigan 31, Michigan State 0.

Michigan never lost a game in 1973, ending its season with a 10-10 tie against Ohio State, and a share of the Big Ten championship. The Wolverines were robbed af a trip to the Rose Bowl and a possible shot at the national championship when the Big Ten athletic directors awarded the Rose Bowl berth to Ohio State, but that’s a story for another day. The bottom line is that the 1973 Wolverines finished undefeated and posted one of the greatest seasons in Michigan football history.

I couldn’t find any video of this game, so we’ll have to settle for the attached copy of the box score from the Bentley Library. Thanks to Michigan State University and the University of Michigan for this copy of the box score. As always, I own nothing and i do not profit from this blog post in any way.

http://websites.umich.edu/~bhlumrec/athdept/fbstats/1973msuB.pdf
websites.umich.edu

October 16, 2023October 19, 2023

Michigan Football Podcast — We’re in the Ass Kicking Business and Business is Booming – Game 7 Michigan 52 Indiana 7

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Phil @pcallihan and Clint @Clint_Derringer discuss Michigan’s 52-7 victory over Indiana. With QB J.J. McCarthy, DL Cam Goode, LB Michael Barrett, DB Kean Sabb, and Head Coach Jim Harbaugh.

Podcast Summary

Michigan Wolverines’ dominant victory over Indiana Hoosiers.0:00
- Phil Callihan and Clint Derringer discuss Michigan’s 50-7 victory over Indiana, with Callihan expressing surprise at the team’s poor performance in the first quarter despite favorable weather conditions.
- Derringer highlights Indiana’s offensive improvements under new coordinator and head coaching experience, despite ultimately losing the game.
- Clint Derringer highlights the crucial play where Indiana’s defense intercepted a pass and prevented Michigan from scoring, potentially changing the outcome of the game.
- Phil Callihan breaks down the scoring, noting Indiana’s early touchdown and Michigan’s dominant performance in the second half, leading to a 52-7 victory.
- Phil Callihan was surprised that Michigan’s passing attack was not limited by the rain, despite expecting the team to dominate on the ground.
- Clint Derringer highlighted the offensive line’s performance, noting JJ McCarthy was sacked four times and the team needs to improve protection for the quarterback.
Michigan QB JJ McCarthy’s performance in a game against Indiana.8:20
- Phil Callihan praises JJ McCarthy’s performance, highlighting his ability to thread the needle and take risks, despite taking big hits.
- JJ McCarthy acknowledges working on his running balance, feeling better after Sunday’s game and planning to carry that into next week.
- JJ McCarthy faced pressure early, but responded well and showed resilience.
- Coaching staff needs to help JJ avoid taking unnecessary risks and be more efficient with his passes.
Michigan Wolverines football game with analysis of plays and player performance.14:22
- Clint Derringer criticizes JJ McCarthy’s decision to call a Quarterback draw on third and 16, saying it was an unnecessary risk and could have resulted in a turnover.
- Phil Callihan agrees, adding that the team’s attitude and playcalling could have been more aggressive and creative in that situation.
- Phil Callihan notes that Michigan’s offense and defense showed a “wrecking crew” mentality in the second quarter, after a slow start.
- Jim Harbaugh praises the team’s response to adversity, highlighting their “devotion to the fundamentals of Michigan Football.”
Michigan football team’s performance in a game against Indiana.20:20
- Michigan’s offense struggled early against Indiana, with penalties and missed opportunities.
- Clint Derringer: Michigan’s defense suffocated Indiana in the 2nd and 3rd quarters, allowing only 40 yards.
- Cam Goode: Michigan’s well-rounded team is difficult to stop, with improving linebackers and a rotating line that gets better with each game.
Michigan football team’s dominant defense.24:50
- Michigan defense is relentless, preaches being a “bully” to take away opponents’ hope.
- Phil Callihan praises Michigan’s defense as “incredible” and “balanced” with no superstar, citing Charles Woodson as a generational talent.
Michigan Wolverines’ defensive coaching staff and players’ improvement.28:43
- Clint Derringer highlights Harbaugh’s praise for his assistant coaches, particularly on defense, and notes the scheme’s seamless transition from Mike McDonald.
- Clint Derringer highlights the impact of coaching staff and senior leaders on defense, citing improved versatility and havoc creation.
Michigan Wolverines football team’s performance and coach Jim Harbaugh’s leadership.31:54
- Phil Callihan highlights Mike Barrett’s quote during the postgame interview, which shows the team’s mentality and confidence.
- Clint Derringer agrees, noting that the team has been tested before and has shown the ability to stay sharp and keep their swagger.
- Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss Jim Harbaugh’s coaching style and trust in his players, with Derringer highlighting Harbaugh’s confidence in allowing players to push the envelope while Callihan notes the second and third string players’ performance.
- Jim Harbaugh uses an olive jar analogy to describe the tightness of his team’s play, emphasizing the importance of trust and confidence in their success.
- Jim Harbaugh praises his assistants and jokes with Donovan Edwards about his first touchdown.
- Clint Derringer and Phil Callihan discuss the potential for a contract extension for Harbaugh and the team’s performance this season.
- Michigan football team is “clicking on all cylinders” with veteran players leading the way.

October 16, 2023October 16, 2023

Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 2021

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

The first installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back just two years, to 2021.

In the time since 2019, the world experienced a lot of change. Covid-19 sent workers home, and people adjusted to isolation. Many struggled with it, while others benefited, to varying degrees. Some even reveled in the change.

Michigan carefully reexamined its football course prior to 2021, and chose to go back to basics. Jim Harbaugh remained head coach, and Josh Gattis remained his offensive coordinator, though the success Michigan’s offense experience came from renewing its commitment to a power running game. There were several factors involved, but the tangible result was success for Michigan.

Michigan grabbed the early lead when Cade McNamara connected with Andrel Anthony for a 92-yard touchdown. Late in the second quarter, the game turned on the pivotal play. Michigan was leading 20-14 with less than two minutes left when MSU quarterback Payton Thorne faded back to pass deep in Spartan territory. Michigan defensive end David Ojabo beat a block and sacked Thorne, stripping the ball in the process. Better still, all-world defensive end Aidan Hutchinson recovered the fumble in the end zone, and Michigan had a two-score lead.

There was just one problem. Officials reviewed the tape and ruled that Thorne’s shin was down before he fumbled the ball. Television replays gave every impression that the original ruling was correct, because that ball appeared to pop loose before Thorne’s shin hit the ground. However, the game officials reversed their original call and ruled that Michigan State would keep the ball. Instead of having 26 points on the scoreboard, Michigan witnessed what might have been the 26th time in series history that an officiating controversy worked in Michigan State’s favor.

After that, Jake Moody kicked a field goal just before halftime to extend Michigan’s lead to nine points, but the Wolverines had difficulty overcoming the obvious officiating mistake in the first half. Late in the game, Michigan had a fourth down and 3 yards to go in Michigan State territory. Once again, the referees missed the fact that a defensive back grabbed Ronnie Bell’s arm, preventing him from reaching for the ball. MIchigan turned the ball over on downs, and Michigan State won, 37-33.

The good news for Michigan was that the Wolverines went on to beat Ohio State and top Iowa in the Big Ten championship game, earning their first berth in the College Football Playoff. Still, that controversial loss to Michigan State in East Lansing prevented the Wolverines from finishing the regular season with a perfect record, something that will stick in the Wolverines’ craws forever.

Many thanks for Fox Sports, the Big Ten Network, YouTube and YouTube poster Matthew Loves Ball for the accompanying highlight film of this game. As always, I own nothing and do not profit from this blog post in any way.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3-BcS6eakck

6 Michigan vs #8 Michigan State Football Game Highlights 10 30 2021

October 14, 2023October 14, 2023