Tag: Mario Manningham

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Michigan vs Michigan State Football — Looking Back – 2006

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 to 2006. The previous year had been a disappointment for the Wolverines, and some changes were made. Ron English was introduced as the new defensive coordinator, and he promptly had the Wolverines’ defensive players running sprints on the golf course just south of Michigan Stadium. Another difference was the fact that running back Mike Hart was finally healthy.

But the biggest difference might have been Michigan’s hunger. After two relatively lackluster seasons, the Wolverines were hearing it, from fans, alumni,and the national media. That hunger was on display throughout 2006, as the Wolverines seemed to give just that extra little bit of effort on almost every play, giving Michigan supporters the results they crave.

That fierce determination was evident early against Michigan State, as the Wolverines marched downfield with attitude. Hart shoved would-be tacklers out of his way and quarterback Chad Henne found receivers with ease, connecting with Adrian Arrington and Mario Manningham for a pair of first-half touchdowns that led Michigan to a 17-0 halftime lead. That dominance continued in the second half as the Wolverines roared to a 31-7 lead, effectively ending the game before the start of the fourth quarter.

One thing the 2006 game illustrated is a trait that seems unique to this rivalry. The team that plays old school, fundamentally sound, basic, hard-hitting football usually comes out on top. Spread offenses, whether coached by John L. Williams or Rich Rodriguez, seldom work in this rivalry. More often than not, the team that runs the ball, particularly using some derivative of the pro-set or I-formation offense, usually wins the game.

The victory kept Michigan on the road to a classic, season-ending showdown in Columbus, but that’s a story for another day.

Thanks to youtube poster WolverineHistorian and ESPN for the attached highlight video. As always, we own nothing, and this video and blog post are provided strictly for the enjoyment of our readers.

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Michigan Football vs Michigan State — Looking Back — 2007

The fifth installment of this year’s series looking back at the football rivalry between Michigan and Michigan State takes us back to 2007. Michigan entered the season with too much confidence that year, and it showed when the Wolverines lost to an up-and-coming Appalachian State squad that has proven to be the East Coast’s answer to Boise State. Still, Michigan rallied, and by the time the Michigan State game rolled around, the Wolverines felt like their old selves again.

However, Michigan State had a new coach, with an old philosophy. Mark Dantonio believed in the I-formation, and focused on using blocking to run the ball. With less than eight minutes to go, Michigan was trailing by 10, and senior quarterback Chad Henne was forced out with a knee injury, putting true freshman Ryan Mallett right in the middle of the storm. When Mallett was hit, he fumbled the ball, and senior tailback Mike Hart alertly picked it up and fought his way for a first down. Henne then re-entered the game and connected with Greg Matthews on a beautiful touchdown pass. With less than three minutes remaining, Henne threw a jump ball into the end zone that was caught by Mario Manningham for an amazing touchdown, and Michigan’s defense held, giving the Wolverines a 28-24 win.

Still, there was something ominous about the victory. Michigan State had gotten back to basics, with running back Jehuu Caulcrick repeatedly pounding the middle of the Michigan defense. Then Mike Hart made the infamous postgame comment in which he referred to Michigan State as “Little Brother.” That was all the ammunition that Dantonio needed, and he’s used it quite effectively to motivate the Spartans over the years.

This brings us to the current contest. How will this year’s game turn out? What direction will the two rivals take after the game? We’ll just have to watch and see.

Thanks to YouTube, ESPN, and YouTube poster WolverineHistorian for the videos below. As always, I own nothing, and I do not profit from this blog post in any way.