30-year Flashback: 1977 Game Two- Mich 21 Duke 9

Sept. 17, 1977, Ann Arbor, MI: Michigan entered the game ranked #1 in the nation and the Wolverines did not disappoint the hometown faithful as they delivered a convincing win over the Blue Devils in front of 104,072 fans at Michigan Stadium. Quarterback Rick Leach led the way for the Maize and Blue as he ran for two touchdowns and 98 yards while passing for 76 yards. For his efforts, Leach was named the UPI Big Ten Player of the Week.

After a scoreless first quarter, the Wolverines' defense set up two second quarter Michigan touchdowns by intercepting a pass and recovering a fumble. Michigan's first score was a 7-yard run by Rick Leach. Michigan increased its lead to 14-0 on a four-yard run by Russell Davis. Duke cut the lead to 14-6 in the third quarter with a three-yard touchdown run. In the fourth quarter, the Blue Devils hit a 43-yard field goal to pull with within four of the top ranked Wolverines. Michigan immediately responded as Leach led the Wolverines on a 80-yard scoring drive which he capped off with a 1-yard scoring run. Gregg Willner's extra point completed the scoring as Michigan's defense intercepted a pass and recovered a fumble to preserve the win for the Wolverines. Linebacker John Anderson was named Defensive Champion. Go Blue!

Scoring
Second Qtr
M- Leach, 7-yd. run (Willner)
M- R. Davis, 4-yd. run (Willner)

Third Qtr
D- Dunn, 3-yd. run (Wolcott)

Fourth Qtr
D- Wolcott, 43-yd. FG
M- Leach, 1-yd. run (Willner)

Top Individuals
Rushing: Leach (M) 18-98; R. Davis (M) 20-95; Barney (D) 12-75; Huckleby (M) 17-68
Passing: Dunn (D) 12-16-118; Leach (M) 6-11-76
Receiving: Hall (D) 4-53; Rhett (D) 3-35; Huckleby (M) 3-31; Gonet (D) 3-20

*Note: Photo of Rick Leach (7) from M vs. Duke game of 9-17-77 from the Guts 'n Glue website