Threet and Sheridan continue battle for QB 1

Michigan held a 100-play scrimmage Saturday and afterwards Coach Rod indicated that Steve Threet and Nick Sheridan have separated themselves. In the fall, true freshman Justin Feagin is also expected to be in the mix. All incoming freshmen players, including Feagin, are expected to be on campus by the end of June. Only four true freshmen have started a game at quarterback in Michigan Football history: Rick Leach (1975); Rich Hewlett (1979); Chad Henne (2004); and Ryan Mallett (2007). The competition for the starting job between Threet/Sheridan/Feagin will most likely not be decided until the week of the first game. Here is a little closer look at the top three players competing to be QB 1:

Steven Threet (So./Fr.)
When Mallett transferred to Arkansas, Threet was considered by many to be the heir apparent to the starting job at quarterback. Threet was rated the #12 prep player in the State of Michigan in the 2007 class by Scout.com. After a standout prep career at Adrian (MI) High School, where he threw for 4,824 yards and 49 touchdowns, Threet early enrolled at Georgia Tech in January, 2007. He left after one semester and transferred to Michigan for the Fall, 2007 semester. He redshirted last season because of the transfer and he has all four years of eligibility remaining. Threet is a prototypical drop-back passer but, as he likes to point out, he is familiar with the spread offense because his high school team ran a similar system. Nevertheless, a pro-style offense is the system that seems Threet would have the most success in. At 6'5", 228 lbs., Threet is not exactly fleet of foot although he is very athletic. Threet's inexperience is also a concern. He has never taken a single snap in a college game. If he was taking over the spot in Michigan's traditional pro-style offense, I would be concerned enough. It is always tough to start an inexperienced QB even under the best of circumstances. Add in the fact, however, that Threet is out of his element with respect to the running aspect of the spread offense and I am downright terrified as to how the offense might perform.

Nick Sheridan (Jr./So.)
The son of former Michigan defensive line and linebackers coach (2002-2004) Bill Sheridan, Nick accepted an offer from Coach Carr to join the team as a walk-on. Due to unexpected attrition- the transfer of Jason Forcier (spring, '07) & Ryan Mallett (Jan., '08)- Nick has advanced in the ranks. He even passed a scholarship player (David Cone) on the depth chart. As a result, the man who originally joined the team as a walk-on, is now challenging for the starting job. To this point in Spring Practice, Sheridan has been splitting the first team snaps with Threet. That is pretty heady stuff for a guy who did not receive ANY scholarship offers coming out of high school.

Justin Feagin (true freshman)
The only quarterback in this year's recruiting class, Feagin is the "hope" of many Wolverine fans. Unfortunately, I think the hope is misplaced. Feagin was originally recruited as a quarterback/athlete. He was considered a three-star prospect at QB and a two-star safety recruit. When Feagin was recruited, he was reportedly told that he would be given an opportunity to test his skills at quarterback, and if it doesn't work out, Feagin can settle in as a slot receiver. However, after Feagin committed to Michigan, the Wolverines were unable to land any more quarterbacks in the 2008 class. Thus, Feagin is the only game in town when it comes to a true dual-threat quarterback (unless you convert a postion player like Carlos Brown). The problem is that Feagin did not come here to be "THE MAN" at QB from day one. That was a responsibility that even super-recruit Terrelle Pryor did not want to shoulder. Tim Tebow, the 2007 Heisman Trophy winner, was not "the man" at Florida in his freshman year of 2006 as he split time with Chris Leak. Yet, Michigan fans are expecting/hoping that a 3-star recruit can come in and deliver immediate results as the focal point of the offense. It is too much to expect. I predict that Feagin will get burnt out and request a shift to slot receiver by his sophmore campaign.

Go Blue!

UPDATE ON 4/4/08: Angelique S. Chengelis (a/k/a "The Angel of the Big House") wrote in today's Detroit News that Coach Rodriguez may wind up rotating two or three quarterbacks as the starter next season. As for those fans who are surprised that Nick Sheridan (who originally joined the team as a walk-on) may eventually earn a start, just remember that Brian Griese (the starter on the 1997 National Championship team) was also originally a walk-on at Michigan. Go Blue!

O-Linemen on the spring roster

With Justin Boren's departure, Michigan lacks depth on the offensive line. The Wolverines will be receiving some needed help prior to the Fall in the form of six (6) new recruits who were signed as part of the 2008 Recruiting Class. Until they arrive, however, new offensive line coach Greg Frey will work during spring practice with the offensive lineman currently on the roster. The O-Line is very inexperienced and Coach Frey has his work cut out for him. The players on the offensive line have earned a mere combined total of three varsity letters. This is who Coach Frey is working with:

• Stephen Schilling (Jr./So.)- 6'5", 295 lbs.

The only returning starter from last year's line, Schilling started all 13 games in 2007 with 11 starts at RT and two at RG. He earned his first varsity letter last season.

• Mark Ortmann (Sr./Jr.)- 6'7", 294 lbs.

Started two games last season at RT and played in a total of six games on the offensive line. Has appeared in a total of 13 games in his career. He earned his first varsity letter in 2007.

• Cory Zirbel (Sr./Jr.)- 6'5", 292 lbs.

Has appeared in 11 games along the offensive line in his career and has played in a total of 21 contests. Appeared in all 13 games in 2007, playing both on the offensive line and the field-goal protection unit. Has not yet earned a varsity letter.

• David Moosman (Sr./Jr.)- 6'5", 292 lbs.

Saw action as a backup center in 3 games last season. Has appeared in a total of seven contests in his career. Has not yet earned a varsity letter.

• Perry Dorrestein (Jr./So.)- 6'7", 308 lbs.

Appeared in four games last season as a backup both at RT and LT. Has not yet earned a varsity letter.

• Tim McAvoy (Sr./Jr.)- 6'6", 288 lbs.

He earned his first varsity letter in 2007 by starting a game at RG and playing in a total of five games on the offensive line. Has appeared in a total of seven games in his career.

• Bryant Nowicki (Jr./So.)- 6'9", 326 lbs.

Appeared in two games last season as a backup at RT. Has not yet earned a varsity letter.

• Michael Ramirez (Jr./So.)- 6'3", 288 lbs.

Has not appeared in a game.

PLAYERS WHO REDSHIRTED IN 2007:

• Zac Ciullo (So./Fr.)- 6'1", 268 lbs.
• Mark Huyge (So./Fr.)- 6'6", 292 lbs.
• David Molk (So./Fr.)- 6'2", 282 lbs.
• Tom Pomarico (So./Fr.)- 6'4", 248 lbs.

Remembering Bo Schembechler

2008 is not 1969 and Rich Rod is not Bo. Coach Schembechler was one of a kind. (Video brought to you by Wolverine Historian). Go Blue!

Coach Rod claims program still has "family values"

In response to Justin Boren's statement, Coach Rod addressed the issue of the alleged erosion of values of the Michigan Football program since Coach Lloyd Carr's retirement. Coach Rodriguez would not discuss Justin Boren's situation specifically but the coach did say any claims that that he, or his coaches, have compromised Michigan's values are simply wrong. Coach Rodriguez told the Ann Arbor News via phone on Thursday:

"Anybody who would make any comment about our values is way off-base. The people who know the staff, who know what we're putting together here will tell you just the opposite as far as what's been reported. ... My players and my coaches are my family. They're coached that way. But we're not going to apologize for being demanding. We told that to the players. We also told them our job is to take them some place they can't take themselves, on the field and off the field, and I think the majority of our players understand that."

Coach Rodriguez did acknowledge that the styles and approaches of some coaches on his staff may differ from previous Michigan coaches, but believed that would be expected in a coaching change. Coach Rodriguez did stress that his coaches treat Michigan's players with respect inside and outside of practice. Coach Rodriguez stated, "This is not my first rodeo, and I think if you went back and asked the majority of guys about their experience playing in our program, they'd feel pretty good about it."

Coach Rodriguez' statement was calculated to quell the growing disturbance in the Michigan Football "family" that as the new head coach, he was out of touch with the "Michigan way". Losing Justin Boren (a starting offensive lineman) was particularly devastating considering that Justin's father Mike played for Coach Bo Schembechler. Although Coach Rodriguez professed in his statement to have a familial relationship with his players at WVU, he never has explained why he decided to inform Terrelle Pryor of his decision to take the head coaching position at Michigan before he even told his own team which he allegedly thought of as family. Coach Rodriguez' actions speak louder than his words. I do not believe that he felt the players at WVU were "family" and I sure do not believe that he thinks of the players at Michigan (after 3 months) as family. Lloyd Carr thought of the players like family. That was heartfelt. Coach Rodriguez' comments are simply salesmanship. He already has the job now I just wish he would do it. 2008 is not 1969. Michigan will not be good next season just because the Wolverines won the Big Ten title in 1969 in Bo's first season. People keep comparing this year's attrition (i.e., Justin Boren, Alex Mitchell, Jeremy Ciulla, Mario Manningham, Adrian Arrington, & Ryan Mallett) to what occurred in 1969. Remember, however, in 1969 that despite heavy attrition that Michigan did not lose any guys who could have really helped the team. The same is not true for 2008. The players who have left the squad were key and were at key positions. Many of the players who left did so because of Coach Rodriguez and/or his new offensive system. Coach Rodriguez needs to concentrate on figuring out how to win with the players he has remaining. Go Blue!

Justin Boren explains his departure

Justin Boren issued a statement regarding his departure from the Wolverines.

"I regret leaving behind my friends and teammates, but I need to stand up
for what I know is right. I wore the winged helmet with pride, whether we won or lost, whether things were going well or times were tough. Michigan football was a family, built on
mutual respect and support for each other from (former) Coach (Lloyd) Carr on down. We knew it took the entire family, a team effort, and we all worked together. I have great trouble accepting that those family values have eroded in just a few months. That same helmet, that I was raised on and proudly claimed for the last two years, now brings a completely different emotion to me, one that interferes with practicing and playing my best and mentally preparing for what is required. That I am unable to perform under these circumstances at the level I expect of myself, and my teammates and Michigan fans deserve, is why I have made the decision to leave. To those of you outside the program, the loyal Michigan fans and alumni, I know you will have trouble understanding, but I do want to thank you for your years of support. I wish my teammates the best and will always be proud to have been a part of Michigan football over the past two years."

Boren will stay in school to finish the semester at Michigan and it is unknown to what school he will transfer. Boren has not used his redshirt season yet and will have two years of eligibility remaining even after having to sit out next season. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Justin Boren by JOHN T. GREILICK/The Detroit News

April 12th should be Nick Sheridan Day in Saline

It appears that the April 12th final spring practice and scrimmage will likely be held at Saline High School but will NOT be open to the public due to capacity concerns. Saline High School is, of course, the alma mater of QB Nick Sheridan who is challenging for the starting position. Sheridan (Jr./So.) is a walk-on to the Michigan team who saw action in two games last season. I would not be shocked if Coach Rodriguez grants him a scholarship (especially if he wins a spot on the two-deep chart) as the Wolverines will only have 70-some of their scholarships spoken for of the allotted 85. As for spring practice, U-M coach Rich Rodriguez said he expects the Wolverines to practice once or twice at Ann Arbor Pioneer High School to get some outdoor work in but the final practice would likely be at Saline High School. Nick will feel right at home. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Nick Sheridan (8) from 3/15/08 spring practice by ERIC SEALS/Detroit Free Press

Justin Boren leaves the team

Offensive lineman Justin Boren, who started all 13 games last season as a sophmore, has decided to leave the team. Justin's dad, Mike Boren, had played for Michigan under Bo Schembechler. Justin had the distinction in 2006 of being only the fourth true freshman in Wolverines' history to start along the offensive line at Michigan when he made a start at RG against Northwestern. (Of course, with Boren's departure, it is likely that a few more true freshman will be added to the list next season). No official reason was given for Boren's departure although he apparently had some difficulty making the transition to the new coaching regime. Justin was one of my favorite Wolverines and I wish him nothing but the best! Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of players who won't be suiting up for Coach Rod in the fall- Ryan Mallett (15) and Justin Boren (65) from the 9/8/07 game vs. Oregon by DAVID GURALNICK/Detroit Free Press

Ever wonder what a Michigan Scholarship Offer looks like? Then head over to Michigan Sports Center

We are always reading about scholarship offers but most of us probably have never seen what one from Michigan actually looks like. Well, thanks to Sean at Michigan Sports Center, now you can. Sean did a post earlier this week where he linked to the actual scholarship document of Tate Forcier. For those interested, there is also a section that shows all of Forcier's other scholarship offers as well. Nice post Sean. Go Blue!

Gems at the SI Vault

Yesterday, I posted that Sports Illustrated (SI.com) now has a fantastic new feature (SI Vault) which you can use to search the magazine's archives all the way back to SI's inception in 1954. Below are links to a few profiles that SI did on Michigan Football players and Bo in the 1980s:

• Brad Cochran: (10/14/85 issue)- "I wasn't a normal person" part I & part II
• Stefan Humphries: (6/4/84 issue)- "He came out picture perfect" part I, part II, part III, part IV, part V
• Anthony Carter: (11/22/82 issue)- "All the way on every play" part I, part II, part III, part IV
• Bo Schembechler: (9/14/81 issue)- "M Bo" part I, part II, part III, part IV, part V, part VI, part VII, part VIII, part IX

Go Blue!

Wealth of information stored at the Vault

Sports Illustrated has unveiled a fabulous new feature at SI.com called "The Vault". It is a searchable archive of every issue of SI since its inception in 1954. As a loyal subscriber of SI since 1979, I found this feature incredibly entertaining. This feature allows you to read the articles and/or look at the magazine in its original format. It is very cool. I will be incorporating old SI articles about Michigan football into my blog posts. For example, check out my post regarding the 1979 season which has SI articles about the Notre Dame and Ohio State games. Also, I have often posted the SI cover picture of Rick Leach from the September 6, 1976 issue. Now you can read the magazine instead of just staring at the cover. Go Blue!

*Note: Sports Illustrated (9-6-76) cover photo of Rick Leach by Lane Stewart

First full week of Spring Practice

Spring Practice began last Saturday (March 15th) and now Coach Rodriguez is really beginning to get a feel for where he is with implementing his system with the team. Yesterday afternoon (Thursday, March 20, 2008) was the first practice that was conducted in full pads. Afterwards, Coach Rodriguez commented that, "I think they felt in practice that our conditioning still has a long way to go. We thought we were in shape, but not quite." As for the quarterback competition, Nick Sheridan, Steven Threet and David Cone all got equal reps, Rodriguez said. (This is in contrast to the first spring practice session on 3/15/08 when Threet and Sheridan took the majority of the reps). Also, Coach Rodriguez announced that Carlos Brown will miss the remainder of spring practice as he suffered a broken finger in a freak weightlifting accident. Thus, there will not be any chance for Brown to take snaps at QB during the spring practice sessions. Lastly, Coach Rodriguez indicated that Michigan will hold a public scrimmage on April 12 at an Ann Arbor-area high school, likely in the afternoon. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Coach Rod on 3/15/08 by ERIC SEALS/Detroit Free Press

Pryor commits to OSU- Rich Rod out of snake oil

The day Rich Rod decided to take the head coaching job at Michigan in December, 2007, he called Terrelle Pryor before he even told his own BCS bowl series bound Mountaineers about his impending departure for Ann Arbor. Rich Rod made another call to Terrelle Pryor on Wednesday morning (March 19, 2008) in a last ditch effort to get Pryor to follow him to A2 to run the Wolverines spread offense. In between those two calls, Rich Rod had many other calls to Pryor but Terrelle was apparently immune to Rich Rod's wizadry as Pryor had his mind made up to commit to "the University of Ohio State." (sic) Thus ends the saga of the recruitment of the uber-athlete that was considered the dual-threat QB that could revolutionize the Wolverine offense next season. I wish the young man well. Just not against Michigan. Go Blue!

Postscript: In her article in the Detroit News regarding the Terrelle Pryor commitment to OSU, Angelique Chengelis (a/k/a The Angel of The Big House) wrote, "To dub this latest entry in the rivalry 'Ohio State coach Jim Tressel 1, Michigan coach Rodriguez 0,' is foolish." The same day, the column of Drew Sharp of The Detroit Free Press was entitled (you guessed it)- "Jim Tressel 1 Rich Rodriguez 0".

*Note: Photo of Terrelle Pryor (11) is file photo from Pittsburgh Post Gazette

The saga continues...

The Ann Arbor News four part investigative series into the academic practices of the Michigan Athletic Department concluded with the following articles:

Day Three

• U-M's "safe harbor" is general studies
• M Hockey player Eric Werner just short of graduating
• General studies uncommon at M's "peer" universities
• Football responsibilities overrode Pierre Woods' other aspirations

Day Four

• Counselors push narrow academic path
• Graduation eludes ex-lineman Gabe Watson
• No standard model for academic support
• M Academic Success Program co-Director Shari Acho

After reading the four days worth of articles regarding the results of the seven month long investigation into the academic policies of the Michigan Athletic Department, I have concluded that Michigan is doing things the right way. If this is the worst that turns up when Michigan is put under the microscope then Michigan has a lot of which it can be proud. Keep in mind that the Ann Arbor News investigative story only presented one viewpoint. For a different perspective on academic issues at the Athletic Department, refer to my post of this time last year (Michigan achieves on and off the field: 3/3/07). Also, contrast the situations of Pierre Woods, Gabe Watson, and Brent Petway (all as featured in the AA News series) with the experience of football and academic All-American Dr. Stefan Humphries who was co-Captain of the 1983 Wolverine football team. (see June 4, 1984 Sports Illustrated article: "He came out picture perfect"-part I, part II, part III, part IV, part V; orig. SI article). Dr. Humphries managed his time at Michigan and was able to obtain an education, go on to a successful NFL career, then go on to become a doctor. It is more about the individual taking advantage of the opportunity than the opportunity not being available for the individual (yes, I'm looking at you Gabe Watson). Go Blue!

Day Two: Still no smoking gun

The second installment of the four-part series was released and can be found here and here. Today's articles were not very interesting. Not only were they devoid of any revelations, the articles failed to plow any new ground. We will have to wait to see what tomorrow brings. Go Blue!

Jim Carty fires first salvo in Michigan Athletic Dept. academic investigation

The Ann Arbor News published the first in a four-part series by Jim Carty on the academics of the Michigan Athletic Department. It is an interesting read and I'm sure will be the subject of much debate in the coming days. MVictors.com is already out front with some early reaction to the story here and here. Go Blue!

Scramble to fill the void at QB

Chad Henne started his very first game at QB as a true freshman in 2004 and went on to start 47 of 50 games during his career from 2004-2007. During Henne's first three seasons (when he started all 37 games) he took virtually every snap. Last year, due to injury, Ryan Mallett started three games in Henne's absence but Mallett transferred to the greener pastures of Arkansas leaving Michigan with no experience at the quarterback position for 2008. This situation is reminiscent of 1979 when the Wolverines scrambled to fill the void left by the departure of Michigan's first QB to start as a true freshman and start for four years- Rick Leach (1975-1978). After Leach left the program, Coach Schembechler rotated in little-used B.J. Dickey, John Wangler, and true freshman Rich Hewlett. Each player started at least one game during the 1979 season. Similarly, in 2008, Coach Rodriguez may end up with a triumvurate of Steven Threet, walk-on Nick Sheridan, and true freshman Justin Feagin. It would not be beyond the realm of possiblity for all three (or certainly two) of the above to start games next season. In 2008, the odd-man-out appears to be David Cone. Cone (currently a So./Fr.) does not appear to fit into Coach Rodriguez' plans even at this early stage of the proceedings. At the first spring practice session, Steven Threet and walk-on Nick Sheridan took the majority of snaps. Despite his walk-on status, Sheridan is considered more mobile and a better athlete than Cone and thus a better fit for the spread offense. Once new recruit dual-threat QB Justin Feagin arrives in the Fall, Cone's snaps would be limited even further. I consider it extremely likely that Coach Rod will encourage Cone to continue his education at another institution of higher learning once spring practice has concluded. Go Blue!

Spring Practice schedule

With the first practice out of the way, Michigan has announced the balance of its 15 session Spring Practice schedule. The Wolverines will practice Tuesdays, Thursdays and Saturdays. Coach Rodriguez said they may practice on some Fridays, but padded scrimmages will be on Saturdays. Scrimmages will be limited, however, because there's so much teaching involved, he said. Because of construction in Michigan Stadium and the former outdoor practice fields, nearly all spring work will be inside Oosterbaan Fieldhouse. It remains unclear whether there will be a public spring game April 12. As Michigan Stadium is closed because of construction, and Ford Field is not an option, Michigan is looking at the possibility of holding the final practice elsewhere. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Coach Rod addressing the team on 3/15/08 by JOHN T. GREILICK/The Detroit News

Spring Practice begins

Michigan held its first session of Spring Practice today. Photos of the Spring Practice are here and video can be found here (non-permanent link: 3/15/08 video). Coach Rodriguez stated that there are three objectives of Spring Practice: "One, obviously, is teach fundamentals, two, teach new schemes, and the third thing from the coaches' standpoint is find out who are the guys we can win with in the fall. Traditionally when you put in a new system, you go real slow. We'd rather be ugly early. I think we'll be all right. Our goal is to be ready (by the season opener) Aug. 30." Today was the first step on a long road. Go Blue!

*Note: Photo of Coach Rod yelling during first spring practice session on 3-15-08 with QB David Cone (12) in background by JOHN T. GREILICK/The Detroit News

Rich Rodriguez on ESPN First Take

Coach Rodriguez discussing upcoming Spring Practice with ESPN's Dana Jacobson (a Michigan alum). Go Blue!

The task for the new QB coach Rod Smith

When Spring Practice commences next week, much of the attention will be focused on the quarterback position as Michigan is implementing a new offensive system and is without an experienced quarterback. New quarterbacks coach Rod Smith (who took over for the highly regarded Scot Loeffler) is tasked with the responsibility of bringing Steven Threet, David Cone, and walk-on Nick Sheridan up to speed with the intricacies of the Spread Offense. In the fall, true freshman Justin Feagin (a true dual-threat QB) will arrive and be added to the mix. Coach Smith was the quarterbacks coach at WVU in 2007 after having spent the previous six seasons at the University of South Florida (2001-2006). He served as the Offensive Coordinator/QB coach at USF during the 2005 and 2006 seasons. At Michigan, Coach Smith's first challenge will be to train an inexperienced trio of signal callers whose only previous college coaching has been in a pro-style system. It will also be interesting to see during the Spring if running back Carlos Brown takes snaps at quarterback as he was a dual-threat quarterback in high school. Coach Smith's ability to impart to his charges the intricacies of the spread offense during the course of Spring Practice will be critical in determining whether the team is ready in the Fall. The ability to train someone from within is made all the more critical by the fact that it does not appear right now that there is any immediate help coming from the outside. Not only does it appear that 2008 super recruit Terrelle Pryor will commit elsewhere, but also that 2009 super recruit Russell Shepard [a 5-star dual-threat QB from Houston (TX) Cypress Ridge] will not attend Michigan as well as Shepard just verbally committed to LSU last week. Thus, rather than waiting for a big recruit to come "save" Michigan, it is Coach Smith's job to work with the talent the Wolverines have and prepare them to run Michigan's offense of the future. He has his work cut out for him. Go Blue!

2008 Spring Practice commences next Saturday

Shakespeare famously wrote "Beware the ides of March" but I'm looking forward to March 15th as that is the first day of Spring Practice. Spring ball is typically a time to evaluate your team, try players out and make adjustments so the team will be ready to hit the ground running by the time fall practice rolls around. Because of the change in coaching regimes, Michigan Football has been undergoing a revitalization since the end of last season. Coach Rodriguez has his own system, his own style, and his own way of doing things and it is radically different than anything that has been done at Michigan in the past 40 years. Although changes have already been implemented (see the conditioning program), the real change will be seen once Spring Practice begins. The players may be in for a bit of a culture shock beginning next Saturday. One thing is for sure. There is one way to do things and that is Coach Rod's way. A player is either fully on board or he is not with the system. I think this Spring Practice is likely to be one of the more eventful ones we have seen at Michigan in quite some time. It may in fact turn out to be the most eventful since Bo's first Spring Practice in the Spring of 1969. It's going to be interesting to watch. Only a week away. I can't wait. Go Blue!

Football Art on display at U-M Hospital

Michigan announced that acrylic paintings depicting some of the greats in Michigan football history are on display through April 16 in the main lobby on the first floor of the University of Michigan Hospital. The display is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Artist Susie McColgan is a University of Michigan alumna from the School of Art and Design and the mother of John McColgan, a freshman fullback from Saginaw. The exhibit features large scale portraits of Coach Carr, Mike Hart, Chad Henne, Jake Long, Tom Brady, Desmond Howard and Charles Woodson. Admission to the exhibit is free and the portraits are for sale. I saw the exhibit last week and the portraits are amazing! Go Blue!!!

'70s Flashback: 1977 Game 4- #3 Michigan 41 #5 Texas A&M 3

October 1, 1977: After an uninspiring win in week three, the undefeated Wolverines tumbled from #1 to number three in the national rankings. Michigan hosted undefeated and fifth-ranked Texas A&M in week 4 and the Wolverines got back on track with a 41-3 victory over the Aggies. [October 10, 1977 Sports Illustrated: In The Second Half It Was Pure Aggie-ny]. In front of a packed home crowd of 104,802 (third largest in Michigan Stadium history), the Wolverines played their best game of the season. Rick Leach passed for 106 yards, including a 35-yard TD pass to Curt Stephenson, and Russell Davis rushed for 110 yards and scored two touchdowns. Not to be outdone, Michigan's defense also shone on this day as it limited the high-powered Aggies' offense to a paltry 211 yards of total offense. Ron Simpkins was voted Defensive Champion of the Game as he tallied 14 tackles and blocked a punt that resulted in a TD. Mike Jolly returned an intercepted pass 50 yards for another TD. All-American guard Mark Donahue was voted Offensive Champion of the Game. Russell Davis and Ron Simpkins were ABC-TV's Players of the Game and Simpkins was also named the AP's Big Ten Player of the Week. Go Blue!

Scoring
First Quarter
T-Franklin, 24-yd. FG

Second Quarter
M-R. Davis, 4-yd. run (Willner)

Third Quarter
M-R. Davis, 1-yd. run
M-Stephenson, 35-yd. pass from Leach (Willner)

Fourth Quarter
M-Huckleby, 8-yd. run (Willner)
M-Pickens, recovered blocked punt in endzone (Willner)
M-Jolly, 50-yd. pass interception return (Willner)

Top Individuals
Rushing: Woodard (T) 39-153; R. Davis (M) 19-110; Huckleby (M) 15-73; Dickey (T) 15-45
Passing: Leach (M) 6-18-106; Walker (T) 1-9-3
Receiving: Clayton (M) 2-28; Huckleby (M) 2-21