How about we put these up against the good old eye test.  What looks, feels, and is flat-out better?

THIS.

VS.

How about THIS.

VS.

Well, I suppose my wish has been granted.

Michigan is winning in just about every way right now – except for on the field – and that’s soon to be determined in about short 84 days.  In fact, last night’s unveiling of the throwbacks was, to the hour, exactly three months shy of the Notre Dame game under the lights.  I should say Under the Lights, as it’s being branded as such.  And my personal opinion, is that Michigan’s throwbacks are money.  I was skeptical of them from the jump, and haven’t been crazy about Adidas since the switch from Nike three years ago, but I’m a big fan of these throwbacks, or “legacy” jerseys, as Dave Brandon put it.  Here are Notre Dame’s throwback uniforms.

Michigan’s new-found recruiting prowess. On the recruiting front – Michigan’s 2012 recruiting ranking from ESPN is sitting at #6 – and that’s before yesterday’s commit pull of Tim Strobel and Erik Magnuson.  Both Tim and Erik are 4-star recruits with Magnuson being the #34th ranked player by rivals.  This from the twitters…

@TomVH: Michigan already has one more 4 star recruit committed for 2012 (7) than in the 2011 class (6). Gotten 16 commitments in 79 days

Ohio State continues to suffer. Things are not getting better for Columbus and Ohio State fans – not only are people piling on – but more and more allegations keep coming out seemingly daily.  Jim Tressel now may have known back in 2007 that NCAA infractions and rules violations were taking place.

In a March 21, 2007 email to Tressel, which was provided to the Plain Dealer, a source gave the following warning about the alleged online activities of Talbott, a Columbus-based freelance photographer who also is involved in memorabilia sales:

“He has sold over 50 items with underclassmen signatures before their eligibility expires and would seem to be someone that both you and the university is aware of. I have a full report of his eBay activities if you would like to explore further or require documentation.”

The email was sent to the account tressel.3@osu.edu. That is the same address that Columbus attorney Chris Cicero used to email Tressel in April of 2010 about OSU players selling memorabilia, an email that Tressel did not disclose to his bosses, an NCAA violation that eventually led to his May 30 resignation.

So, the ugliness is sure to continue for Ohio State and specifically Jim Tressel and Terrelle Pryor.  Going out on a limb, I think it’s fair to suggest that it sucks to be either one of those guys right now.

Hate. Man, a strong word it is. Strong words get dialed up from time to time for good reason. Especially this week.

Michigan has a handful of rivalries. When you talk Notre Dame, you use words like suck, you poke fun, and they just seem like an overrated team every year with an annoying fan base.

Let’s see, there’s Michigan State. When you talk Michigan State, you use words like dominance, you feel like they are inferior in just about every way, and that they are good for maybe one solid season every decade.

Then there’s the (pronounced “th-uh” by me) Ohio State Buckeyes. Or, if you’re Terrelle Pryor, you might say the University of Ohio State. Regardless, it’s this week for Michigan fans across the midwest and the globe, that words like hate, detest, and expletive after expletive gets directed at anything remotely related to the state of Ohio. It’s simply the greatest rivalry in sports.

I’m 27. Michigan football memories in my world originated with Desmond Howard racing down the sideline seconds before the epic Heisman pose. Dad would reference his childhood in the ’60′s when Michigan lost several times to the bucks, then he’d warn me that Michigan wasn’t always going to beat Ohio State. But hey it was the ’90′s and all Michigan could do was beat John Cooper and Ohio State. I knew nothing else and grew to expect Michigan victories – regardless of how good Ohio State was supposed to be. Sure enough, Dad knew what he was talking about.

This rivalry is due. Ohio State could win it’s seventh straight game in the series. That ain’t cool. What is cool, is that rivalries know no bounds. Before I say too much – I’ll admit that lots and lots of plays have to go Michigan’s way on Saturday because I don’t think Michigan’s defense can do enough to hold Ohio State under 35 or so points. But, back to my point, isn’t this rivalry due for a big upset? Can’t Tressell’s luck, and yes I truly mean luck, run out for just one, only one, Saturday against Michigan?

I was there in 1993 and in 1995, ten and twelve years old respectively at the time. Granted, I was a kid, but those were disappointing years for Michigan because they legitimately had good teams and wound up losing four games. But, those teams were able to pull off great upsets. Michigan, sum of all parts, is an average team this year. Not a good team that has had a few let downs – and that’s the difference between an upset now compared to an upset in the ’90′s. It’s harder to imagine an upset from this Michigan team, but I’ll maintain the viewpoint that they’ll play Ohio State tough on Saturday.

I don’t think it’s that far-fetched to say that Michigan will be less than a possession away from the lead in the third quarter. More on that coming later this week.

In the spirit of Charles Woodson, David Boston and Terry Glenn. The little spar between Woodson and Boston is symbolic of what this rivalry is all about. It’s about hate. It’s about hating the guy across the line of scrimmage from you. In the spirit of what these guys represented on the field not long ago, I’m fully supportive of dudes getting in dudes faces this Saturday. Nothing dirty, just some clean jawing because if you play at Michigan, regardless of where you are from, the junior and senior leaders and coaches have instilled in you a general disdain for that team down south.

In the spirit of Thanksgiving. It’s Thanksgiving week, which historically comes right after Michigan – Ohio State week. In light of the schedule change, as Michigan fans, enjoy the rivalry week. Be thankful your somehow, for some reason emotionally attached to one of the most storied and successful college football programs in the land. It’s a great time to reminisce on great games of the past, and remember those unfortunate late November games of late that haven’t went Michigan’s way. This is the week we get as college football fans to eat up all the greatness of the best rivalry in all of sports.

Remember, anything can happen. Hit up Wolverine Historian’s YouTube page for many highlights of all those great Michigan wins over Ohio State. Check the hype vid below from DetroitUofM8 below. Go Blue.

Not long ago I threw up a little poll on the right sidebar – asking readers and Michigan fans to simply pick what games Michigan will win in this upcoming 2010 season. After a small sample size, I’ve posted the results below. Some obvious results – just about every person feels Michigan will beat UMass and Bowling Green, while few feel Michigan will beat Ohio State. Not to my surprise, but Michigan fans are rather optimistic about this upcoming season. Check ‘em out below – and if you haven’t already – let’s get your input over on the right!

And again, let’s not let this link fall too far under the fold. Enjoy. Was going to pull down this link as it’s quite old news – but what the hell we’ll leave it.

Win Predictions According to 118 Readers
[Updated: 201 votes]

Oh yea. I had to post this picture of Ohio State’s J.B. Shugarts. Man, dude needs to grow some facial hair or something – might be giving people the wrong impression with that look!

Michigan’s 2010 squad is a unique product and nobody really knows what to expect out of this team and this coaching staff. This isn’t 2008 or 2009, right, it’s the 2010 season. You’re best off taking the little good from both previous seasons and moving on to something that will most definitely be better and more fun to watch. Hence, some renewed optimism is in order and serious hope that Michigan fields a team that fills up the win column a hair more aggressively than the previous two seasons. Massive turnarounds do happen – and it could happen with the Wolverines in this 2010 season. Should this be a massive turnaround, a complete out of this world dream season, here is how I see it playing out.

The Dream Begins…

Connecticut.
I see Michigan coming out in fine fashion as a riled up crowd enjoys the dedication game of the newly renovated Big House. Similar to last season’s opener, Michigan looks sharp in all phases of the game and it takes Connecticut a while to get anything generated on offense. My guess is that Tate takes the field as the starter and Denard is on the field in some capacity. After Michigan gets a couple scores on the board it only takes RR a couple series to put Denard behind center. It’s a glorious day at Michigan Stadium and a massive sigh of relief is felt from the Michigan fan base as a whole. Dream Record: 1-0.

@ Notre Dame.
I’ll go out on a limb and say ND picks up an opening win against Purdue. So both teams are fired up and ready to start the season 2-0. This is a close game and still has those WTF strange turnovers from both teams. Michigan goes through a second and third quarter lull that allows Notre Dame to get up by about a field goal. In the fourth quarter Michigan’s experience on the offensive line proves to be the difference in the game as Michigan keeps the ball on the ground for a couple late scores to seal the deal. Michigan ‘escapes’ with a huge win in South Bend to get the season started on a very high note. Dream Record: 2-0.

Massachusetts.
Michigan is feeling good after hurdling two tough opponents. The starters take off the first half of the first quarter before putting a number on UMass. Michigan’s starters are able to hit the sideline after the first couple possessions of the third quarter. Michigan wins in a blowout. Dream Record: 3-0.

Bowling Green.
The fear of the let down. No longer can Michigan ever overlook an opponent, especially a MAC team like Bowling Green. Bowling Green keeps it close for most of the game and loses any hope with some costly turnovers after a well-played first half. More of Tate and Denard splitting snaps with Denard doing his best to get the starting gig as it’s not settled after three games. More and more it appears as though RR will game plan and play either Tate or Denard in spots dependent upon the opponent. At any rate, the squad gives the fans plenty to cheer about on a great Saturday. Dream Record: 4-0.

@ Indiana.
Even in a dream season scenario, I still think Michigan has it’s problems with Indiana. Much like last season, Indiana’s offense has more firepower than most realize. Indiana is able to move the ball and put points on the board. Tate gets most of the snaps and Michigan is able to squeak out a nail biter – and once again, the Indiana fan base feels like their game against Michigan slipped right through their fingertips. Dream Record: 5-0.

Michigan State.
Dream season or not, Michigan State is not beating Michigan three years in a row with two coming in the Big House. It just ain’t happening. State talks a big game in the week leading up to the contest and it backfires on them. Michigan comes out fired up and lays the wood to MSU in a big way. Tate and Denard both shine as Michigan State’s offense struggles to get into any type of rhythm all day. The dream season continues. Dream Record: 6-0.

Iowa.
At this point, Michigan has garnished some national media attention for snagging their sixth win and a guaranteed bowl birth. They are ranked right around the 10 to 15 range – and a win against an established Iowa squad is sure to put Michigan in the top ten. Unfortunately, Iowa’s defense and ground game prove to be too much for Michigan to overcome. Michigan’s first loss comes on their home turf against the Hawkeyes in similar fashion to what went down a year ago at night in Iowa’s place. Dream Record: 6-1.

@ Penn State.
After suffering through the first setback of the season, this is where it’s clear that this is a different Michigan team than we’ve seen in the Rich Rodriguez era. Laying down and dying after a tough loss has been all too common over the last couple years. Not this season. This is a different team, a more experienced team, and a deeper more talented team. Michigan goes into Happy Valley as an underdog and shocks the Nittany Lion crowd in a great night game atmosphere. My guess is that Michigan puts up nearly 30 points and holds Penn State’s pedestrian offense to under 200 yards – a breakthrough game for the young Michigan D. Dream Record: 7-1.

Illinois.
With Michigan coming off its most influential win of the RR era – a rowdy Big House crowd cheers on a solid performance from Denard. Illinois puts up a great fight as there aren’t many Big Ten games anymore that aren’t flat out dogfights. This is another game the plays into the trend of Michigan pulling way in the latter stages of the second half via a defense that creates timely turnovers and an offensive line that proves it’s worth as games wear on. Michigan gets a big home win and shows that they remain focused and aren’t ready to give in to any type of letdown. Dream Record: 8-1.

@ Purdue.
Damn that Ross Ade Stadium. I don’t have great memories of Michigan playing at that place, but I do often remember Shazor the Razor’s vicious hit in the waning minutes as Purdue looked poised to at least get into field goal range and wipe away Michigan’s 16-14 lead. Michigan’s offense sets the tone in this game with a balanced attack that allows some of Michigan’s receivers to get into the action. Jeremy Gallon has a breakout performance and shows that he is a quality punt returner in this one. Michigan notches another victory as RR gets another rare Big Ten road win. Dream Record: 9-1.

Wisconsin.
For once, I think Wisconsin will live up to the hype they are receiving during the preseason. Usually, Wisky seems to beat up on their weak non-conference foes, snag a top ten ranking and then falter throughout conference play. This is a team that Michigan will struggle with because of their size and strength up front. While it will feel like one of those games that Michigan should win – and will most likely be favored in – Wisconsin escapes with a narrow victory. A disappointment absolutely, but it’s only loss #2 and the Wolverines will have a huge game the following week against the Buckeyes. Dream Record: 9-2.

@ Ohio State.
So Ohio State comes into this game with somewhat of a disappointing season as they’ve dropped a game to Miami and another unexpected Big Ten game. Michigan comes off a disappointing loss to Wisconsin, but spirits are high as they’ve had a great season. Michigan’s offense uses every inch of the field and really spreads out the Buckeye defense. In similar fashion to a year ago, the offense moves the ball well and plays a turnover free game – allowing them to put points on the board and pick up some early momentum. Pryor has a great game himself but loses a fumble in the fourth quarter that allows Michigan to get that last score they need to go up nine – a difference that Ohio State is unable to overcome. The win makes it a great, unbelievable turnaround season for the Wolverines and positions them for a BCS bowl at large bid (damn Wisconsin wins the Big Ten title). Dream Record: 10-2.

The Odds of The Dream Happening?

After the last two seasons, it’s hard to imagine Michigan firing off a ten win season and beating Ohio State on the road in late November. BUT, you know you never know. Stranger things have happened. You can bet that at this time next season – the forecasts for this team will be sky high with all the experience on D and at the skill positions. Perhaps it comes a year earlier than expected? My my wouldn’t that be nice.

I’d give this about a 12% chance of happening. And that 12% is a number that came from an intense, highly analytical mathematical breakdown. Worry not my friends, it’s a whole new season and Michigan hasn’t lost a game yet!

With a clean slate in both the win and loss column – August tends to distribute rather overwhelming optimism and pessimism among fan bases across the country. Hence, I delve into the depths of the mere possibility of an absolutely terrible 2010 season for Michigan. If all goes wrong and the team can’t seem to pull it together. If there appears to be little offensive and defensive improvement, the losses will begin to pile up quicker than a Denard scamper.

The Nightmare Begins…

Connecticut.
This game has been talked about all summer as a very difficult opener for Michigan. Facing a confident team that has experienced success in each of their last three seasons. The Nightmare starts with Michigan struggling all day to move the ball consistently and the all too familiar upside down turnover ratio going against the Wolverines. Michigan winds up keeping it close but struggles all day and loses a close one. The fan base is uneasy after a not so stellar outing in the opener and the season begins at 0-1. Nightmare Record: 0-1

@ Notre Dame.
Notre Dame opens their season against a Purdue team that could very well beat them, so both teams could be heading into their second game feeling a hair desparate for a big win. I think this season’s game in South Bend will be a typical rivalry game – neck and neck with a few WTF type turnovers from each team. Should Notre Dame beat Michigan, Brian Kelly catches Michigan off guard with some play calls that Michigan simply isn’t prepared for. Michigan, again loses a close game for the second time over two September Saturdays. Nightmare Record: 0-2

Massechussetts.
Well, the 0-2 Michigan squad gets a breather at home against a team that even Michigan’s 2008 team led by Nick Sheridan would have eased by. Nothing feels better about the season even with a royal beatdown of Umass. Michigan wins by at least three touchdowns and the Michigan faithful limp on to another week of practice. Nightmare Record: 1-2.

Bowling Green.
The thought and fear of another loss to a MAC team is there, and let’s not beat around the shrubbery, it’s a frightening thought. Michigan looks less then steller and gives up way too many yards to Bowling Green’s offense. Fortunately, Bowling Green can’t handle either Tate or Denard as they split time (as we all know will happen regardless of who starts any particular game) and put enough points up on the board to make the win look respectable on the ticker. Nightmare Record: 2-2.

@ Indiana.
Last year’s win against the Hoosiers was one of those games that pretty much sucked to watch. At that point, Michigan’s defense hadn’t truly been exposed and the team showed it’s first real signs of the meltdown that would come as the season pushed on. Michigan will walk into Bloomington hoping to add another notch to the win column, however, Indiana has different thoughts in mind. The Indiana offense again abuses Michigan’s defense and a couple costly Michigan turnovers gets Indiana enough on the board to stave off a late Michigan rally led by Forcier. Nightmare Record: 2-3.

Michigan State.
At this point, Michigan fans are ready to throw Rodriguez to the streets as the preseason optimism lingers in fans minds and all wonder if it’s possible to get this thing turned around. Afterall, it’s still early October with a lot of season left to be played. Michigan puts together a solid performance for the first time this season and takes full advantage of a couple early Michigan State blunders. Michigan gets its hopes back up after their best game of the season. Nightmare Record: 3-3.

Iowa.
Iowa enters the Big House on a roll with an unblemished record and a top ten ranking. This game will be much like last years, where Michigan competes but is never really out front and never really looks as though they are better than Iowa. While it’s a good game, Iowa’s defense proves to be too much for Michigan to ever establish anything positive on the ground – Iowa’s offense does enough to get 20+ points on the board by chewing up yardage and the clock with a solid ground game. Nightmare Record: 3-4.

@ Penn State.
Michigan comes into the game with a proclaimed renewed focus after a solid week of practice. Much like many of the games in 2009, Michigan can move the ball and the offense looks great at times, but as the game progresses Penn State seems to be the more dominant team. Michigan does not produce any big plays and it’s inexperienced kicking game misses a couple key field goals. Michigan leaves Happy Valley quite discouraged as it seems like this was just another one that slipped away in the latter stages of the game. Nightmare Record: 3-5.

Illinois.
With the season looking a lot like 2009, Michigan’s chances of getting to a bowl game seem to be less and less likely as the losses pile up. A Juice-less Illinois team strolls into Michigan Stadium hoping to get a big win as Illinois is having a terrible season. Michigan plays up to par as they did against Michigan State earlier in the season and gets another solid, turnover-free performance out of all three units. Michigan still is hopeful to get to a bowl game and finish the season on a high note. Nightmare Record: 4-5.

@ Purdue.
What the hell is it about Ross Ade Stadium – because over the years Michigan has really struggled to come out of there with wins. Just this week, the Big Ten Network was playing the 2000 game, where a Drew Henson / David Terrell / Anthony Thomas led offense blew a 28-10 lead against the Drew Brees led Boilermakers. Much of the same to be expected here, a high scoring affair that leaves Michigan with a sour taste and rotten bus ride back to Ann Arbor. Some Purdue player is sure to have a career defining game. Michigan goes down. Nightmare Record: 4-6.

Wisconsin.
Wisconsin comes in not living up to the preseason top fifteen type expectations everybody set in August. That being said, Wisconsin takes advantage of some sloppy quarterback play from Michigan as a frustrated Rodriguez shuffles both Denard and Tate in and out of the game – hoping one of them will perform. Michigan loses a stinker and a low scoring game on a dreary November day. Bowl hopes again – dashed. Nightmare Record: 4-7.

@ University of Ohio State.
Well, once again Michigan is faced with a “well if we beat Ohio State down in Columbus it will almost make up for everything that went wrong all season.” As nice as that sounds – it ain’t happening. Ohio State is too solid in all three phases of the game and the game is almost a direct repeat of 2009. Michigan moves the ball, but doesn’t have enough firepower to look like the better team on the field or the scoreboard. Nightmare Record: 4-8.

The Odds of the Nightmare Happening?

There is about a 8% chance the season plays out this way. While I won’t totally discount it, and using history as a guide, Michigan should at the very least be on par with last season and most likely show marked improvement. BUT, you never know, as we thought the seasons and product on the field were mere impossibilities before the 2008 and 2009 seasons actually happened.

Worry not my friends. ANYTHING can happen – but I don’t foresee the Nightmare becoming part of our reality in the near future.

Another ugly Saturday – Michigan gets pushed around in Madison. One loss away from a second consecutive bowl-less season, and one win away from what would be a season-salvaging, bowl-qualifying win against Ohio State. The mood surrounding this Michigan program will take a 180 if Michigan can pull an upset at home next week. The likelihood of it happening? Well, slim at best, but hey it’s been done before.

The defense again was absolutely terrible. I have finally accepted that Michigan simply doesn’t have the talent on that side of the ball to compete for an entire game. There are ok moments, but against Wisconsin they were pushed around and the lack of depth seems to wear them down by the midway point of the 3rd quarter. I saw guys like Stevie Brown unable to get off a block for about 12 yards. The talent just ain’t there, and it will be critical for guys like Justin Turner, Brandon Smith, and other RR recruits to step it up next year.

The offense showed more improvement, has success. Tate, for the second week in a row, played very well and put points on the board when he had opportunities. Roy Roundtree again impressed and it looks like he will continue to be a force in this offense for a few years. It’s tough, as Rich Rod mentioned in the post game presser, when you only get three second half possessions you can’t get into any kind of offensive rhythm. Tate completed 20 out of 26 passes and was accurate for most of the day – with the exception of the deep ball to Greg Matthews that would have been a touchdown.

Looking ahead to Ohio State. I said two weeks ago before Michigan took one in the nuts to Purdue, that Ohio State will be coming into the season finale emotionally drained. Two weeks of huge match ups – one at Penn State, then at home against Iowa to get the Rose Bowl berth with an overtime win, will take a lot out of the emotional tank for a team. That being said, Ohio State will naturally lack some focus and intensity because they know they are heading to Pasadena on January 1st. Michigan will have to play a near perfect game and get a couple turnovers. If Michigan wins, Tate will have to be a hero and play beyond his years. More on the OSU game later in the week. Stay Tuned.

Don’t Panic. With fans nearing the ledge, now is a good time to use perspective and see more of the big picture. This team is so very young, new defensive coordinator, no defensive depth, etc. The things that RR and the fans that actually back him have been saying before this season even started. The future is bright, the improved offensive production is a fantastic sign. A simply mediocre defense would have put three more games in the win column this season. Don’t Panic.

Improvements in Year 2. Here are a few improvements from year 1 to year 2 under Rich Rod:

• Points/game
• Yards/game
• Passing yards/game
• QB Passer Rating
• QB completion percentage
• Unforced turnover margin
• Punt and kick return yardage
• Net punting yardage
• Field goals scored and field goal percentage
• Wins

So improvements are being made on the offensive side of the ball and on special teams. Now, if that damn defense could improve next year. Again, don’t panic.

How can Rich Rodriguez and this team rebound?
RR is facing some real adversity, again. A great September bought him some additional time and put him in good graces with some that were calling for his head. Personally, I am willing to give RR time and won’t put 100% of the blame on him. The inexperience factor is significant, this team is so freakin’ young and it’s very well documented. I think saying that RR is on the hot seat is a knee jerk reaction that isn’t quite justified at this point. If this team is in a similar situation one year from now, I will take a different stance on the matter.

So, three games left. Four scenarios.

1. Final Record: 8-4 – Michigan rebounds with a win against a bad Purdue team that plays better than their record at times (see Ohio State game). Somehow Wisconsin plays its worst game of the year and Michigan steals one. Then the gods of Michigan football come out of the woodwork against Ohio State.
   Odds of happening? 5%
2. Final Record: 7-5 – Michigan beats Purdue this week in what will probably be an ugly game for both teams. Loses at Wisconsin because getting a road win this season just ain’t gonna happen. And the the almighty gods of Michigan football show up and roll into the Big House against Ohio State.
   Odds of happening? 20%
3. Final Record: 6-6 – Michigan beats Purdue because they suck, and Michigan sucks, but Purdue sucks more. Michigan has no interest in winning a road game this year, so Wisconsin is obviously a loss. The following week, Ohio State shows that they are clearly the dominant team and soundly beats Michigan by three touchdowns.
   Odds of happening? 60%
4. Final Record: 5-7 – Michigan shows no resemblance of the team they were back in September. This would mean the team goes 1-7 in their final 8 games – and that’s counting the Delaware State game as what it wasn’t – an actual game. The world of maize and blue is completely engulfed in the early season success of the men’s basketball team and wants nothing to do with Rich Rodriguez.
   Odds of happening: 25%

Week 1 – Washington at Michigan – VIDEO
Michigan beats the Washington Huskies on opening day at the Big House. I can remember walking back to the car assuming sure defeat – then the horns. People were dancin’ on their horns because Michigan puts an improbable field goal through as time expires for the victory.

Week 2 – Houston at Michigan – INFO
This wasn’t exactly a great game – although now I’m sure every Michigan fan would take ANY blowout. But if you look at Week 2 games – there are lots of losses and ugly wins sprinkled in throughout – two to ND, two to Pac 10 teams, bad wins against MAC teams, etc.

Shawn Crable

Week 4 – Wisconsin at Michigan – HD VIDEO
The lone bright spot of the Rich Rod’s first season at Michigan. The greatest comeback in the history of Michigan Stadium. The first half was just a waste of everyone’s time – the offense blew, and I mean real bad. But things got going late in the third quarter with some help from Wisconsin and before you knew – Michigan is winning 27-19 and pulls out the W 27-25.

See below the tables for the rest of the game descriptions…

Week 5 – Michigan at Michigan State – VIDEO
MSU came into the game 4-0 and favored in the game for the first time since 1968. Michigan winds up getting a 21-7 lead before MSU came back to tie the game. Michigan then gets up 31-24 and midway through the 4th quarter a Henne fumble gets picked up and taken to the house. Rivas ends up hitting a field goal in OT to win the game.

Week 6 – Michigan at Penn State – VIDEO
The first overtime game ever at Michigan Stadium. If you watch the video, you’ll see that there are a number of plays where the refs miss some calls that did not help Michigan in any way. Michigan winds up down 13-7 at the end of the third quarter. Michigan then gets jobbed out of what was clearly a pass interference on Braylon Edwards. Nevertheless, Navarre ends up hitting Edwards on a fade pattern in the left side of the end zone. PSU gets up again 21-14 and Michigan ties and and gets the W in OT.

Mario Manningham

Week 8 – Michigan at Iowa – VIDEO
A gutsy comeback in Kinnick Stadium against the Hawkeyes of Iowa. The boys in blue were down 13 in the second half and things were looking rather ugly. The offense couldn’t get anything going all day until late in the 2nd half. Marquise Walker makes one of the most spectacular catches I’ve ever witnessed. Great win on the road.

Braylon Edwards

Week 10 – Michigan at Michigan State – VIDEO
Michigan comes out of the gates playing well, but eventually finds themselves down 24-14 midway through the forth quarter. Henne throws one of the best passes of his career to Greg Matthews in the corner of the end zone to put the Wolverines down 3. A quick stop from Michigan’s defense and Henne takes the boys back down field for an eventual beauty to Mario Manningham for the win.

Week 11 – Penn State at Michigan – VIDEO
Not a whole lot to choose from when considering Week 11 games. This was a solid victory led by Drew Henson, Anthony Thomas and BJ Askew. The 4th straight win in a row over Penn State – who would have thought that streak was going to last all the way up to 2008.

Week 12 – Michigan at Ohio State – VIDEO
Let’s see. One opponent fills Week 12. The win in 2003 was great at home. Gotta go with Michigan’s last road win in Columbus. Enough said.

Bowl Game – Michigan vs. Florida – HD VIDEO
A great way to send off Lloyd Carr in his final game on the sidelines. A back and forth game that saw Mike Hart fumble twice, Chad Henne make some unbelievable throws, Adrian Arrington make some sick catches, Mario Manningham come up big, and Jamar Adams LIGHT up Tim Tebow a couple times. Michigan has owned the SEC in recent years, unlike ugly down in Ohio.