MarkThisDate

Pre-Game Records:Vanderbilt (0-0)Michigan (0-0)Line:
Michigan by 26

Result: Michigan wins 27-7

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (11 for 23\; 135 yards\; 2 TDs)
Mike Hart (32 carries for 146 yards) Steve Breaston (4 recs for 67 yards)
Mario Manningham (4 recs for 46 yards\; 1 TD)

Comments:
While the Wolverines looked impressive in their opening drive, they showed sloppiness in the rest of the 1st and 2nd quarters. They always say that a team improves the most between the first and second games -- let's just hope that Michigan can improve drastically before next weekend.

Pre-Game Records:Central Michigan (0-1)Michigan (1-0)\
nLine: Michigan by 28

Result: Michigan wins 41-17

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (11 for 19\; 113 yards)
Mike Hart (19 carries for 116 yards\; 3 TDs)
Kevin Grady (12 carries for 46\; 1 TD)
Mario Manningham (2 recs for 27 yards)

Comments:
With fewer mistakes than the Wolverines had against Vanderbilt, we can feel good that the team is making progress. However, there were still mental errors, too many penalties, and Steve Breaston needs to catch more passes. With Notre Dame on the horizon, the Big Blue need stop making mistakes.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (2-0)Notre Dame (2-0)Line:
Notre Dame by 5

Result: Michigan wins 47-21

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (13 for 22\; 220 yards)
Mike Hart (31 carries for 122 yards\; 1 TD)
Mario Manningham (4 recs for 138 yards\; 3 TDs)
Prescott Burgess (2 INTs\; 1 TD)

Comments:
Michigan dominated this game from start to finish. The defense came to play and showed that from the first series of the game when Prescott Burgess snagged an interception and returned it for a touchdown. The defensive team looked amazing, creating 5 turnover opportunities that provided for a comfortable afternoon of watching football.

The offense looked really strong, too. Steve Breaston still needs to work on hanging on to catches. Mario Manningham is a star!

Way to go Womverines! Let's keep it up!

Pre-Game Records:Wisconsin (3-0)Michigan (3-0)Line:
Michigan by 13.5

Result: Michigan wins 27-13

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (19 for 26\; 219 yards\; 2 TDs, 3 INTs)
Mike Hart (23 carries for 92 yards\; 1 TD)
Mario Manningham (7 recs for 112 yards\; 2 TDs)
Adrian Arrington (4 recs for 78 yards)

Comments:
Wolverine wide receivers did a better job of catching the ball (Henne's completion percentage was helped by 19 completions in 26 attempts), but Henne looked a bit wreckless in throwing 3 INTs and lucky that a 4th was dropped. The defense held Wisconsin to 24 rushing yards -- great job!

A nice start to the Big Ten opener, but more work to do. Keep your nose to the grindstone, guys!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (4-0)Minnesota (2-2)Battle f
or the Little Brown Jug

Line: Michigan by 9.5

Result: Michigan wins 28-14

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (18 for 25\; 291 yards\; 3 TDs)
Mike Hart (31 carries for 194 yards)
Mario Manningham (5 recs for 131 yards\; 1 TD)
Adrian Arrington (4 recs for 67 yards\; 2 TDs)

Comments:
The first half was an almost flawless performance by the Big Blue. Chad Henne and his receivers were completely in sync. Mike Hart dominated, especially when running to the left. And, the defense did a decent job of holding Minnesota's running attack under control.

A late surge by the Gophers provided some 4th quarter excitement, but the defense stepped up and Mike Hart's 54 yard run ended any hopes of a real Gopher comeback. The Wolverine team is getting better!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan State (3-2)Michigan (5-0)Bat
tle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy

Line: Michigan by 15.5

Result: Michigan wins 31-13

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (11 for 16\; 139 yards\; 3 TDs)
Mike Hart (22 carries for 123 yards)
Mario Manningham (3 recs for 75 yards\; 2 TDs)

Comments:
Michigan looked really well balanced today. There were some questionable calls that I would prefer we not see in a game that includes instant replay for EVERY play, but the outcome was never in doubt.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (6-0)Penn State (4-2)Line:
Michigan by 6

Result: Michigan wins 17-10

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (15 of 30\; 196 yards\; 1 TD)
Mike Hart (25 carries for 109 yards\; 1 TD)
Adrian Arrington (5 recs for 82 yards\; 1 TD)
Steve Breaston (5 recs for 81 yards)

Comments:
The story of the game was the work by both defenses, especially early. The Michigan defense dominated throughout the game with 7 sacks and hold Penn State to -16 rushing yards.

Despite only a 7 point difference on the scoreboard, this was an impressive Michigan win! Great job, team!

Pre-Game Records:Iowa (5-2)Michigan (7-0)Line: Mich
igan by 13

Result: Michigan wins 20-6

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (23 of 33\; 203 yards)
Mike Hart (31 carries for 126 yards\; 2 TDs)
Adrian Arrington (8 recs for 79 yards)
Steve Breaston (7 recs for 49 yards)

Comments:
Once again, this game featured two strong defenses. With a half-time score of 3-0, it was apparent that both offenses were struggling, especially the running games. The second half saw Michigan's offensive line and Mike Hart start to dominate.

While the story of the second half was Mike Hart's performance, the Michigan defensive line showed why they are probably the best in college football this year. Iowa was held to 39 rushing yards.

Pre-Game Records:Northwestern (2-6)Michigan (8-0)Lin
e: Michigan by 30

Result: Michigan wins 17-3

Key Stats:
Chade Henne (10 of 20\; 116 yards\; 1 TD)
Mike Hart (20 carries for 95 yards\; 1 TD)
Adrian Arrington (1 rec for 14 yards\; 1 TD)
Steve Breaston (3 recs for 34 yards)

Comments:
Michigan's offense looked sluggish. Coach Carr even commented on the players' tired legs.

Much like the 97 team, the defense is the stalwart. This season, the team is giving up an average of only 11.56 points per game. And, they have been getting stingier, giving up fewer points than the previous game in each of the last 4 games!

Pre-Game Records:Ball State (3-6)Michigan (9-0)Line:
Michigan by 33.5

Result: Michigan wins 34-26

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (17 of 25\; 155 yards\; 1 TD & 1 INT)
Mike Hart (25 carries for 154 yards\; 1 TD)
Brandon Minor (12 carries for 108 yards\; 1 TD)
Jerome Jackson (6 carries for 68 yards\; 1 TD)

Comments:
The first 9 points that Ball State scored were directly because of offensive errors. Mike Hart fumbled in the end zone on his 666th touch of the football without a fumble. This made the score 7-2. Then, Chad Henne's interception was returned 35 yards for a touchdown, putting Ball State ahead 9-7.

Michigan rushed for a total of 352 yards and had a respectable 507 total offensive yards.

Lots of guys played in the game, meaning second and third string players saw plenty of action. This fact comes out in the score. This game was closer than it should have been and gave Michigan fans a pretty good post-Halloween scare!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (10-0)Indiana (5-5)Line:
Michigan by 19

Result: Michigan wins 34-3

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (12 of 16\; 170 yards\; 2 TDs & 1 INT)
Mike Hart (19 carries for 88 yards\; 1 TD)
Steve Breaston (3 catches for 103 yards\; 1 TD\; 1 punt return for a TD)
Jerome Jackson (9 carries for 68 yards\; 1 TD)

Comments:
The MIchigan team looked solid on both sides of the ball. Steve Breaston came alive in this game just in time to give Ohio State something to think about.

Once again, the defense only allows 26 rushing yards. Stingy!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (11-0)Ohio State (11-0)Lin
e: Ohio State by 7

May God bless Bo Schembechler and watch over his family -- and his Michigan family. We miss you, Bo!

Result: Michigan loses 42-39

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (21 of 35\; 267 yards\; 2 TDs)
Mike Hart (23 carries for 142 yards\; 3 TDs)
Mario Manningham (6 catches for 86 yards)
Steve Breaston (3 catches for 18 yards)
Tyler Ecker (2 catches for 30 yards\; 1 TD)

Comments:
In what was an emotionally charged game, the Wolverines were not able to win one for Bo. Some individual mis-steps on defense led to big plays and touchdowns. Three long touchdowns were allowed only by miscalculations on Michigan's part.

Personally, I am hoping for the rematch. This was a great game and I believe the Wolverines are good enough to win!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (11-1)USC (Southern Cal) (10-2
)

Line: Even

Result: Michigan loses 32-18

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (26 of 41\; 309 yards\; 2 TDs)
Mike Hart (17 carries for 47 yards)
Mario Manningham (6 catches for 79 yards)
Steve Breaston (7 catches for 115 yards\; 1 TD)
Tyler Ecker (6 catches for 78 yards)

Comments:
This season ends in heartbreak. With the passing of Bo Schembechler and President Gerald Ford, Michigan lost two of its biggest football icons. Unfortunately the team also lost its two biggest games this season -- again! It has been a long time since Michigan beat Ohio State or won their bowl game. That type of performance makes for a long post-season.

Michigan has the potential to be great next year. With Mike Hart, Chad Henne and Mario Manningham all back, the skill positions are in great shape. Jake Long will be returning to open big holes in defenses. Allan Branch will announce his intentions in a few days. Let's hope the team returns with speed and chemistry and that the coaches learn how to deal with blitzes in the meantime!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (0-0)Appalacian State (0-0)\
nLine: No Line

Result: Michigan loses 34-32

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (19 for 37 and 233 yards\; 1 INT and 1 touchdown)
Mike Hart (23 carries for 188 rushing yards\; 3 touchdowns)
Mario Manningham (3 catches for 66 yards)
Greg Matthews (7 catches for 68 yards\; 1 touchdown)

Comments: Disaster! This game is being called by sports pundits as \"the biggest upset in college football history.\" I am not sure that is exactly true, since Appalachian State is the two time defending national champion in Division I-AA (or whatever they are calling it these days). They are a team with a winning tradition and lots of confidence. They know how to play as a team and how to stay focused. They had players that showed great speed. I just don't understand how they got onto Michigan's schedule!

There is one question I am struggling with: What was the upside to scheduling this team? I don't see any! It should have never happened.

But, since it was scheduled, it is important to look at the porous defense that gave up too many big plays and to some poor coaching decisions that led to two failed two-point conversions and two blocked field goal attempts. Disaster! And, a season ruined -- there is no hope for a national championship this year.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (0-1)Oregon (1-0)Line: Mi
chigan by 7

Result: Michigan loses 39-7

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (12 for 23 and 172 yards\; 1 INT and 1 touchdown)
Mike Hart (25 carries for 127 rushing yards)
Mario Manningham (8 catches for 117 yards)
Adrian Arrington (6 catches for 69 yards\; 1 touchdown)

Comments: The team has gone from Bad to Worse! At the conclusion of the game, it is hard to tell where to start fixing things.

The defense was terrible! Where is the quality of defense we saw last year that led the nation in run defense for most of the season? These Wolverines gave up 624 yards to the Ducks offense.

The offense never even showed up. With so much discussion about the return of Chade Henne, Mike Hart and Jake Long, where is the high powered offense we expected? I know that Henne and Hart both left the game with injuries, but even when they were in, they weren't being very effective.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (0-2)Notre Dame (0-2)Line:
Michigan by 8

Result: Michigan wins 38-0

Key Stats:
Ryan Mallett (7 for 15 and 90 yards\; 3 touchdowns)
Mike Hart (35 carries for 187 rushing yards\; 2 touchdowns)
Mario Manningham (2 catches for 35 yards\; 1 touchdown)

Comments: Relief! The team looked really good. It is obvious that the defense has been working on tackling and they seemed to be flying around the field as we expected to see at the start of the season. Let's hope that this is the start of a whole new season for the Wolverines.

Offensively, they looked good with the Freshman, Ryan Mallett, at the helm. It was a conservative game plan that was dependent upon the run, but it was a good strategy. Jake Long looked impressive opening up holes for Mike Hart, who refused to be tackled by the first people who hit him on each play.

The team looked good today. It is a great step. Here is to hoping for a strong game against Penn State next week!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (1-2)Penn State (3-0)Line:
Penn State by 2.5

Result: Michigan wins 14-9

Key Stats:
Ryan Mallett (16 for 28 and 170 yards\; 1 rushing touchdown)
Mike Hart (44 carries for 153 rushing yards\; 1 touchdown)
Adrian Arrington (6 catches for 70 yards)
Mario Manningham (6 catches for 61 yards)

Comments:
The 2007 Big Ten opener for the Wolverines looked like the teams we would have expected to see. A strong Penn State team fought hard against a Michigan team that didn't give up. This was a defensive struggle wihich resulted in a relatively low score.

Mike Hart showed his leadership by rushing for a career high 44 attempts in order to aid his freshman quarterback. But, Ryan Mallett made some plays all on his own, including a rushing touchdown and some third-down scrambles that led important first down catches.

The Wolverine defense stepped up today and caused several turn-overs that in the end made a difference -- Michigan's first touchdown was the result of an early fumble by Penn State's QB, Anthony Morelli. Then, thoughout the rest of the day, they continued to hit Morelli, break up passes and stiffle Penn State's rushing game.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (2-2\; 1-0)Northwestern (2-2\;
0-1)

Line: Michigan by 16.5

Result Michigan wins 28-16

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (18 for 27, 193 yards\; 3 TDs)
Mike Hart (30 carries for 106\; 1 TD)
Mario Manningham (10 catches for 123 yards\; 1 TD)
Adrian Arrington (7 catches for 90 yards\; 1 TD)
UM: 0 turnovers\; NU: 5 turnovers

Comments:
Early in the game, Michigan did not do a good in tackling on defense. This sloppiness led to a 64 gain - most of which happened after the Michigan players \"thought\" they had the receiver tackled. It is important to see each play through, guys!

As the game progressed, the defense looked worrisome as NU converted many 3rd downs and seemed to move the ball at will. In the 4th quarter, however, Michigan's defense tightened and caused several turnovers that allowed Michigan to not only take a late lead, but to build on that.

Chad Henne became the Michigan career touchdown passing leader Michigan with a first quarter TD pass to Mario Manningham. With two more touchdowns in the game, Chad brings his career total to 75.

Mike Hart also had a good game thanks to some strong runs in the fourth quarter. He has rushed for more than 100 yards in each of the 5 games this season.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (3-2\; 2-0)EMU (2-3\; 1-1)
Line: Michigan by 30

Result: Michigan wins 33-22

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (17 for 26, 195 yards\; 1 TD and 2 INTs)
Mike Hart (22 carries for 218\; 3 TDs)
Adrian Arrington (6 catches for 102 yards\; 1 TD)

Comments:
In a game in which the score was closer than the game actually was, Lloyd Carr took his foot off the gas a little too early.

Offensively, this game was Mike Hart's. His 22 carries seem light compared to other games this season, but his 215 yards were more than enough to carry the team - and to set a Michigan career rushing record at the same time!

What may be remembered most from this game are the plays on special teams that casused for some unexpected results. The first is a blocked PAT by EMU that they scooped up and ran 98 yards for a 2-point conversion. Michigan had a blocked PAT of their own. The third quarter opened with EMU attempting an on-side kick that was recovered by the kicker himself. And, a later attempt in the 4th quarter was also recovered by EMU.

Coach Carr might want to take a page out of Virginia Tech's practice regime and focus more on special teams!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (4-2\; 2-0)Purdue (5-1\; 1-1)\
n
Line: Michigan by 6

Result: Michigan wins 48-21

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (21 for 28, 264 yards\; 2 TDs)
Mike Hart (21 carries for 102\; 2 TDs)
Carlos Brown (13 carries for 68 yards\; 2 TDs)
Mario Manningham (8 catches for 147\; 2 TDs)
Adrian Arrington (6 catches for 55 yards)

Comments:
Finally, we see a performance from the team that shows why the Wolverines were ranked at #5 in the pre-season polls. With Purdue gaining more than 130 yards (of their 292 total) in the last 4 minutes of the game, including two touchdowns, it is easy to see how much the Boilermakers were dominated in the first 56 minutes of the game. This was a strong performance that may set up a final run that will allow Michigan to regain the Big Ten Championship. However, the toughest games of the season still lay ahead - keep it up, guys!

Mike Hart went out before half-time with an ankle injury and did not return. Later in the game, Brandon Minor also went out with an ankle injury. This made room for Carlos Brown to shine from his third string role and score 2 TDs. Great job, Carlos!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (5-2\; 3-0)Illinois (5-2\; 3-1
)

Line: Michigan by 1

Result: Michigan winds 27-17

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (18 for 26 and 202 yards\; 2 TDs and 1 INT)
Carlos Brown (25 carries for 113 yards)
Mario Manningham (9 receptions for 109 yards\; 2 TDs)
Adrian Arrington (3 receptions for 58 yards\; 1 TD receiving\; 1 TD passing)

Comments:
Illinois got off to a quick start in this game, by scoring a touchdown within the first minute of the first quarter. They eventually went up 14-3 before Michigan really began to apply their dominance.

Mike Hart did not even dress for this game and Carlos Brown filled in admirably. Chad Henne and Mario Manningham both went into the locker room to have injuries taken care of. The team looked better when Henne came back to the field.

Some late game triceration helped lift Michigan to their win when Adrian Arrington threw a touchdown to Mario Manningham in the 4th quarter.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (6-2\; 4-0)Minnesota (1-7\; 0-
4)

Line: Michigan by 23.5

Result: Michigan wins 34-10

Key Stats:
Ryan Mallett (11 for 20 catches and 233 yards\; 1 TD)
Brandon Minor (21 carries for 159 yards\; 1 TD)
Carlos Brown (13 carries for 137 yards\; 2 TDs)
Mario Manningham (5 catches for 162 yards\; 1 TD)
Adrian Arrington (4 catches for 61 yards)

Comments:
Minnesota took an early 10-0 lead in large part thanks to their defensive recovery of a Ryan Mallett fumble that was scooped up and carried into the end zone. Once Minnesota got that lead, they didn't hold it very long. It was all Michigan after that.

Mario Manningham looked the best he has all season in running up 162 receiving yards. The running game looked impressive as both Brandon Minor and Carlos Brown ran to more than 130 yards.

This was a good game to have before a tough stretch to close the season. Chad Henne and Mike Hart were able to rest their injuries. Michigan is 7-0 in the Big Ten. Let's hope they keep their run alive. Michigan controls its ability to win the Big Ten Championship.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (7-2\; 5-0)Michigan State (5-4
\; 1-4)

Line: Michigan by 4

Result: Michigan wins 28-24

Key Stats:
Chad Henne (18 for 33, 211 yards\; 4 TDs\; 1 INT)
Mike Hart (15 carries for 110 yards)
Mario Manningham (8 receptions for 129 yards\; 2 TDs)
Adrian Arrington (5 receptions for 43 yards)

Comments:
This game was a battle that shows the spirit of the team. They fought hard early to an 11 point lead and stiffled the MSU offense. In the middle of the game, MSU worked their way to a healthy lead. But, in the end, the poise and determination of the Wolverines won the day for them -- with great thanks to Henne's ability to throw the ball downfield late in the game.

Of course this game is a rivalry. Anything goes and the point spread and records don't matter. This game shows what rivalry means. Either team could have walked away with the win. It was intense and fun. Thanks, guys!

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (8-2\; 6-0)Wisconsin (7-3\; 3-
3)

Line: Michigan by 3

Result: Michigan lost 37-21

Key Stats:
Ryan Mallett (11 for 36, 245 yards\; 3 TDs\; 2 INT)
Carlos Brown (9 carries for 39 yards)
Brandon Minor (9 carries for 33 yards)
Mario Manningham (3 receptions for 113 yards\; 2 TDs)
Adrian Arrington (7 receptions for 101 yards)

Comments:
Michigan had a difficult time with running the football in this game. Wisconsin was able to effectively turn the Wolverines into a one dimensional team. This, of course, was helped by the fact that Mike Hart was still out with an injury and Chad Henne left the first half with more shoulder problems.

Ryan Mallett looked frazzled at times, and Mario Manningham seemed frustrated with the freshman quarterback. Despite these facts, the pair will be linked in the history books for a long time due to their 97 yard touchdown reception - a Michigan record that is not likely to be broken anytime soon.

Some people speculated that this would be a trap game for Michigan. It seems more likely that the injuries played a bigger part in the outcome than any premature focus on Ohio State.

With one more game in their careers at Michigan, let's hope that Henne, Hart and Long leave it all on the field against OSU. After all, this is the biggest rivalry in college football.

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (8-3\; 6-1)Wisconsin (10-1\; 6
-1)

Line: Ohio State by 4

Result: Michigan lost 14-3

Pre-Game Records:Michigan (8-4\; 6-2)Florida (9-3\; 5-3)

Line: Florida by 10.5

Result: Michigan won 41-35

Key Stats: Chad Henne (25 for 39, 373 yards\; 3 TDs\; 2 INT)
Mike Hart (32 carries for 129 yards\; 2 TDs and 2 fumbles)
Mario Manningham (5 receptions for 78 yards\; 1 TD)
Adrian Arrington (9 receptions for 153 yards\; 2 TDs)
Greg Matthews (7 receptions for 62 yards)

Comments:
In his swan song as head coach, Lloyd Carr led the Wolverines to a stunning win over Florida -- a considerable favorite coming into the game. While many of the trick plays didn't work, and the game saw two rare fumbles by Mike Hart right at the goal line, Michigan played hard and mixed it up. Most importantly, the players were healthy for the first time in quite a while. It was a great day for the Maize and Blue. Let's hope that Coach Carr accepts the position as Associate Athletic Director. He is a class act and the Wolverines will be better if he sticks around in some role.

Thanks for everything, Coach! 122 wins and 40 losses. And, lets not forget the National Championship! It has been quite a career.