2021 Michigan Wolverines football team: Difference between revisions
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Revision as of 19:16, 28 November 2021
| 2021 Michigan Wolverines football | |
|---|---|
 | |
Big Ten East Division champion | |
| Conference | Big Ten Conference |
| East Division | |
| Ranking | |
| Coaches | No. 3 |
| AP | No. 6 |
| CFP | No. 5 |
| Record | 11–1 (8–1 Big Ten) |
| Head coach |
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| Offensive coordinator | Josh Gattis (3rd season) |
| Co-offensive coordinator | Sherrone Moore (1st season) |
| Defensive coordinator | Mike Macdonald (1st season) |
| Captains |
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| Home stadium | Michigan Stadium (capacity: 107,601) |
| Conf | Overall | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Team | W | L | W | L | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| East Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 3 Michigan xy$^ | 8 | – | 1 | 12 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 6 Ohio State x | 8 | – | 1 | 11 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 9 Michigan State | 7 | – | 2 | 11 | – | 2 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Penn State | 4 | – | 5 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Maryland | 3 | – | 6 | 7 | – | 6 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Rutgers | 2 | – | 7 | 5 | – | 8 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Indiana | 0 | – | 9 | 2 | – | 10 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| West Division | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| No. 23 Iowa xy | 7 | – | 2 | 10 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Minnesota | 6 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Wisconsin | 6 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Purdue | 6 | – | 3 | 9 | – | 4 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Illinois | 4 | – | 5 | 5 | – | 7 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Nebraska | 1 | – | 8 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Northwestern | 1 | – | 8 | 3 | – | 9 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| Championship: Michigan 42, Iowa 3 | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
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The 2021 Michigan Wolverines football team is an American football team that represents the University of Michigan during the 2021 NCAA Division I FBS football season. The Wolverines play in the East Division of the Big Ten Conference and play their home games at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
The Wolverines are led by seventh-year coach Jim Harbaugh, and completed the regular season with an overall record of 11–1 including 8–1 in conference play, sharing the Big Ten East Division title with Ohio State. By virtue of Michigan's head-to-head victory over Ohio State on November 27, the Wolverines earned a berth in the Big Ten Football Championship Game for the first time in program history. This marked Michigan's first victory over arch-rival Ohio State since 2011.
Preseason
On January 8, 2021, Michigan signed head coach Jim Harbaugh to a four-year contract extension through the 2025 season.[1]
Coaching changes
On December 22, 2020, Michigan fired defensive coordinator Don Brown after five seasons. Brown was then hired by former Michigan assistant Jedd Fisch as the new defensive coordinator at the University of Arizona on January 6, 2021.[2]
On January 13, 2021, Michigan named former running back Mike Hart as its new running backs coach.[3]
On January 17, 2021, Michigan also announced the hiring of Mike Macdonald as its new defensive coordinator.[4]
Michigan added to their defensive staff on January 20, 2021, announcing the addition of Maurice Linguist as the defensive backs coach and co-defensive coordinator as well as George Helow as the safeties coach.[5]
On January 25, 2021, Michigan finalized their staff by announcing the addition of former player and West Bloomfield High School head coach Ron Bellamy as the wide receivers coach. With this move, Jay Harbaugh moves from running backs coach to tight ends coach and Sherrone Moore shifts from tight ends to offensive line coach replacing Ed Warinner, and adds the title of co-offensive coordinator.[6]
However, more changes came on February 19, 2021, as Brian Jean-Mary left Michigan to become the linebackers coach at Tennessee.[7] On February 22, 2021, Michigan announced the hiring of Baltimore Ravens running backs coach Matt Weiss as the new quarterbacks coach. With the changes, George Helow will move from safeties to replace Jean-Mary as the linebackers coach, and Ron Bellamy will move to safeties coach from the wide receivers position.[8]
An unexpected shakeup came on May 7, 2021 as newly hired cornerbacks coach and co-defensive coordinator Mo Linguist was hired as the head coach at Buffalo to replace Lance Leipold.[9] Michigan moved quickly to replace Linguist, hiring Kentucky assistant coach Steve Clinkscale to become the defensive backs coach and passing game coordinator on May 11.[10]
Recruiting
2021 recruiting class
2022 recruiting class
| US college sports recruiting information for 2022 recruits | ||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Name | Hometown | High school / college | Height | Weight | Commit date | |
| Will Johnson CB |
Grosse Pointe, Michigan | Grosse Pointe South High School | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Feb 28, 2021 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Tyler Morris WR |
La Grange Park, Illinois | Nazareth Academy | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 175 lb (79 kg) | Apr 20, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Kody Jones ATH |
Germantown, Tennessee | Germantown High School | 5 ft 11.5 in (1.82 m) | 180 lb (82 kg) | Feb 5, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Jimmy Rolder LB |
Chicago, Illinois | Marist High School | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 220 lb (100 kg) | Nov 16, 2021 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Kevonte Henry LB |
Lawndale, California | Leuzinger High School | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 225 lb (102 kg) | Jun 25, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Jayden Denegal QB |
Apple Valley, California | Apple Valley High School | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | Jun 23, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Myles Pollard CB |
Brentwood, Tennessee | Ravenwood High School | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 185 lb (84 kg) | Jul 7, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Marlin Klein TE |
Rabun Gap, Georgia | Rabun Gap-Nacoochee School | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 215 lb (98 kg) | Sep 22, 2020 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Kenneth Grant DL |
Merrillville, Indiana | Merrillville High School | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 335 lb (152 kg) | Sep 28, 2020 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Mason Graham DL |
Anaheim, California | Servite High School | 6 ft 4 in (1.93 m) | 295 lb (134 kg) | Sep 16, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
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| Micah Pollard LB |
Jacksonville, Florida | Bartram Trail High School | 6 ft 3 in (1.91 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | Jul 12, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
| ||||||
| Colston Loveland TE |
Gooding, Idaho | Gooding High School | 6 ft 5 in (1.96 m) | 230 lb (100 kg) | Jul 4, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
| ||||||
| CJ Stokes RB |
Columbia, South Carolina | Hammond School | 5 ft 11 in (1.80 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Jun 19, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
| ||||||
| Alessandro Lorenzetti OT |
Windsor, Connecticut | Loomis Chaffee School | 6 ft 6 in (1.98 m) | 285 lb (129 kg) | Jun 25, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
| ||||||
| Deuce Spurlock ATH |
Madison, Alabama | Madison Academy | 6 ft 2 in (1.88 m) | 200 lb (91 kg) | Sep 26, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
| ||||||
| Connor Jones OT |
Monument, Colorado | Palmer Ridge High School | 6 ft 7 in (2.01 m) | 285 lb (129 kg) | Dec 24, 2020 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
| ||||||
| Aaron Alexander ATH |
Belleville, Michigan | Belleville High School | 6 ft 1 in (1.85 m) | 205 lb (93 kg) | Jun 19, 2021 | |
Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
| ||||||
| Damani Dent S |
Jacksonville, Florida | Terry Parker High School | 6 ft 0 in (1.83 m) | 190 lb (86 kg) | Oct 18, 2021 | |
| Recruiting star ratings: Scout: N/A Rivals: 247Sports: ESPN:
| ||||||
| Overall recruiting rankings: Rivals: 14 247Sports: 13 | ||||||
Sources:
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Schedule
| Date | Time | Opponent | Rank | Site | TV | Result | Attendance |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| September 4 | 12:00 p.m. | Western Michigan* | ESPN | W 47–14 | 109,295[11] | ||
| September 11 | 8:00 p.m. | Washington* |
| ABC | W 31–10 | 108,345[12] | |
| September 18 | 12:00 p.m. | Northern Illinois* | No. 25 |
| BTN | W 63–10 | 106,263[13] |
| September 25 | 3:30 p.m. | Rutgers | No. 19 |
| ABC | W 20–13 | 106,943[14] |
| October 2 | 12:00 p.m. | at Wisconsin | No. 14 | Fox | W 38–17 | 74,855[15] | |
| October 9 | 7:30 p.m. | at Nebraska | No. 9 | ABC | W 32–29 | 87,380[16] | |
| October 23 | 12:00 p.m. | Northwestern | No. 6 |
| Fox | W 33–7 | 109,449[17] |
| October 30 | 12:00 p.m. | at No. 8 Michigan State | No. 6 |
| Fox | L 33–37 | 76,549[18] |
| November 6 | 7:30 p.m. | Indiana | No. 7 |
| Fox | W 29–7 | 109,890[19] |
| November 13 | 12:00 p.m. | at Penn State | No. 6 | ABC | W 21–17 | 109,534[20] | |
| November 20 | 3:30 p.m. | at Maryland | No. 6 | BTN | W 59–18 | 36,181[21][22] | |
| November 27 | 12:00 p.m. | No. 2 Ohio State | No. 5 |
| Fox | W 42–27 | 111,156[23] |
| December 4 | 8:00 p.m. | vs. Iowa | Fox | ||||
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Rankings
| Week | ||||||||||||||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Poll | Pre | 1 | 2 | 3 | 4 | 5 | 6 | 7 | 8 | 9 | 10 | 11 | 12 | 13 | 14 | Final |
| AP | RV | RV | 25 | 19 | 14 | 9 | 8 | 6 | 6 | 9 | 9 | 8 | 6 | |||
| Coaches | RV | RV | 25 | 19 | 14 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 6 | 10 | 8 | 7 | 6 | 3 | ||
| CFP | Not released | 7 | 6 | 6 | 5 | Not released | ||||||||||
Game summaries
Western Michigan
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To open the season, Michigan hosted the Western Michigan Broncos. The two teams last played each other in 2018, where Michigan won in a blowout, 49–3.[24]
Michigan defeated Western Michigan in another blowout, 47–14.[25] Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 14-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara to Blake Corum. Western Michigan responded with a two-yard touchdown run from La'Darius Jefferson to tie the game. Michigan regained the lead via a 37-yard field goal by Jake Moody. Michigan added 17 points in the second quarter via a 76-yard touchdown pass from McNamara to Ronnie Bell, a 22-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins and a 20-yard field goal by Moody, which made the score 27–7 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan scored the only points of the third quarter via a 74-yard touchdown run from A. J. Henning. Michigan extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a 30-yard touchdown run from Corum and a 69-yard touchdown pass from J. J. McCarthy to Daylen Baldwin. Western Michigan scored the final points of the game via a 27-yard touchdown pass from Kaleb Eleby to Corey Crooms.[26]
The game was attended by 109,295 fans, marking the 294th consecutive game with fans allowed that drew 100,000-plus fans. Quarterback J. J. McCarthy became the first true freshman quarterback to make his debut in the season opener since Devin Gardner on September 4, 2010. Blake Corum became the first Michigan player to record a rushing and receiving touchdown in the same game since November 26, 2016 when Khalid Hill accomplished the feat. Michigan's 550 yards of total offense were its most since November 5, 2016 against Maryland when Michigan recorded 660 yards of total offense.[27]
Washington
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Following their season opener against Western Michigan, Michigan hosted the Washington Huskies. The two teams last played each other in 2002 when Michigan defeated Washington 31–29 following a Philip Brabbs 44-yard field goal as time expired. The two teams were scheduled to play each other in 2020 in Seattle, Washington, however, the game was postponed to 2028 due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
Michigan defeated Washington 31–10.[28] Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 52-yard field goal by Jake Moody. Michigan scored the only points in the second quarter via a 67-yard touchdown run from Blake Corum, which made the score 10–0 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan extended their lead in the third quarter via a seven yard touchdown run from Corum. Washington finally got on the board in the third quarter via a 28-yard field goal by Peyton Henry. Michigan added 14 points in the fourth quarter via a six-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins and a four-yard touchdown run from Corum. Washington added a 22-yard touchdown pass from Dylan Morris to Terrell Bynum.[29]
Michigan's defense shut out the Huskies in the first half. This was the first time the Wolverines have shut out a Power Five opponent in the first half since Rutgers on September 28, 2019. Blake Corum set career highs in rushing attempts (21), rushing yards (171) and rushing touchdowns (3). He also ran for a career-long 67-yard rushing touchdown in the first half. Corum's 171 rushing yards marked the most rushing yards in a single game since Hassan Haskins had 149 yards against Notre Dame on October 26, 2019. Corum and Haskins both compiled 150-plus rushing yards during the game, the first Michigan duo to accomplish this feat since Karan Higdon and Chris Evans on November 4, 2017, against Minnesota.[30]
Northern Illinois
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Following their game against Washington, Michigan hosted the Northern Illinois Huskies. The two teams played their only previous meeting against each other in 2005, which Michigan won 33–17.
Michigan defeated Northern Illinois in a blowout, 63–10.[31] Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from Cade McNamara. Northern Illinois responded with a 21-yard field goal by John Richardson. Michigan extended their lead via a one-yard touchdown run from Blake Corum. Michigan added 21 points in the second quarter via two touchdown runs from Hassan Haskins, from one-yard, and five-yards, respecitvely, and an 87-yard touchdown pass from McNamara to Cornelius Johnson, which made the score 35–3 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan added 28 points in the third quarter via two touchdown runs from Corum, from 51-yards, and one-yard, respectively, and two touchdown runs from Donovan Edwards from four-yards, and 58-yards, respectively. Northern Illinois added the only points of the fourth quarter via a nine-yard touchdown pass from Rocky Lombardi to Cole Tucker.[32]
Running back Blake Corum recorded his third straight 100-yard rushing game to start the season, becoming the first Michigan player to accomplish this feat since Denard Robinson in 2011, and the first player to record 100-plus yards rushing in three consecutive games to start the season since Mike Hart in 2007. Cade McNamara's 87-yard touchdown pass to Cornelius Johnson was the third-longest receiving touchdown in program history. Michigan's offense recorded 28 points in the third quarter for the first time since October 24, 1992 in a game against Minnesota.[33]
Rutgers
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After hosting Northern Illinois, Michigan hosted the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in their Big Ten Conference opener and their homecoming game. Last season, Michigan defeated Rutgers in triple overtime, 48–42.[34]
Michigan defeated Rutgers 20–13.[35] Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins. Rutgers responded with a 40-yard field goal by Valentino Ambrosio. Michigan scored 13 points in the second quarter via a three-yard touchdown run from Haskins, and two field goals by Jake Moody, from 32-yards, and 20-yards, respectively, which made the score 20–3 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan was held scoreless in the second half. In the third quarter, Rutgers scored via a 14-yard touchdown pass from Noah Vedral to Aaron Young. Rutgers scored the only points in the fourth quarter via a 25-yard field goal by Ambrosio. Rutgers' attempted comeback failed when Michigan forced Rutgers' first turnover of the season. On the final drive of the game, David Ojabo forced a fumble that was recovered by Junior Colson.[36]
Michigan's 161 points scored through four games represent the fifth-highest team total in the last 45 seasons. Haskins became the first Wolverine with at least one rushing touchdown in the first four games to start a season since Devin Gardner in 2013.[37]
at Wisconsin
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After hosting Rutgers, Michigan traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to face the Wisconsin Badgers in their road opener. Last season, Michigan lost to Wisconsin 49–11.[38]
Michigan defeated Wisconsin, 38–17.[39] Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 34-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara to Cornelius Johnson. Michigan added six points in the second quarter via two field goals by Jake Moody from, 26-yards, and 47-yards, respectively. Wisconsin added 10 points via a 34-yard field goal by Collin Larsh and an 18-yard touchdown pass from Graham Mertz to Chimere Dike, which made the score 13–10 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan added the only points of the third quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from J. J. McCarthy. Michigan added 18 points in the fourth quarter via a 48-yard field goal by Moody, a 13-yard touchdown pass from McNamara to Johnson, followed by a two-point conversion pass from McNamara to Johnson, and a 56-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Daylen Baldwin. Wisconsin added the final points of the game via a 25-yard touchdown pass from Chase Wolf to Clay Cundiff.[40]
With the win, Michigan improved to 5–0 to start the season for the first time since 2016. The win also marked Michigan's first win at Wisconsin since 2001.[41]
at Nebraska
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Following its game against Wisconsin, Michigan traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Thie two schools last faced each other in 2018, when Michigan won in a blowout, 56–10.[42]
Michigan defeated Nebraska 32–29.[43] After a scoreless first quarter, Michigan scored 13 points in the second quarter via two field goals by Jake Moody from 35-yards, and 21-yards, respectively, and a three-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins, which made the score 13–0 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan extended their lead in the third quarter via a three-yard touchdown run from Haskins. Nebraska added 22 points in the quarter via a 46-yard touchdown pass from Adrian Martinez to Austin Allen, a 41-yard touchdown pass from Martinez to Rahmir Johnson, and a 13-yard touchdown pass from Martinez to Levi Falck, giving Nebraska their first lead of the game. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the fourth quarter, first a 29-yard touchdown run from Blake Corum for Michigan, then a five-yard touchdown run from Martinez for Nebraska. Michigan responded with a 31-yard field goal by Moody to tie the game. Late in the quarter Michigan's Brad Hawkins forced a fumble and recovery which led to a 39-yard field goal by Moody to win the game.[44]
The win marked Michigan's first win at Nebraska. Cade McNamara recorded his first career 200-yard passing game, finishing with a career-high 255 yards.[45]
Northwestern
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After facing Nebraska and having a bye week, Michigan hosted the Northwestern Wildcats in the inaugural battle for the George Jewett Trophy. The previous meeting between the two schools occurred in 2018, where Michigan defeated Northwestern 20–17.[46]
Michigan defeated Northwestern 33–7. After a scoreless first quarter, Michigan opened the scoring in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from Blake Corum. Michigan extended their lead via a 20-yard field goal by Jake Moody. Northwestern responded with a 75-yard touchdown run from Evan Hull. Michigan added 17 points in the third quarter via a five-yard touchdown run from Corum, a 13-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins, and a 44-yard field goal by Mooody. Michigan extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a four-yard touchdown run from Haskins.[47]
With the win, the Wolverines improved to 7–0 for the second time under head coach Jim Harbaugh (2016) and the fifth time since 1980. This game marked the second time this year that both Corum and Haskins passed the 100-yard rushing mark in the same game. It's the fifth time in Michigan history that two backs have hit 100-plus yards against Northwestern, the last time was in 1987. Michigan's defense held Northwestern to its lowest offensive output on the season (233 yards), and a season-low seven points.[48]
at No. 8 Michigan State
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After hosting Northwestern, Michigan traveled to East Lansing to face its in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans, in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Last season, Michigan was upset by Michigan State 27–24.[49]
Michigan lost to Michigan State 33–37. Michigan scored ten points in the first quarter via a 93-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara to Andrel Anthony and a 26-yard field goal by Jake Moody. Michigan State responded with 14 points in the second quarter via two touchdown runs from Kenneth Walker III from 27-yards, and eight yards, respectively. Michigan scored 13 points via a 17-yard touchdown pass from J. J. McCarthy to Andrel Anthony and two field goals by Moody from 38-yards, and 35-yards, respectively, which made the score 23–14 in favor of Michigan at half-time. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the third quarter, first a 19-yard touchdown pass from McNamara to Mike Sainristil for Michigan, then a one-yard touchdown run from Walker III and a two-point conversion pass from Payton Thorne to Tre Mosley for Michigan State. In the fourth quarter Michigan State scored via a 58-yard touchdown run from Walker III and a two-point conversion pass from Thorne to Jayden Reed to tie the game. Michigan responded with a 36-yard field goal by Moody to regain the lead. Michigan State responded with a 23-yard touchdown run from Walker III.[50]
Andrel Anthony scored a 93-yard touchdown reception on his first career touch, this was the longest first-career reception for any player at Michigan. This was also the second-longest passing touchdown in program history.[51]
Indiana
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Following its game against its in-state rival Michigan State, Michigan hosted the Indiana Hoosiers. Last season, Michigan lost to Indiana 38–21. Indiana has not won at Michigan Stadium since 1967.[52]
Michigan defeeated Indiana 29–7. Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 34-yard field goal by Jake Moody. The teams exchanged touchdowns in the second quarter, first a two-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins for Michigan, then a one-yard touchdown run from Chris Childers for Indiana. Michigan extended their lead via a 12-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara to Luke Schoonmaker, which made the score 17–7 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan added the only points in the third quarter via two field goals by Moody, from 32-yards, and 34-yards, respectively. Michigan extended their lead in the fourth quarter via an eight-yard toucdown pass from McNamara to Schoonmaker.[53]
Michigan's defense held Indiana to just 88 passing yards, marking just the second time Indiana has been held to less than 100 passing yards this season. David Ojabo recorded his Big Ten-leading fourth forced fumble of the season.[54]
at Penn State
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After facing Indiana, Michigan traveled to State College, Pennsylvania to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. Last season, Michigan lost to Penn State 27–17.[55]
Michigan defeated Penn State 21–17. Penn State opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 42-yard field goal by Jordan Stout. Michigan scored seven points in the second quarter via a 21-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara to Roman Wilson to take their first lead of the game. Penn State responded with a 52-yard field goal by Stout, which made the score 7–6 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan extended their lead in the third quarter via a one-yard touchdown pass from McNamara to Wilson. Penn State scored 11 points in the fourth quarter via a two-yard touchdown pass from Sean Clifford to Tyler Warren and a two-point conversion pass from Clifford to Jahan Dotson to tie the game, then a 31-yard field goal by Stout to regain the lead. Michigan scored the final points of the game via a 47-yard touchdown pass from McNamara to Erick All.[56]
Michigan's defense registered 12 tackles-for-loss, including seven sacks, the team's first game with double-digit TFLs since reaching that mark in consecutive weeks in October during the 2019 season. Michigan had 3.0 sacks in the first quarter, marking the first time Michigan recorded 3.0 sacks in the first quarter since the 2016 matchup with Penn State, when Matt Godin, Chase Winovich and Chris Wormley each had a first-quarter sack on PSU quarterback Trace McSorley.[57]
at Maryland
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After facing Penn State, Michigan traveled to College Park, Maryland to face the Maryland Terrapins in their final road game of the season. The two schools last played each other in 2019 when Michigan defeated Maryland 38–7.[58] The two teams were scheduled to play each other last season, however, that game was cancelled due to COVID-19 issues at Michigan.
Michigan defeated Maryland 59–18. Michigan scored 14 points in the first quarter via a two-yard touchdown pass from Cade McNamara to Luke Schoonmaker, and a one-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins. Maryland got on the board in the second quarter via a Joseph Petrino 31-yard field goal. Michigan scored 10 points in the quarter via a 13-yard touchdown pass from J. J. McCarthy to Mike Sainristil and a 39-yard field goal by Jake Moody, which made the score 24–3 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Maryland scored 15 points in the third quarter via a seven-yard touchdown pass from Taulia Tagovailoa to Carlos Carriere and a 17-yard touchdown run from Tagovailoa, and a two-point conversion run by Tagovailoa. Michigan added 28 points in the quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from Haskins, an 81-yard kickoff return by A. J. Henning, a 77-yard touchdown pass from McNamara to Donovan Edwards and a 42-yard interception return by D. J. Turner. Michigan scored the only points of the fourth quarter via a five-yard touchdown run from McCarthy.[59]
Michigan's defense held Maryland to 3-for-14 on third down. Hassan Haskins reached the 1,000-yard mark for the season with his fourth carry of the game. Haskins became the 22nd running back in program history to eclipse 1,000 rushing yards in a single season. With touchdowns on offense, defense and in the return game, Michigan scored in all three phases for the first time since October 10, 2015, against Northwestern. The touchdowns were Michigan's first of the season on special teams and defense.[60]
No. 2 Ohio State
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Following a road finale against Maryland, Michigan hosted their arch-rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the 117th playing of "The Game". The two teams last played each other in 2019 when Michigan lost to Ohio State 56–27.[61] The two teams were scheduled to play each at the end of the 2020 season; however, the game was cancelled due to COVID-19 complications at Michigan, marking the first time that "The Game" was not played since 1917.
Michigan defeated Ohio State 42–27. Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 14-yard touchdown run from A. J. Henning. Ohio State responded with a 31-yard field goal by Noah Ruggles. In the second quarter, Ohio State took their only lead of the game via a 25-yard touchdown pass from C. J. Stroud to Garrett Wilson. Michigan responded with a one-yard touchdown run from Hassan Haskins. Ohio State scored the final points of the quarter via a 30-yard field goal by Ruggles, which made the score 14–13 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan scored 14 points in the third quarter via two touchdown runs from Haskins, from 13-yards, and one-yard, respectfully. Ohio State scored 14 points in the fourth quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from TreVeyon Henderson and a 10-yard touchdown pass from Stroud to Henderson. Michigan scored 14 points in the quarter via two touchdown runs from Haskins, from two-yards, and four-yards, respectfully.[62]
Michigan earned its first victory over Ohio State since 2011, exactly ten years and one day since their last victory, and marked its first win over the Buckeyes in the Jim Harbaugh era. Hassan Haskins rushed for 169 yards, his sixth game of the year with over 100 yards rushing. Haskins' five rushing touchdowns against the Buckeyes was the most by any running back in the rivalry's history[63]. The performance took him to a team-leading 18 touchdowns on the season, which is tied for second in program history for single-season rushing touchdowns with Anthony Thomas and Chris Perry. Haskins' five rushing touchdowns also tied the Michigan single-game record set by Ron Johnson against Wisconsin in 1968. Michigan's defense held Ohio State to just 64 yards rushing, marking Ohio State's lowest rushing total on the season and just the second time all season under 100 rushing yards. With three sacks in the game Aidan Hutchinson set the Michigan single-season record with 13.0.[64]
vs. Iowa (Big Ten Championship Game)
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Following their victory over Ohio State, Michigan advanced to the Big Ten Championship Game for the first time in program history where they will face Iowa. The two teams were scheduled to play each in the regular season finale at the end of the 2020 season, however, the game was cancelled due to COVID-19 concerns.
Roster
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Offense
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Defense
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Special teams
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Awards and honors
References
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