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On October 2, 1943, Michigan defeated the [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern Wildcats]] by a score of 21 to 7 at [[Evanston, Illinois]]. [[Bill Daley (American football)|Bill Daley]] was the star of the game for Michigan, rushing for 215 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries (an average of 8.3 yards per carry).<ref name=NWAP/> On the game's first play from scrimmage, Daley scored on a 37-yard run, "tearing out of a tackler's arms on the 10 yard line."<ref name=Lynch>{{cite news|author=R. G. Lynch|title=Michigan's Dynamo Jolts Cats, 21 to 7: Wolverines Tally Twice in First Quarter and Once in Final; Daley Is Scoring Star|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|date=October 3, 1943|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UJkWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DiMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1815,851722&dq=michigan+football+northwestern&hl=en}}</ref> [[Elroy Hirsch]] also scored on three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Hirsch's touchdown was set up by a 67-yard "quick kick" by Hirsch that was downed at the Northwestern one-yard line. Northwestern scored on a 12-yard run by 1943 [[Chicago Tribune Silver Football|Western Conference MVP]] [[Otto Graham]] in the fourth quarter. Thirty seconds after the touchdown by Graham, Daley scored on a 64-yard run, described in one account as "a mouse trap play."<ref name=Lynch/> [[Merv Pregulman]] converted on all three extra point kicks for Michigan. Pregulman also intercepted a pass thrown by Graham to stop a late drive by the Wildcats. Through the first three games, Michigan's backs had combined for 753 rushing yards.<ref name=NWAP>{{cite news|title=Michigan Victor With Daley Star: Sets Back Northwestern, 21-7 - Ex-Minnesotan Runs 37 Yards on First Play; Later Speeds 64 to Goal; Gets His Second Touchdown 30 Seconds After Graham Scores - Hirsch Tallies|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 3, 1943|url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5091EFB3954107B93C1A9178BD95F478485F9}}</ref><ref name=Lynch/>
On October 2, 1943, Michigan defeated the [[Northwestern Wildcats football|Northwestern Wildcats]] by a score of 21 to 7 at [[Evanston, Illinois]]. [[Bill Daley (American football)|Bill Daley]] was the star of the game for Michigan, rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries (an average of 8.3 yards per carry).<ref name=CDTNW/> Wilfrid Smith in the ''Chicago Daily Tribune'' wrote: "The difference between victory and defeat yesterday was Daley. Few players ever have so throroly [sic] dominated an offense."<ref name=CDTNW>{{cite news|author=Wilfrid Smith|title=N. U. Loses, 21-7: Daley Provides Winning Margin as Michigan Defeats Wildcats|newspaper=Chicago Daily Tribune|date=October 3, 1943|page=A1|url=https://secure.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/login.html?url=%2Fchicagotribune%2Faccess%2F475326952.html%3FFMT%3DAI%26FMTS%3DABS%3AAI%26type%3Dhistoric%26date%3DOct%2B3%2C%2B1943%26author%3DWILFRID%2BSMITH%26pub%3DChicago%2BDaily%2BTribune%2B(1923-1963)%26desc%3DN.U.%2BLOSES%2C%2B21-7%3B%2BIRISH%2BBEAT%2BGEORGIA%2BTECH}}</ref> On the game's first play from scrimmage, Daley scored on a 37-yard sweep around the right end, "tearing out of a tackler's arms on the 10 yard line."<ref name=Lynch>{{cite news|author=R. G. Lynch|title=Michigan's Dynamo Jolts Cats, 21 to 7: Wolverines Tally Twice in First Quarter and Once in Final; Daley Is Scoring Star|newspaper=The Milwaukee Journal|date=October 3, 1943|url=http://news.google.com/newspapers?id=UJkWAAAAIBAJ&sjid=DiMEAAAAIBAJ&pg=1815,851722&dq=michigan+football+northwestern&hl=en}}</ref> [[Elroy Hirsch]] also scored on three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Hirsch's touchdown was set up by a 67-yard "quick kick" by Hirsch that was rolled dead at the Northwestern one-yard line. Northwestern was forced to punt into the wind, giving Michigan good field position at the Northwestern 29-yard line. Northwestern scored on a 12-yard run by 1943 [[Chicago Tribune Silver Football|Western Conference MVP]] [[Otto Graham]] in the fourth quarter. Thirty seconds after the touchdown by Graham, Daley scored on a 64-yard run, described in one account as "a mouse trap play."<ref name=Lynch/> On Daley's long run, Northwestern's Otto Graham, playing at the safety position, was the last minute Daley needed to pass. Daley ran directly at Graham and "then cut away cleanly" for the touchdown.<ref name=CDTNW/> [[Merv Pregulman]] converted on all three extra point kicks for Michigan. Pregulman also intercepted a pass thrown by Graham to stop a late drive by the Wildcats. Through the first three games, Michigan's backs had combined for 753 rushing yards.<ref name=NWAP>{{cite news|title=Michigan Victor With Daley Star: Sets Back Northwestern, 21-7 - Ex-Minnesotan Runs 37 Yards on First Play; Later Speeds 64 to Goal; Gets His Second Touchdown 30 Seconds After Graham Scores - Hirsch Tallies|newspaper=The New York Times|date=October 3, 1943|url=http://select.nytimes.com/gst/abstract.html?res=F5091EFB3954107B93C1A9178BD95F478485F9}}</ref><ref name=Lynch/>


Michigan's starting lineup against Northwestern was [[Rudy Smeja]] (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), George Kraeger (left guard), [[Fred Negus]] (center), John Gallagher (right guard), Merv Pregulman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), [[Bob Wiese]] (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Paul White (right halfback), and Bill Daley (fullback). Substitutes for Michigan were Rennebohm, Johnson and Mroz (end); Greene (tackle); Wells (guard); Culligan, Wiese, Dreyer and Lund (backs).<ref name=NWAP/>
Michigan's starting lineup against Northwestern was [[Rudy Smeja]] (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), George Kraeger (left guard), [[Fred Negus]] (center), John Gallagher (right guard), Merv Pregulman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), [[Bob Wiese]] (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Paul White (right halfback), and Bill Daley (fullback). Substitutes for Michigan were Rennebohm, Johnson and Mroz (end); Greene (tackle); Wells (guard); Culligan, Wiese, Dreyer and Lund (backs).<ref name=NWAP/>

Revision as of 03:51, 29 November 2012

{{{year}}} [[{{{team}}} football]]
Ranking
APNo. 3
1943 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
No. 5 Purdue + 6 – 0 – 0 9 – 0 – 0
No. 3 Michigan + 6 – 0 – 0 8 – 1 – 0
No. 9 Northwestern 5 – 1 – 0 6 – 2 – 0
Indiana 2 – 3 – 1 4 – 4 – 2
Minnesota 2 – 3 – 0 5 – 4 – 0
Illinois 2 – 4 – 0 3 – 7 – 0
Ohio State 1 – 4 – 0 3 – 6 – 0
Wisconsin 1 – 6 – 0 1 – 9 – 0
Iowa 0 – 4 – 1 1 – 6 – 1
  • + – Conference co-champions
Rankings from AP Poll

The 1943 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1943 college football season. The 1943 team, led by head coach Fritz Crisler, compiled a record of 8–1, tied with Purdue for the Big Ten Conference championship, and was ranked No. 3 in the final AP Poll behind Notre Dame and the Iowa Pre-Flight School. Michigan outscored its opponents 302 to 73 in nine games. The team's total of 302 points (33.5 points per game) was the highest point total for a Michigan team since the 1917 team scored 304 points in 10 games (30.4 points per game).[1]

Highlights of the 1943 season included a 49–6 victory over Minnesota, the worst defeat to that time in the history of the Minnesota football program and Michigan's first victory over the Golden Gophers since 1932. The team's sole setback was a 35–12 loss to Notre Dame, a game that matched teams ranked No. 1 and No. 2 in the AP Poll. Michigan defeated Ohio State in the final game of the season by a score of 45–7, the largest margin of victory in the series since Michigan's 86–0 victory in 1902.

Two Michigan players were selected as first-team All-Americans, fullback Bill Daley and right tackle Merv Pregulman. Daley and Pregulman both missed the final three games of the season after being called up for advance training at the Norfolk Naval Training Station. Daley led the team in both rushing and scoring, totaling 817 rushing yards and 59 points in six games. Daley gained 216 of his rushing yards in Michigan's 21–7 over Northwestern.

Schedule

September 18, 1943at Camp Grant*Rockford, ILW 26–0 11,000 September 25, 1943Western Michigan*

W 57–6 14,008 October 2, 1943at Northwestern

W 21–7 32,077 October 9, 1943No. 1 Notre Dame*No. 2

  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI

L 35–12 86,408 October 23, 1943No. 11 MinnesotadaggerNo. 10

  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI

W 49–6 42,966 October 30, 1943at Illinois

W 42–6 15,724 November 6, 1943IndianaNo. 6

  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI

W 23–6 19,759 November 13, 1943WisconsinNo. 4

  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI

W 27–0 15,047 November 20, 1943Ohio StateNo. 4

  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI

W 45–7 39,139

Template:CFB Schedule End

Game summaries

Week 1: at Camp Grant

Week 1: Michigan at Camp Grant
1 234Total
• Michigan 6 677 26
Camp Grant 0 000 0
  • Date: September 18, 1943
  • Location: Rockford, IL
  • Game attendance: 12,000

On September 18, 1943, Michigan opened the season with a 26-0 victory over the United States Army's Camp Grant Warriors. In previous years, Michigan had opened its season against Michigan State, but Michigan State did not field a team in 1943. Camp Grant was coached by Michigan State coach Charlie Bachman and replaced the Spartans as Michigan's opponent for the season opener.[2][3][4] The game was played in Rockford, Illinois before "a capacity crowd of 6,000 soldiers and 5,000 civilians."[5]

Elroy Hirsch was the star of the game for Michigan with a long kickoff return, two touchdowns and an interception. Hirsch had played for Wisconsin in 1942, but was transferred to Michigan as part of the V-12 Navy College Training Program. In his first game as a Wolverine, Hirsch returned the opening kickoff 50 yards "with some dazzling open-field running" to midfield.[5] Hirsch capped the opening drive with a three-yard touchdown run, and Bill Daley, another V-12 transfer student, missed the extra point kick. In the second quarter, Jack Wink, another Wisconsin transfer student, took over at quarterback and completed a 30-yard pass to Art Renner at Camp Grant's three-yard line. Hirsch ran for his second touchdown, and Daly again missed the extra point kick. Paul White scored on a reverse from Daley in the third quarter, and Merv Pregulman kicked the extra point to give Michigan the lead at 19-0.[5][6] Michigan's final score was set up when Hirsch intercepted a pass on the Camp Grant 39-yard line. Daley scored Michigan's final touchdown on a 23-yard run in the fourth quarter, and Pregulman kicked his second extra point.[5] Paul White also tallied an interception in the third quarter after Camp Grant had taken the ball to the Michigan 12-yard line.[5]

Michigan dominated the game statistically with 226 rushing yards, 138 passing yards, and three interceptions. The Wolverines held Camp Grant to four first downs, 43 rushing yards, and 51 passing yards.[7] The account of the game published by the International News Service emphasized Michigan's teamwork and noted that Michigan was "considered the 1943 powerhouse of collegiate football."[8]

Michigan's starting lineup against Camp Grant was Rudy Smeja (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), John Gallagher (left guard), Fred Negus (center), George Kraeger (right guard), Merv Pregulman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Bob Wiese (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Paul White (right halfback), and Bill Daley (fullback).[5]

Week 2: Western Michigan

Week 2: Western Michigan at Michigan
1 234Total
Western Michigan 0 600 6
• Michigan 15 141414 57

In the second game of the 1943 season, Michigan defeated Western Michigan by a score of 57 to 6 before a crowd of only 18,000 spectators at Michigan Stadium. Michigan scored two touchdowns in each quarter, and its 57 points was the highest single-game total since 1939. Elroy Hirsch scored two touchdowns in the first quarter, and Michigan also scored on a safety in the opening quarter when Bob Hanzlik tackled Bob Mellen in the end zone. Bill Daley had a 65-yard touchdown run in the second quarter, and Bob Nussbaumer, substituting for Hirsch, also scored two touchdowns. Michigan's remaining touchdowns were scored by Bob Wiese, Wally Dreyer and Bill Culligan. Merv Pregulman converted on seven of eight extra point kicks. Western Michigan's touchdown came on a two-yard run by Augie Camarata in the second quarter.[9]

Michigan's starting lineup against Western Michigan was Rudy Smeja (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), George Kraeger (left guard), Fred Negus (center), John Gallagher (right guard), Merv Pregulman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Bob Wiese (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Paul White (right halfback), and Bill Daley (fullback). A total of 43 players appeared in the game for Michigan.[9]

Week 3: at Northwestern

Week 3: Michigan at Northwestern
1 234Total
• Michigan 14 007 21
Northwestern 0 007 7

On October 2, 1943, Michigan defeated the Northwestern Wildcats by a score of 21 to 7 at Evanston, Illinois. Bill Daley was the star of the game for Michigan, rushing for 216 yards and two touchdowns on 26 carries (an average of 8.3 yards per carry).[10] Wilfrid Smith in the Chicago Daily Tribune wrote: "The difference between victory and defeat yesterday was Daley. Few players ever have so throroly [sic] dominated an offense."[10] On the game's first play from scrimmage, Daley scored on a 37-yard sweep around the right end, "tearing out of a tackler's arms on the 10 yard line."[11] Elroy Hirsch also scored on three-yard touchdown run in the first quarter. Hirsch's touchdown was set up by a 67-yard "quick kick" by Hirsch that was rolled dead at the Northwestern one-yard line. Northwestern was forced to punt into the wind, giving Michigan good field position at the Northwestern 29-yard line. Northwestern scored on a 12-yard run by 1943 Western Conference MVP Otto Graham in the fourth quarter. Thirty seconds after the touchdown by Graham, Daley scored on a 64-yard run, described in one account as "a mouse trap play."[11] On Daley's long run, Northwestern's Otto Graham, playing at the safety position, was the last minute Daley needed to pass. Daley ran directly at Graham and "then cut away cleanly" for the touchdown.[10] Merv Pregulman converted on all three extra point kicks for Michigan. Pregulman also intercepted a pass thrown by Graham to stop a late drive by the Wildcats. Through the first three games, Michigan's backs had combined for 753 rushing yards.[12][11]

Michigan's starting lineup against Northwestern was Rudy Smeja (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), George Kraeger (left guard), Fred Negus (center), John Gallagher (right guard), Merv Pregulman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Bob Wiese (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Paul White (right halfback), and Bill Daley (fullback). Substitutes for Michigan were Rennebohm, Johnson and Mroz (end); Greene (tackle); Wells (guard); Culligan, Wiese, Dreyer and Lund (backs).[12]

Week 4: Notre Dame

Week 4: Notre Dame at Michigan
1 234Total
• Notre Dame 7 14140 35
Michigan 0 606 12

On October 9, 1943, Michigan faced Notre Dame in the most anticipated game of the 1943 college football season. Notre Dame, coached by Frank Leahy and led by 1943 Heisman Trophy winner Angelo Bertelli, came into the game ranked #1 in the AP Poll. Michigan came into the game ranked #2. The game drew a record crowd of 85,688 spectators to Michigan Stadium.[13] The previous record was a crowd of 85,088 that attended the 1929 Michigan-Ohio State game.[14] Michigan had defeated Notre Dame, 32-20, in the 1942 season. Michigan coach Fritz Crisler announced before the game that Elroy Hirsch was suffering from damaged knee ligaments and might be unable to play.[14]

Notre Dame defeated Michigan in the game by a score of 35 to 12. According to the United Press game account, Bertelli's passing "caught the Wolverine secondary flatfooted and out of position repeatedly to make the rout complete."[15] Another reporter wrote that Bertelli had "proved his mastery of the intricacies of the T formation and his superb control of forward passes."[13] Notre Dame's first touchdown came on a 66-yard run by Creighton Miller. Michigan scored in the second quarter on four-yard touchdown run by Art Renner, but Pregulman's extra point attempt failed after Elroy Hirsch initially bobbled the snap. Following the kickoff, Bertelli threw a pass to Fred Early for a 69-yard scoring play giving Notre Dame a 14-6 lead. Notre Dame scored again late in the second quarter on a 34-yard pass from Bertelli to John Zilly followed by a two-yard touchdown run by Jim Mello. Notre Dame led, 21-6, at halftime.[14][13]

The third quarter was marked by a malfunction of the electric clock at Michigan Stadium, resulting in a third quarter tha lasted 23 minutes. In the Chicago Daily Tribune, Wilfrid Smith analogized to the 1927 Long Count Fight and wrote that the period "will be remembered as the 'long third quarter' of collegiate sport."[13] Notre Dame outscored Michigan 14-0 in the long third quarter, scoring on a quarterback sneak by Bertelli and a pass from Bertelli to Miller. After nine plays had been run in the fourth quarter, the timing error was discovered, and announcement was made over the stadium's public address system that only two-and-a-half minutes remained in the game, as the officials shortened the fourth quarter was shortened to seven minutes. The only points in the short fourth quarter came on the last play of the game as Elroy Hirsch threw a 13-yard touchdown pass to Paul White.[15][16][13]

Despite the lopsided score, Michigan totaled 15 first downs in the game compared to 13 for Notre Dame. Bill Daley gained 135 rushing yards on 24 carries in the game. Michigan gained a total of 210 rushing yards and 89 passing yards in the game.[13]

In the AP Poll following the game, Notre Dame garnered 86 of 99 first place votes, and Michigan dropped from #2 to #9.[17] Notre Dame went on to the 1943 national championship, maintaining its #1 ranking in the AP Poll through the remainder of the season.

Michigan's starting lineup against Notre Dame was Rudy Smeja (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), John Gallagher (left guard), Fred Negus (center), George Kraeger (right guard), Merv Pregulman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Bob Wiese (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Paul White (right halfback), and Bill Daley (fullback). Jack Wink substituted for Wiese at quarterback, and Wiese moved to fullback with Daley moving to left halfback.[13]

Week 5: Minnesota

Week 5: Minnesota at Michigan
1 234Total
Minnesota 0 600 6
• Michigan 7 71421 49

After a bye week following the loss to Notre Dame, the Wolverines faced the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the annual Little Brown Jug game on October 23, 1943. The Wolverines had lost nine straight games to Bernie Bierman's Minnesota teams, the last Michigan victory having been in 1932.[19]

Prior to the game, it was reported that Michigan's lineup would shortly be depleted by wartime transfers. Michigan's team captain and second leading rusher Paul White had received orders transferring him to the Marine Corps Recruit Depot Parris Island, effective immediately after the Minnesota game. Three other Wolverines players, Bob Steinberg, Jim Holgate, and Len Naab were also ordered to Parris Island. Adding to the roster problems, the Navy announced one day before the Minnesota game that it was transferring fullback Bill Daley, right tackle Merv Pregulman, and end Jack Petoskey to new posts effective November 1st.[18]

Michigan defeated Minnesota in the 1943 matchup by a score of 49 to 6 in front of a crowd of 45,000 spectators at Michigan Stadium. The 43-point margin of victory made it the worst defeat sustained by a Minnesota team to that point in its history.[20] On the first play from scrimmage, Elroy Hirsch ran 61 yards on a reverse around right end for a touchdown. Hirsch scored a total of three touchdowns and also intercepted a Minnesota pass to stop a drive in the fourth quarter. Bill Daley, the V-12 transfer who played for Minnesota in 1942, became the first player to play for both sides in Little Brown Jug games.[20] Prior to the game, the Chicago Daily Tribune referred to Daley as "the Gophers' war time gift to their football foes."[18] Daley scored two touchdowns, returned a punt for 37 yards to set up Hirsch's second touchdown, and kicked two extra points. After five games, Daley was the leading rusher in college football with 620 rushing yards on 98 carries.[20]

Minnesota's only touchdown was set up by an interception of a pass thrown by Jack Wink. The interception was returned to Michigan's 15-yard line, and Frank Loren scored the touchdown late in the second quarter. Bob Wiese blocked Minnesota's extra point kick. In the fourth quarter, Wink threw a 51-yard touchdown pass to Farnham Johnson. Bob Nussbaumer also scored a touchdown for Michigan. Merv Pregulman added four extra points. Michigan dominated the game with 230 rushing yards and 128 passing yards, while holding Minnesota to 60 rushing yards and 14 passing yards.[20][21]

Michigan's starting lineup against Minnesota was Rudy Smeja (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), John Gallagher (left guard), Fred Negus (center), George Kraeger (right guard), Merv Pregulman (right tackle), Hank Olshanski (right end), Bob Wiese (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Paul White (right halfback), and Bill Daley (fullback). Players appearing in the game as substitutes for Michigan were Jack Petoskey, Farnham Johnson, Robert Rennebohm, Vincent Mroz, Fenwick Crane, CliftonMyll, and Art Renner (ends); Robert Derleth, John Greene, Robert Kennedy, Fred Bryan and Leonard Naab (tackles); Rex Wells and Robert Fisher (guards); John Crandell (center); and Jack Wink, Hugh Mack, Joe Ponsetto, Jim Aliber, Wally Dreyer, Bob Nussbaumer, Earl Maves, Howard Wikel, James Brown and Robert Stenberg (backs).[20]

Week 6: at Illinois

Week 6: Michigan at Illinois
1 234Total
• Michigan 14 7714 42
Illinois 0 060 6

On October 30, 1943, Michigan played the Illinois Fighting Illini at Champaign, Illinois. Michigan won the game by a score of 42 to 6. Bill Daley and Elroy Hirsch, known as Michigan's "lend-lease backs," each scored two touchdowns and were the stars of the game for Michigan. Daley also kicked an extra point for Michigan to bring his point total in the game to 13 points.[22] Daley rushed for 197 yards on 22 carries against the Illini.[23] Hirsch was described as being "the outstanding defensive player of the afternoon, being the only Wolverine who seemed able to stop" Illinois' backs.[23] As a team, the Wolverines totaled 453 rushing yards against the Illini.[23]

Bob Wiese also scored a touchdown for Michigan on "a 6-yard spinner play" in the fourth quarter. Bob Nussbaumer scored Michigan's final touchdown on a run from the one-foot line. Merv Pregulman, also appearing in his final game before reporting to Norfolk, converted on five extra point kicks. Michigan outgained Illinois by a total of 473 yards to 206.[22]

The Illinois game was the last of the 1943 season for Bill Daley and Merv Pregulman, both of whom were named All-Americans at the end of the season. Both had been transferred by the Navy to new stations, with Daley being ordered to report at the Norfolk Naval Training Station.[22] In six games for Michigan during the 1943 season, Daley gained 817 rushing yards on 120 carries, scored nine touchdowns, and kicked three extra points.[23] Multiple players from Midwestern teams were ordered to report for duty on November 1, 1943 (including Notre Dame's Heisman Trophy winner Angelo Bertelli and Tony Butkovich and Alex Agase of Purdue), leading Wilfrid Smith in the Chicago Daily Tribune to refer to the date as "Blue Monday."[24]

Michigan's starting lineup against Illinois was Ted Petoskey (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), John Gallagher (left guard), Fred Negus (center), George Kraeger (right guard), Merv Pregulman (right tackle), Rudy Smeja (right end), Bob Wiese (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Wally Dreyer (right halfback), and Bill Daley (fullback).[22]

Week 7: Indiana

Week 7: Indiana at Michigan
1 234Total
Indiana 0 060 6
• Michigan 7 727 23

On November 6, 1943, Michigan defeated the Indiana Hoosiers by a score of 23 to 6 in front of a crowd of 20,000 at Michigan Stadium. With Paul White, Bill Daley and Merv Pregulman lost to military service, Michigan was required to substantially revamp its lineup for the Indiana game.[25] Bob Wiese moved from quarterback to fullback, Jack Wink became the starting quarterback, and Robert Derleth took over Pregulman's spot at right tackle.[26][27] The game began with cool, cloudy conditions and ended in "a steady drizzle."[28]

Bob Wiese and Elroy Hirsch starred for Michigan. Wiese led the team with 100 yards on 18 carries. Hirsh ran for a touchdown in the first quarter and threw a 43-yard touchdown pass (35 yards in the air) to Wally Dreyer in the second quarter. The Wolverines held Indiana's highly-touted quarterback Bobby Hoernschemeyer to four completions out of 16 passes, intercepted four of his passes, and forced him out of the end zone for a safety as he attempted to pass in the third quarter. Indiana's sole score came on an eight-yard touchdown pass in the third quarter from Hoernschemeyr to Pete Pihos. Explaining Hoernscemeyer's difficulties, the Chicago Daily Tribune noted that "the Hoosier backfield seemed swarming with Michigan men."[28] Indiana's touchdown was set up when Indiana intercepted a Bob Nussbaumer lateral and returned it 48 yards to Michigan's seven-yard line. Rudy Smeja intercepted a Hoernschemeyer pass in the fourth quarter and returned it 38 yards for a touchdown. Red Wells, a V-12 Marine transfer from Idaho State, took over Pregulman's place-kicking duties and converted three extra point kicks for Michigan.[26][27] Michigan outgained the Hoosiers by 269 to 124 rushing yards.[28]

Michigan's starting lineup against Indiana was Rudy Smeja (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), John Gallagher (left guard), Fred Negus (center), George Kraeger (right guard), Robert Derleth (right tackle), Robert Rennebohm (right end), Jack Wink (quarterback), Elroy Hirsch (left halfback), Wally Dreyer (right halfback), and Bob Wiese (fullback). Players appearing in the game as substitutes for Michigan were Hank Olshanki, Farnham Johnson, and Vincent Mroz (ends); Clement Bauman (tackle); Rex Wells (guard); Don Lund (quarterback); Bob Nussbaumer, Howard Wikel, and Earl Maves (halfback).[26][27]

Week 8: Wisconsin

Week 8: Wisconsin at Michigan
1 234Total
Wisconsin 0 000 0
• Michigan 7 1307 27

On November 13, 1943, Michigan defeated the Wisconsin Badgers by a score of 27 to 0 in front of a crowd of 15,000 spectators at Michigan Stadium. Through the 1943 season, the Wolverines had relied on halfback Elroy Hirsch, a star for Wisconsin in 1942. Hirsch was sidelined for most of the game with an arm injury, but a total of ten former Badgers played for Michigan in the game, including center Fred Negus, quarterback Jack Wink, halfback Wally Dreyer, guard Johnny Gallagher, tackle Bob Hanzlik, and ends Hank Olshanski and Earl Maves.[29] Lacking a Navy or Marine training program on its campus, Wisconsin had lost most of its best football players after the 1942 season, with the majority being transferred to Michigan. On the day before the game, Detroit sports writer joked, "Shed a tear, friend, for [Wisconsin coach] Harry Stuhldreher who, in effect, will field two football teams here tomorrow, one for Wisconsin and one for Michigan."[30]

After Bob Wiese scored a touchdown in the first quarter, coach Fritz Crisler "dug deep into his reserve ranks" and played the final three quarters with second and third stringers. Bob Nussbaumer accounted for two touchdowns for Michigan, a 19-yard touchdown run in the second quarter and a 34-yard touchdown pass to Maves in the fourth quarter. Backup halfback George Wikel also scored a touchdown in the second quarter. Hirsch appeared briefly in the game to convert an extra point kick. Rex Wells converted two of his three extra point kicks. Michigan dominated Wisconsin on the ground by a total of 294 rushing yards to 67.[29]

Michigan's starting lineup against Wisconsin was Rudy Smeja (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), John Gallagher (left guard), Fred Negus (center), Rex Wells (right guard), Robert Derleth (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Jack Wink (quarterback), Bob Nussbaumer (left halfback), Wally Dreyer (right halfback), and Bob Wiese (fullback). Players appearing in the game as substitutes for Michigan were Hank Olshanki, Farnham Johnson, Robert Rennebohm, Vincent Mroz, Fenwick Crane, Bruce Hilkene, and Thomas Cook (ends); John Greene, Fred Bryan, Clement Bauman, Robert Oren, and Arthur Leroux (tackle); Clifton Myll, William Sigler, Ray Sturges, and Jack Trump (guards); Frank Kern and Harold Watts (centers); Don Lund, Joe Ponsetto, Jim Aliber, Earl Maves, Howard Wikel, Elroy Hirsch, Powers and Welch (backs).[29]

Week 9: Ohio State

Week 9: Ohio State at Michigan
1 234Total
Ohio State 0 070 7
• Michigan 13 01319 45

Michigan concluded the 1943 season with its annual rivalry game against Ohio State. The game matched Hall of Fame coaches Fritz Crisler of Michigan and Paul Brown of Ohio State. Since Brown took over as head coach in 1941, the Buckeyes were undefeated against Michigan, playing to a tie in 1941 and defeating the Wolverines in 1942.[31] The Wolverines scored seven touchdowns and defeated the Buckeyes 45 to 7 in front of a crowd of 45,000 at Michigan Stadium. The margin of victory was the largest in the series since Michigan's 86-0 victory over Ohio State in 1902.

Michigan threatened early after Rudy Smeja recovered an Ohio State fumble on the Buckeyes' 14-yard line, but the Wolverines were unable to score. On the next drive, Michigan drove 60 yards for a touchdown, culminating with a screen pass from Jack Wink to Bob Wiese and a three-yard touchdown run by Wiese. When the Buckeyes took over, they faked a punt on fourth down, failed to convert, and Michigan took over at the Ohio State 41-yard line. Wiese carried the ball seven times on the drive, and Wally Dreyer scored on a lateral after a fake by Wiese. Michigan did not score in the second quarter and led 13-0 at the half.[32]

Early in the third quarter, a punt by Wiese was blocked, and Ohio State took over at Michigan's 48-yard line. Ohio State's freshman halfback Ernie Parks gained 36 yards on a reverse around the left end and scored to cut Michigan's lead to 13-7. Michigan responded with 32 unanswered points in the second half. The Wolverines' second half scoring began with a 59-yard rive that featured a 23-yard run by Earl Maves and ended with a four-yard touchdown run by Wiese. Late in the third quarter, the Wolverines sustained a 57-yard scoring drive that ended with Wiese faking the run, handing off to Jack Wink, and Wink then lateraling the ball to Bob Nussbaumer who ran 31 yards on a sweep around the left end for a touchdown. On the first drive of the fourth quarter, Parks fumbled for Ohio State and Harry Olshanski recovered the ball on Ohio State's 45-yard line. With the ball on the 33-yard line, Wink threw a touchdown pass to Vincent Mroz. Trailing 26-7, Ohio State again ran a fake punt on fourth down, and Michigan took over at the Buckeyes' 23-yard line. Earl Maves scored on a reverse. Michigan's final touchdown followed an interception by Maves at the Ohio State 40-yard line. Joe Ponsetto caught a pass for a 20-yard gain, and Don Lund ran 20 yards for the touchdown.[32][33]

Quarterback Bob Wiese was the star of the game for Michigan, rushing for 138 yards and two touchdowns on 30 carries. Elroy Hirsch appeared in the game only to attempt extra point kicks, converting on only one of three attempts. Rex Wells converted two extra point kicks.[32] Michigan dominated Ohio State on the ground, totaling 436 rushing yards to only 112 for Ohio State.[32] The Wolverines also limited Ohio State to three pass completions for 27 yards and intercepted three Ohio State passes.[34]

With the victory, Michigan tied with Purdue for the Western Conference championship, the Wolverines' first championship since the undefeated 1933 Michigan team won the national championship.[33] It was also the first time since 1932 that Michigan had gone undefeated and untied against conference opponents.[32]

Michigan's starting lineup against Ohio State was Rudy Smeja (left end), Bob Hanzlik (left tackle), John Gallagher (left guard), Fred Negus (center), Rex Wells (right guard), Robert Derleth (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Bob Wiese (quarterback), Bob Nussbaumer (left halfback), Wally Dreyer (right halfback), and Don Lund (fullback). Players appearing in the game as substitutes for Michigan were Hank Olshanski, Farnham Johnson, Vincent Mroz, Bob Rennebohm, Fenwick Crane, Thomas Cooke, Bruce Hilkene (ends); John Greene, Fred Bryan, and Robert Kennedy (tackles); George Kraeger, Clifton Myll, William Sigler, Ray Sturges, and Jack Trump (guards); Frank Kern (center); and Earl Maves, Elroy Hirsch, Howard Wikel, Jerome Powers, Jack Wink, Joe Ponsetto, and Jim Aliber (backs).[33]

Players

Starters

Non-starters

  • Larry Alberti, halfback, Chicago, IL
  • Jim Aliber, quarterback, Detroit, MI
  • Ralph Amstutz, guard, Oak Park, IL
  • Clement Bauman, tackle, Dayton, OH
  • James Brieske, center, Harbor Beach, MI
  • James Brown, halfback, St. Ignace, MI
  • Fred J. Bryan, tackle, Melvindale, MI
  • Thomas C. Cook, end, Detroit, MI
  • John S. Crandell, center, Ann Arbor, MI
  • Fenwick J. Crane, end, Pleasant Ridge, MI
  • William L. Culligan, halfback, Detroit, MI
  • Robert H. Fischer, guard, Benton Harbor, MI
  • John J. Greene, tackle, Pittsburgh, PA
  • Bruce Hilkene, end, Indianapolis, IN
  • James G. Holgate, Milwaukee, WI
  • Farnham Johnson, end, Appleton, WI
  • Shelden M. Kavieff, end, Detroit, MI
  • Robert W. Kennedy, tackle, Riverside, IL
  • Frank J. Kern, center, Detroit, MI
  • George C. Kiesel, quarterback, Detroit, MI
  • Arthur N. Leroux, tackle, Muskegon Heights, MI
  • Hugh R. Mack, Jr., quarterback, Birmingham, MI
  • Richard E. Manning, guard, Ecorse, MI
  • Earl C. Maves, fullback, Stanley, WI
  • Vincent P. Mroz, end, East Chicago, IN
  • Clifton O.Myll, end, St. Clair Shores, MI
  • Leonard G. Naab, tackle, Lansing, MI
  • Robert A. T. Oren, tackle, Evart, MI
  • Thomas C. Paton, end, Okemos, MI
  • Joe Ponsetto, quarterback, Flint, MI
  • Jerome E. Powers, halfback, Green Bay, WI
  • William R. Rohrbach, guard, East Aurora, NY
  • Alan E. Schwartz, end, Detroit, MI
  • William K. Sigler, guard, Toledo, OH
  • Robert P. Stenberg, fullback, Milwaukee, WI
  • Ray E. Sturges, guard, Detroit, MI
  • Jack Trump, guard, Battle Creek, MI
  • Harold M. Watts, center, Birmingham, MI
  • George A. Welch, halfback, Pleasant Ridge, MI
  • Lewis T. Wheeler, tackle, Roosevelt, NY
  • Howard L. Wikel, halfback, Ann Arbor, MI

Awards and honors

Coaching and training staff

References

  1. ^ February 1944 Michiganensian, p. 94.
  2. ^ "Bachman at Camp Grant: Michigan State Lends Football Coach for Season". The New York Times. September 14, 1943.
  3. ^ February 1944 Michiganensian, p. 89.
  4. ^ "Bachman To Coach Camp Grant's Eleven". Chicago Daily Tribune. September 14, 1943. p. 25.
  5. ^ a b c d e f "Michigan Wins From Grant: Great Backs Turn It On To Bury Soldiers Under 26 To 0 Score". The Miami News (UP story). September 19, 1943.
  6. ^ "Hirsch of Wisconsin Is Star as Michigan Leads Grant, 19-0: Badger Back Runs Kick-Off Back 50 Yards". The Milwaukee Journal (AP story). September 18, 1943.
  7. ^ "Hirsch Is Standout as Michigan Wins: Former Badger Back Scores Pair of Touchdowns in 26-0 Victory Over Camp Grant". The Milwaukee Journal (AP story). September 19, 1943.
  8. ^ "Michigan Rated Example of Teamwork Over Stars". St. Petersburg Times (INS story). September 22, 1943.
  9. ^ a b "Michigan Breezes To 57-6 Triumph: Notches Two Touchdowns in Each Quarter of Contest With Western Michigan". The New York Times (AP story). September 26, 1943.
  10. ^ a b c Wilfrid Smith (October 3, 1943). "N. U. Loses, 21-7: Daley Provides Winning Margin as Michigan Defeats Wildcats". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. A1.
  11. ^ a b c R. G. Lynch (October 3, 1943). "Michigan's Dynamo Jolts Cats, 21 to 7: Wolverines Tally Twice in First Quarter and Once in Final; Daley Is Scoring Star". The Milwaukee Journal.
  12. ^ a b "Michigan Victor With Daley Star: Sets Back Northwestern, 21-7 - Ex-Minnesotan Runs 37 Yards on First Play; Later Speeds 64 to Goal; Gets His Second Touchdown 30 Seconds After Graham Scores - Hirsch Tallies". The New York Times. October 3, 1943.
  13. ^ a b c d e f g h Wilfrid Smith (October 10, 1943). "Irish Beat Michigan, 35-12, Before 85,688: Miller Sparks Notre Dame Attack; Clock Confuses Fans". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. A1.
  14. ^ a b c Allison Danzig (October 9, 1943). "86,000 to See Irish Engage Michigan: Notre Dame 5-6 Choice Today at Ann Arbor, Where Record Throng Is Anticipated". The New York Times.
  15. ^ a b Tommy Devine (October 10, 1943). "Irish Sting Michigan 35 to 12 Before 86,000". St. Petersburg Times (UP story).
  16. ^ "Notre Dame Tops Michigan, 35-12 As Angelo Bertelli One-man Show". The Montreal Gazette (AP story). October 11, 1943.
  17. ^ "Notre Dame Rated at Top by 86 of 99: Irish Cement First-Place Grip in Associated Press Poll of Football Experts". The New York Times. October 12, 1943.
  18. ^ a b c Edward Burns (October 23, 1943). "Minnesota Battles Michigan: Last Game for White, Captain of the Wolverines; Gets Service Call; So Does Daley". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. 19.
  19. ^ "Michigan vs. Minnesota". College Football Data Warehouse.
  20. ^ a b c d e "Michigan Defeats Minnesota, 49 to 6: 45,000 See Gophers in Worst Setback as Daley, Their Former Ace, Stars". The New York Times (United Press story). October 24, 1943.
  21. ^ "Elroy Hirsch Stars as Michigan Leads Minnesota, 28 to 6". The Milwaukee Journal. October 23, 1943.
  22. ^ a b c d "Michigan Defeats Illinois, 42 to 6: Daley, in Last Game With the Wolverines, Scores Two Touchdowns; Hirsch Also a Factor". The New York Times (AP story). October 31, 1943.
  23. ^ a b c d Charles Bartlett (October 31, 1943). "Illinois Bows, 42-6, but Does It with Grace". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. A1.
  24. ^ Wilfrid Smith (November 1, 1943). "Blue Monday Pervades Big 9: Football Leaders Mourn Loss of Stars". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. 23.
  25. ^ "Wolverines To Revamp Lineup For Hoosiers: Bob Wiese May Return to Full Back Post". Chicago Daily Tribune. November 2, 1943. p. 27.
  26. ^ a b c "Michigan Victor Over Indiana, 23-6: Hirsch Gets First Touchdown and Hurls Long Aerial to Dreyer for Second; Hoosiers Yield Safety; Smeja Intercepts Pass and Dashes 38 Yards for Last Wolverine 6-Pointer". The New York Times (AP story). November 7, 1943.
  27. ^ a b c "Michigan's Aerials Beat Indiana, 23-6". The Pittsburgh Press (UP story). November 7, 1943.
  28. ^ a b c Howard Berry (November 7, 1943). "Bob Wiese Leads Wolverines In 23 To 6 Triumph Over Indiana". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. A1.
  29. ^ a b c "Michigan Downs Wisconsin, 27-0, With Help of 10 Former Badgers: Wiese, Nussbaumer, Wikel and Maves Score for Wolverines, Who Tie Idle Purdue for Western Conference Lead". The New York Times (AP story). November 14, 1943.
  30. ^ Watson Spoelstra (November 12, 1943). "Michigan-Adopted Badger Team to Haunt Wisconsin And Able Coach Tomorrow". St. Petersburg Times.
  31. ^ Wilfrid Smith (November 20, 1943). "Ohio State to Play Michigan Eleven Today" (PDF). Chicago Daily Tribune. p. 19.
  32. ^ a b c d e Wilfrid Smith (November 21, 1943). "Michigan Rolls Over Ohio State, 45-7, For Sixth Big 9 Triumph". Chicago Daily Tribune. p. A1.
  33. ^ a b c "Michigan Overwhelms Ohio State, 45-7, To Share Conference Title With Purdue". The New York Times (AP story). November 21, 1943.
  34. ^ Jerry Liska (November 21, 1943). "45,000 See Michigan Hand Ohio State 45-7 Trouncing: Bucks No Match for Navy-Marine Studded Wolverines; Defense Crumbles in Last Half". Youngstown Vindicator (AP story).
  35. ^ George W. Kraeger, born March 5, 1923, died June 1, 2010, SSN issued Indiana, last address Grand Rapids, Michigan
  36. ^ Henry S. Olshanski, born July 7, 1923, died January 27, 1996, SSN issued Wisconsin, last address Madison, Wisconsin
  37. ^ Robert B. Rennebohm, born February 20, 1923, died April 15, 2006, SSN issued Wisconsin, last address Madison, Wisconsin
  38. ^ "Irish And Michigan Lead All-American". The Palm Beach Post. December 10, 1943.(AP team)
  39. ^ "Four Notre Dame Stars Are Chosen". The Daily Times (UP story). December 10, 1943.(Collier's Magazine team)
  40. ^ "Irish Given Five Places on UP All-American Eleven". The Daily Times (UP story). December 3, 1943.
  41. ^ "All-Big-Ten Team". The Milwaukee Journal. November 30, 1943.
  42. ^ a b c d e "1943 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library.
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