1977 Michigan Wolverines football team

American college football season

1977 Michigan Wolverines football

Big Ten co-champion

Rose Bowl, L 20–27 vs. Washington

Conference| Big Ten Conference
Ranking
Coaches| No. 8
AP| No. 9
Record| 10–2 (7–1 Big Ten)
Head coach|

* Bo Schembechler (9th season)

Defensive coordinator| Bill McCartney (1st season)
Base defense| 3–4
MVP| Russell Davis
Captains|

* Walt Downing
* Dwight Hicks

Home stadium| Michigan Stadium

Seasons

<- 1976

1978 ->

1977 Big Ten Conference football standings

* v
* t
* e

| Conf. |  |  | Overall

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Team | W |  | L |  | T |  |  | W |  | L |  | T
No. 9 Michigan \+  | 7  | - | 1  | - | 0 |  |  | 10  | - | 2  | - | 0
No. 11 Ohio State \+  | 7  | - | 1  | - | 0 |  |  | 9  | - | 3  | - | 0
Michigan State | 6  | - | 1  | - | 1 |  |  | 7  | - | 3  | - | 1
Indiana | 4  | - | 3  | - | 1 |  |  | 5  | - | 5  | - | 1
Minnesota | 4  | - | 4  | - | 0 |  |  | 7  | - | 5  | - | 0
Purdue | 3  | - | 5  | - | 0 |  |  | 5  | - | 6  | - | 0
Iowa | 3  | - | 5  | - | 0 |  |  | 5  | - | 6  | - | 0
Wisconsin | 3  | - | 6  | - | 0 |  |  | 5  | - | 6  | - | 0
Illinois | 2  | - | 6  | - | 0 |  |  | 3  | - | 8  | - | 0
Northwestern | 1  | - | 8  | - | 0 |  |  | 1  | - | 10  | - | 0

* \+ - Conference co-champions

Rankings from AP Poll

The 1977 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1977 Big Ten Conference football season. In its ninth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the team compiled a 10–2 record, tied with Ohio State for the Big Ten Conference championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 353 to 124. The Wolverines were ranked No. 1 in the AP Poll midway through the season but were upset by the unranked Minnesota Golden Gophers. In the final game of the regular season, Michigan beat No. 4 Ohio State but lost to No. 13 Washington in the 1978 Rose Bowl. In the final AP and UPI polls, Michigan was ranked No. 9 and No. 8, respectively.[1]

The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Rick Leach with 1,109 passing yards, fullback Russell Davis with 1,013 rushing yards, wing back Ralph Clayton with 393 receiving yards, and placekicker Gregg Willner with 49 points scored.[2] Davis was selected as the team's most valuable player.[1]

On defense, linebacker Ron Simpkins broke Michigan's single-season record with 158 total tackles (113 solo and 45 assists) during the regular season.[3] He also sacked opposing quarterbacks 10 times and recovered five fumbles in 1977.[4] In the final regular season game of the 1977 season, Simpkins had 20 tackles (15 solo) and recovered a fumble that set up the game-winning touchdown in Michigan's 14-6 victory over Ohio State.[4]

Three Michigan players received first-team honors on the 1977 All-America team: (1) offensive guard Mark Donahue (unanimous); (2) center Walt Downing; and (3) linebacker and punter John Anderson. Fourteen Wolverines received first- or second-team honors on the 1977 All-Big Ten Conference football team.

## Schedule

[edit]

Date| Opponent| Rank| Site| TV| Result| Attendance

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September 10| at Illinois| No. 2|

* Memorial Stadium
* Champaign, IL (rivalry)

| | W 37–9| 60,477
September 17| Duke*| No. 1|

* Michigan Stadium
* Ann Arbor, MI

| | W 21–9| 104,072
September 24| Navy*| No. 1|

* Michigan Stadium
* Ann Arbor, MI

| | W 14–7| 101,800
October 1| No. 5 Texas A&M*| No. 3|

* Michigan Stadium
* Ann Arbor, MI

| ABC| W 41–3| 104,802
October 8| at Michigan State| No. 3|

* Spartan Stadium
* East Lansing, MI (rivalry)

| | W 24–14| 78,183
October 15| No. 14 Wisconsin| No. 1|

* Michigan Stadium
* Ann Arbor, MI

| | W 56–0| 104,892
October 22| at Minnesota| No. 1|

* Memorial Stadium
* Minneapolis, MN (Little Brown Jug)

| | L 0–16| 44,165
October 29| Iowa| No. 6|

* Michigan Stadium
* Ann Arbor, MI

| | W 23–6| 104,617
November 5| Northwestern| No. 6|

* Michigan Stadium
* Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)

| | W 63–20| 103,211
November 12| at Purdue| No. 6|

* Ross–Ade Stadium
* West Lafayette, IN

| | W 40–7| 68,003
November 19| No. 4 Ohio State| No. 5|

* Michigan Stadium
* Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)

| ABC| W 14–6| 106,024
January 2, 1978| vs. No. 13 Washington*| No. 4|

* Rose Bowl
* Pasadena, CA (Rose Bowl)

| NBC| L 20–27| 105,312

* *Non-conference game
* Homecoming
* Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

## Season summary

[edit]

### Preseason

[edit]

The 1976 Michigan Wolverines football team compiled a 10–2 record and was ranked No. 3 in the final AP and UPI polls. Michigan lost several starters from the 1976 team, including running back Rob Lytle, who finished third in the 1976 Heisman voting, flanker Jim Smith, and middle linebacker Calvin O'Neal, a consensus first-team All-American. In the spring of 1977, coach Schembechler publicly questioned whether the 1977 team could be as good as the 1976 team: "How many other teams lost 75 percent of the offense and seven of their 11 defensive starters?" His comment about 75 percent of the offense referred to Rob Lytle and Jim Smith who had a combined total of more than 2,400 rushing and receiving yards.[5]

Key veterans returning from the 1976 team included quarterback Rick Leach and defensive end John Anderson (moved to linebacker in 1977). Another strength was an all-senior offensive line, including guards Mark Donahue and Gerry Szara, center Walt Downing, and tackles Mike Kenn and Bill Dufek. In August 1977, Coach Schembechler paraded the five linemen in front of the press and boasted: "That is probably the best interior line we've had since I've been here. They're all big, they can move and they're smart. They can make adjustments."[6] Dufek sustained a cracked fibula before the season started and was replaced by Jon Giesler.[7]

The 1977 season also saw major changes in the coaching staff. In December 1976, defensive coordinator Gary Moeller was hired as the head coach at Illinois.[8] Less than two weeks later, offensive coordinator and offensive backfield coach Chuck Stobart was hired as head coach at Toledo.[9] Bill McCartney was promoted to take over Moeller's role as defensive coordinator,[6] and Bowling Green head coach Don Nehlen was hired to replace Stobart as the offensive backfield coach.[10]

The 1977 recruiting class included Kurt Becker, Andy Cannavino, B. J. Dickey, Stan Edwards, and Mike Trgovac.[11]

### Illinois

[edit]

Week 1: Michigan at Illinois |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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• Michigan | 13 | 7| 10| 7 | 37
Illinois | 3 | 0| 0| 6 | 9

* Date: September 10
* Location: Champaign, IL
* Game attendance: 60,477

| Scoring summary

1| | ILL| Dave Finzer 42-yard field goal| ILL 3-0
1| | MICH| Ralph Clayton 30-yard pass from Rick Leach (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 7-3
1| | MICH| Harlan Huckleby 15-yard run (Willner kick failed)| MICH 13-3
2| | MICH| Huckleby 3-yard run (Willner kick)| MICH 20-3
3| | MICH| Willner 23-yard field goal| MICH 23-3
3| | MICH| Gene Johnson 11-yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| MICH 30-3
4| | MICH| Russell Davis 4-yard run (Willner kick)| MICH 37-3
4| | ILL| Clarence Baker 1-yard run (kick failed)| MICH 37-9

On September 10, 1977, Michigan, ranked No. 2 in the AP Poll, defeated Illinois, 37-9, at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois, in a game matching Michigan coach Bo Schembechler against his former defensive coordinator, Gary Moeller. Moeller left Michigan to become Illinois' head coach in 1977.[12] The game attracted a crowd of 60,477, the largest opening day crowd in Illinois school history.

Michigan dominated the Illini, rushing for 350 yards. Junior quarterback Rick Leach ran an option offense in which he kept the ball for 78 rushing yards and also completed six of 11 passes for 76 yards, including touchdown passes of 30 yards to Ralph Clayton and 11 yards to Gene Johnson. Running back Harlan Huckleby rushed for 128 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Russell Davis added 99 yards and a touchdown on 18 carries. However, the Wolverines turned the ball over four times: a fumble by Huckleby on Michigan's first play from scrimmage, a fumbled punt return by Roosevelt Smith, and interceptions by Leach and backup quarterback John Wangler. The two fumbles set up the two Illini scores.[13][14]

On defense, Michigan allowing only 48 passing yards and 59 rushing yards on 38 attempts. Defensive back Mike Jolly had both an interception and a fumble recovery.[14]

### Duke

[edit]

Week 2: Duke at Michigan |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Duke | 0 | 0| 6| 3 | 9
• Michigan | 0 | 14| 0| 7 | 21

* Date: September 17
* Location: Ann Arbor, MI
* Game attendance: 104,072

| Scoring summary

2| | =MICH| Leach 7-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 7-0
2| | MICH| R. Davis 4-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 14-0
3| | DUKE| Dunn 3-yard run (run failed)| MICH 14-6
4| | DUKE| Walcott 43-yard field goal| MICH 14-9
4| | MICH| Leach 7-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 21-9

On September 17, 1977, Michigan (ranked #1 in the AP Poll) defeated Duke, 21-9, in front of a crowd of 104,072 at Michigan Stadium. On the opening kickoff, Harlan Huckleby stepped across the goal line to the one-yard line, then stepped back, with the ball being marked down at the one-yard line. From there, Michigan was penalized for being offside and then for delay of game. Michigan did not score in the first quarter, but then scored two touchdowns in the second quarter. Rick Leach rushed for 99 yards and two touchdowns and complete six of 11 passes for 76 yards. Russell Davis also rushed for 95 yards and a touchdown.[15]

### Navy

[edit]

Week 3: Navy at Michigan |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Navy | 0 | 0| 7| 0 | 7
• Michigan | 0 | 14| 0| 0 | 14

* Date: September 24
* Location: Ann Arbor, MI
* Game attendance: 101,877

| Scoring summary

2| | =MICH| Huckleby 13-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 7-0
2| | MICH| Huckleby 22-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 14-0
3| | NAVY| Sandy Jones 34-yard pass from Bob Leszczynski (Tala kick)| MICH 14-7

On September 24, 1977, Michigan defeated Navy, 14-7, at Michigan Stadium. Michigan's points were all scored in the second quarter on runs of 13 and 34 yards by running back Harlan Huckleby. Huckleby rushed for 147 yards, and Russell Davis added 93 more, but Navy outgained Michigan by 301 total yards to 277 total yards. Michigan had defeated Navy by 56 points in 1976, and the seven-point victory in 1977 was considered a disappointment.[16] After the game, Michigan dropped from #1 to #3 in the AP and Coaches' Polls.

### Texas A&M

[edit]

Week 4: Texas A&M at Michigan |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Texas A&M | 3 | 0| 0| 0 | 3
• Michigan | 0 | 7| 13| 21 | 41

* Date: October 1
* Location: Ann Arbor, MI
* Game attendance: 104,802
* TV announcers (ABC): Keith Jackson, Frank Broyles

| Scoring summary

1| | A&M| Tony Franklin 24-yard field goal| A&M 3-0
2| | MICH| Russell Davis 4-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 7-3
3| | MICH| Russell Davis 1-yard run (run failed)| MICH 13-3
3| | MICH| Curt Stephenson 35-yard pass from Rick Leach (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 20-3
4| | MICH| Harlan Huckleby 8-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 27-3
4| | MICH| Jim Pickens recovered blocked punt in end zone (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 34-3
4| | MICH| Mike Jolly 50-yard interception return (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 41-3

On October 1, 1977, No. 3 Michigan defeated No. 5 Texas A&M, 41-3, in front of 104,802 spectators at Michigan Stadium. Russell Davis rushed for 110 yards and two touchdowns, and Harlan Huckleby added 73 yards and a touchdown. Rick Leach also threw a 35-yard touchdown pass to Curt Stephenson. On defense, Ron Simpkins had 14 tackles, recovered a fumble, and blocked a punt that Jim Pickens recovered in the end zone for a touchdown. Mike Jolly also returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown. After "skimpy victories" over Duke and Navy, the trouncing of the highly rated Aggies was considered "one of [Michigan's] most stunning performances in recent years.[17] Columnist Joe Falls wrote: "It may have been Bo Schembechler's finest coaching job in his nine years at Michigan."[18] Texas A&M coach Emory Bellard said, "Michigan came out in the second half and beat us every way you can beat a football team. . . . Michigan is an outstanding team."[17]

### Michigan State

[edit]

Week 5: Michigan at Michigan State |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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• Michigan | 0 | 10| 14| 0 | 24
Michigan St | 0 | 7| 0| 7 | 14

* Date: October 8
* Location: East Lansing, MI
* Game attendance: 78,183

| Scoring summary

Q2| | MSU| Gibson 19 yard pass from Smith (Nielsen kick)| MSU 7–0
Q2| | MICH| White 12 yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| Tie 7–7
Q2| | MICH| Willner 50 yard field goal| MICH 10–7
Q3| | MICH| R. Davis 3 yard run (Willner kick)| MICH 17–7
Q3| | MICH| Leach 3 yard run (Willner kick)| MICH 24–7
Q4| | MSU| Earley 11 yard run (Nielsen kick)| MICH 24–14

On October 8, 1977, Michigan defeated Michigan State, 24-14, at Spartan Stadium. Michigan State took a 7-0 lead on a 19-yard touchdown pass from Ed Smith to Kirk Gibson. Michigan responded with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Rick Leach to White and a 50-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead at halftime. Michigan extended its lead to 24-7 in the third quarter on touchdown runs by Russell Davis and Ed Leach. Harlan Huckleby rushed for 146 yards, and Russell Davis added 96 yards. Ralph Clayton caught three passes for 99 yards. Michigan completed four of 10 passes in the game and threw only one pass in the second half.[19]

### Wisconsin

[edit]

Week 6: Wisconsin at Michigan |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Wisconsin | 0 | 0| 0| 0 | 0
• Michigan | 7 | 14| 14| 21 | 56

* Date: October 15
* Location: Ann Arbor, MI
* Game attendance: 104,892

| Scoring summary

Q1| | MICH| Marsh 7 yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| MICH 7–0
Q2| | MICH| Leach 2 yard run (Willner kick)| MICH 14–0
Q2| | MICH| R. Smith 2 yard run (Willner kick)| MICH 21–0
Q3| | MICH| G. Johnson 22 yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| MICH 28–0
Q3| | MICH| R. Davis 37 yard run (Labun kick)| MICH 35–0
Q4| | MICH| R. Smith 2 yard run (Labun kick)| MICH 42–0
Q4| | MICH| Edwards 3 yard run (Labun kick)| MICH 49–0
Q4| | MICH| Dickey 2 yard run (Labun kick)| MICH 56–0

On October 15, 1977, #1 Michigan defeated undefeated and #14 Wisconsin, 56-0, in front of 104,892 spectators at Michigan Stadium. Rick Leach rushed for 32 yards and a touchdown and completed 10 of 16 passes for 127 yards and touchdown passes to Doug Marsh and Gene Johnson. Roosevelt Smith rushed for 157 yards and two touchdowns, and Russell Davis rushed for 105 yards and a touchdown. Stanley Edwards and B. J. Dickey also scored rushing touchdowns. After the game, Michigan coach Bo Schembechler said, "We played this one as a big game and it turned out that way."[20]

### Minnesota

[edit]

Week 7: Michigan at Minnesota |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Michigan | 0 | 0| 0| 0 | 0
• Minnesota | 10 | 3| 0| 3 | 16

* Date: October 22
* Location: Minneapolis
* Game attendance: 44,165

| Scoring summary

1| | Minn| Paul Rogind 41-yard field goal| Minnesota 3-0
1| | Minn| Marion Barber, Jr 3-yard run (Rogind kick)| Minnesota 10-0
2| | Minn| Rogind 37-yard field goal| Minnesota 13-0
4| | Minn| Rogind 32-yard field goal| Minnesota 16-0

On October 22, 1977, #1 Michigan lost to unranked Minnesota, 16-0, at Memorial Stadium, Minneapolis. All 16 of Minnesota points were scored by Paul Rogind (three field goals and an extra point) and Marion Barber, Jr. (three-yard touchdown run). Both Rogind and Barber were from the State of Michigan—Rogind from Farmington, Michigan and Barber from Detroit. Michigan's offense was shut out for the first time in 112 games dating back to 1967. After the game, Minnesota's players swarmed across the field to reclaim the Little Brown Jug trophy that had been in Michigan's custody for a decade. After the game the Detroit Free Press wrote: "In one fell swoop, Minnesota took away Michigan's No. 1 rating, its undefeated season, and, oh yes, that little chunk of pottery known as the Little Brown Jug."[21]

### Iowa

[edit]

Week 8: Iowa at Michigan |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Iowa | 0 | 0| 0| 6 | 6
• Michigan | 7 | 7| 7| 2 | 23

* Date: October 29
* Location: Ann Arbor, MI
* Game attendance: 104,617

| Scoring summary

1| | MICH| R. Davis 63-yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| Michigan 7-0
2| | MICH| G. Johnson 6-yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| Michigan 14-0
3| | MICH| White 32-yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| Michigan 21-0
4| | IOWA| McLaughlin 1-yard run (run failed)| Michigan 21-6
4| | MICH| Safety, McLaughlin tackled in end zone| Michigan 23-6

On October 29, 1977, Michigan, ranked #6 after losing to Minnesota, defeated Iowa, 23–6, before a crowd of 104,617 at the annual homecoming game at Michigan Stadium. Rick Leach completed nine of 12 passes for 202 yards, including touchdown passes covering 63 yards to Russell Davis, six yards to Gene Johnson, and 32 yards to Rick White. Leach's three touchdown passes gave him 25 for his career, breaking the record of 23 set by Bob Chappuis in the 1940s. Michigan also scored on a safety in the fourth quarter when linebacker Dom Tedesco tackled Iowa's quarterback in the end zone. After the game, Bo Schembechler said, "That was a devastating defeat a week ago. No one will ever know how hard it was to come back from that game."[22]

### Northwestern

[edit]

Week 9: Northwestern at Michigan |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Northwestern | 7 | 0| 0| 13 | 20
• Michigan | 0 | 14| 28| 21 | 63

* Date: November 5
* Location: Ann Arbor, MI
* Game attendance: 103,211

| Scoring summary

1| | NW| Stranski 1 yard run (Poulos kick)| Northwestern 7–0
2| | MICH| Huckleby 4 yard run (Willner kick)| Tie 7–7
2| | MICH| G. Johnson recovered fumble in end zone (Willner kick)| Michigan 14–7
3| | MICH| Leach 21 yard run (Willner kick)| Michigan 21–7
3| | MICH| Leach 4 yard run (Willner kick)| Michigan 28–7
3| | MICH| Edwards 26 yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| Michigan 35–7
3| | MICH| Clayton 41 yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| Michigan 42–7
4| | MICH| Reid 19 yard run (Willner kick)| Michigan 49–7
4| | NW| Sheets 28 yard pass from Stranski (Poulos kick)| Michigan 49–14
4| | MICH| M. Smith 15 yard run (Willner kick)| Michigan 56–14
4| | MICH| Mitchell 34 yard pass from Wangler (Willner kick)| Michigan 63–14
4| | NW| Bailey 7 yard pass from Stranski (pass failed)| Michigan 63–20

On November 5, 1977, Michigan defeated Northwestern, 63-20, at Michigan Stadium. In the lopsided victory, 77 Michigan players had an opportunity to play in the game. Rick Leach ran for two touchdowns, passed for two more (one to Stanley Edwards, the other to Ralph Clayton), and set a new Michigan's record with 2,664 career passing yards. Late in the game, John Wangler threw a touchdown pass to Alan Mitchell. Michigan totaled 511 yards of total offense.[23]

### Purdue

[edit]

Week 10: Michigan at Purdue |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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• Michigan | 3 | 14| 21| 2 | 40
Purdue | 7 | 0| 0| 0 | 7

* Date: November 12
* Location: West Lafayette, IN

| Scoring summary

1| | PUR| Dave Young 6-yard pass from Mark Herrmann (Scott Sovereen kick)| PUR 7-0
1| | MICH| Gregg Willner 28-yard field goal| PUR 7-3
2| | MICH| Mark Schmerge 8-yard pass from Rick Leach (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 10-7
2| | MICH| Roosevelt Smith 2-yard run (Willner kick)| MICH 17-7
3| | MICH| Russell Davis 2-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 24-7
3| | MICH| Dom Tedesco 30-yard interception return (Willner kick)| MICH 31-7
3| 0:50| MICH| Schmerge 6-yard pass from Leach (Willner kick)| MICH 38-7
4| | MICH| Safety, Herrmann tackled in end zone| MICH 40-7

On November 12, 1977, Michigan defeated Purdue, 40–7, before a crowd of 68,003 at Ross–Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. One year earlier, Purdue had upset Michigan by a 16–14 score, knocking Michigan out of the No. 1 ranking. Adding to the anticipation, the game matched coach Schembechler against his longtime defensive coordinator, Jim Young, who took over as Purdue's head coach in 1977.

Purdue's freshman quarterback Mark Herrmann led the Boilermakers on a 55-yard, seven-play opening drive capped by a six-yard touchdown pass to Dave Young. Defensive back Dwight Hicks set up Michigan's first score when he intercepted Hermann's pass at Purdue's 18-yard line with five minutes remaining in the first quarter. Michigan settled for a field goal, and Purdue held a 7-3 lead at the end of the first quarter. In the second quarter, Michigan quarterback Rick Leach led the Wolverines on a 60-yard, eight-minute drive capped by an eight-yard touchdown pass to Mark Schmerge. With less than a minute remaining in the second quarter, Michigan forced a fumble on a punt, which was recovered by Curt Stephenson at the two-yard line. Roosevelt Smith scored on the next play, and Michigan took a 17-7 lead at halftime.[24][25]

Michigan back Russell Davis, playing in place of an injured Harlan Huckleby, rushed for 127 yards in the third quarter (168 in the game), including a 24-yard touchdown run. Michigan extended its lead to 31-7 when Dom Tedesco intercepted a Hermann pass and returned it for a touchdown. With 50 seconds left in the third quarter, Michigan scored again on a second touchdown pass from Leach to Schmerge. Michigan concluded the scoring in the fourth quarter when Tom Seabron sacked Hermann in the end zone for a safety.[24][25]

After Purdue's opening drive, Michigan's defense held Purdue scoreless for the remainder of the game. Linebacker Ron Simpkins led the defense with 10 tackles, and the Wolverines also limited Hermann to 74 passing yards with three interceptions.[25]

### Ohio State

[edit]

Week 11: Ohio State at Michigan |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Ohio State | 3 | 0| 3| 0 | 6
• Michigan | 0 | 7| 7| 0 | 14

* Date: November 19
* Location: Ann Arbor, MI
* Game attendance: 106,024
* TV announcers (ABC): Keith Jackson, Ara Parseghian

| Scoring summary

1| | OHIO| Vlade Janakievski 29-yard field goal| OHIO 3–0
2| | MICH| Roosevelt Smith 1-yard run (Gregg Willner kick)| MICH 7–3
3| | MICH| Rick Leach 2-yard run (Willner kick)| MICH 14–3
3| | OHIO| Janakievski 44-yard field goal| MICH 14–6

On November 19, 1977, Michigan, ranked No. 5 in both polls, defeated No. 4 Ohio State, 14–6, at Michigan Stadium. The game was broadcast to a national television audience on ABC, and the crowd of 106,024 at the stadium was the largest ever to attend a regular-season college football game.[26] The opening minutes were preempted by the arrival of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat on his historic visit to Israel, causing an angry reaction in Ann Arbor bars where hundreds had gathered to watch the game.[27]

For the second consecutive year, Michigan's defense prevented Ohio State from scoring a touchdown. Ohio State had the momentum in the first quarter, taking a 3–0 lead on a Vlade Janakievski field goal and limiting Michigan to five plays and five yards. A second Janakievski field goal attempt in the opening quarter went wide to the right. In the second quarter, quarterback Rick Leach led the Wolverines on a 50-yard drive, but a 42-yard field goal attempt by Gregg Willner fell short. On the next possession, Leach again led the Wolverines down the field, and this time the drive ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Roosevelt Smith. Michigan led, 7–3, at halftime.[26][28]

In the third quarter, Michigan linebacker Ron Simpkins recovered a Ron Springs fumble at Ohio State's 20-yard line. Leach then scored on a two-yard run. Willner converted the extra point kick, and Michigan led, 14–3. On the next drive, Ohio State quarterback Rod Gerald led a 74-yard drive to Michigan's 11-yard line, but the Buckeyes lost yardage on the next three plays, including a sack by Simpkins. Ohio State settled for a field goal by Janakievski. Ohio State moved deep into Michigan territory on two additional drives. On the first, the defense stopped Ohio State fullback Paul Campbell on a fourth-and-one run at the 10-yard line. On the other, Ohio State drove more than 90 yards and had a first down at Michigan's eight-yard line. On the next play, Gerald was hit in the backfield by linebacker John Anderson and fumbled, with Derek Howard recovering the ball for Michigan.[26][28]

In a battle of two great defenses, Ohio State out-gained Michigan by 352 yards to 196. Michigan managed only 10 first downs to 23 for Ohio State.[28] After the game, coach Schembechler praised his defense: "Our defense was terrific. They came up with big plays when we had to have them."[26] Ohio State coach Woody Hayes said: "This is by far the best game we ever played and lost. Their defense should receive great, great credit, for they stopped us when we were in scoring position."[26]

The game was marred by controversy when 64-year-old coach Hayes punched ABC's sideline cameraman in the stomach. Hayes was angered when the cameraman focused on Hayes after his quarterback's fourth quarter fumble. Asked about the incident in a post-game press conference, Hayes "went into a mini-rage", balled his fist in front of the reporter and said: "They stick it in your face every damn time."[29] Two days later, Hayes apologized for the incident, but at the same time called the cameraman "a liar" and said he was "so damned tired of hearing what I did to that man out there."[30]

### Rose Bowl

[edit]

Main article: 1978 Rose Bowl

Rose Bowl: Michigan vs. Washington |  | 1 | 2| 3| 4| Total

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Michigan | 0 | 0| 7| 13 | 20
• Washington | 7 | 10| 10| 0 | 27

* Date: January 2
* Location: Pasadena, CA
* Game attendance: 105,312
* TV announcers (NBC): Curt Gowdy, John Brodie

| Scoring summary

Q1| 6:37| UW| Warren Moon 2-yard run (Steve Robbins kick)| UW 7–0
Q2| 10:33| UW| Robbins 30-yard field goal| UW 10–0
Q2| 3:26| UW| Moon 1-yard run (Robbins kick)| UW 17–0
Q3| 12:21| UW| Spider Gaines 28-yard pass from Moon (Robbins kick)| UW 24–0
Q3| 4:31| MICH| Curt Stephenson 76-yard pass from Rick Leach (Gregg Willner kick)| UW 24–7
Q3| 0:50| UW| Robbins 26-yard field goal| UW 27–7
Q4| 11:21| MICH| Russell Davis 2-yard run (Willner kick)| UW 27–14
Q4| 3:44| MICH| Stan Edwards 32-yard pass from Leach (kick missed)| UW 27–20

On January 2, 1978, Michigan lost to Washington, 27–20, in the 1978 Rose Bowl. Michigan entered the game ranked No. 4 by the AP and favored by two touchdowns against No. 13 Washington. With the loss, Michigan coach Schembechler had a record of 0-8-1 in the final games of his nine seasons at Michigan.

Washington dominated early, taking a 17–0 lead at halftime. Washington quarterback Warren Moon scored on two rushing touchdowns, and Steve Robbins kicked a 30-yard field goal. Washington was aided in the first quarter when Michigan punter John Anderson dropped to one knee to field an errant snap, giving Washington excellent field position. In another first half mishap, Michigan drove to Washington's 31-yard line but turned the ball over on a Russell Davis fumble. With two minutes remaining the first half, Washington coach Don James called for a fake punt on fourth-and-seven from the Huskies' 33-yard line. Washington's freshman punter Aaron Wilson completed a pass from punt formation that resulted in a 46-yard gain.

At the start of the third quarter, Michigan's Mike Jolly intercepted a Moon pass deep in Washington territory. On fourth down inside the five-yard line, Roosevelt Smith's run was stopped short of the line to gain. After the goal-line stand, Moon led the Huskies on a 97-yard touchdown drive ending with a 28-yard touchdown pass from Moon to Spider Gaines. The Huskies led, 24–0.

In the final 20 minutes of the game, Michigan turned to a passing game and scored three touchdowns. With less than five minutes remaining in the third quarter, Rick Leach threw 23 yards to Curt Stephenson who ran untouched the remaining 53 yards into the end zone. Leach's 76-yard completion to Stephenson was the longest pass play in Rose bowl history to that point. Michigan next scored on touchdown runs by Russell Davis and Stan Edwards.

With 95 seconds left in the game, Michigan had the ball at Washington's 19-yard line when Ralph Clayton dropped Leach's pass in the end zone. Leach then hit Stan Edwards with a pass at the six-yard line, but the ball bounced off Edwards' hands and helmet and was intercepted by Washington linebacker Michael Jackson. Michigan's defense then held on three plays and forced Washington to punt from its end zone. On the final drive of the game, Leach threw into the end zone again, but the pass was intercepted by Washington back Nesby Glasgow.[31][32]

### Award season

[edit]

Five Michigan players received honors on the 1977 All-America team:

* Offensive tackle Mark Donahue was a unanimous selection, receiving first-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association,[33] the Associated Press,[34] the Football Writers Association of America,[35] the United Press International,[36] Football News,[37] the Newspaper Enterprise Association,[38] The Sporting News,[39] and the Walter Camp Football Foundation.[40]
* Center Walt Downing received first-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association,[33] Football News,[37] and The Sporting News,[39] and second-team honors from the Newspaper Enterprise Association.[38]
* Linebacker John Anderson received first-team honors from the Football Writers Association of America and second-team honors from the United Press International.[35][36]
* Offensive tackle Mike Kenn received second-team honors from the Associated Press.[34]
* Defensive back Dwight Hicks also received second-team honors from the Associated Press.[34]

Fourteen Michigan players received recognition from the Associated Press (selected by sports writers and broadcasters) and/or United Press International (selected by the Big Ten coaches) on the 1977 All-Big Ten Conference football team: Mark Donahue at guard (AP-1, UPI-1), Dwight Hicks at defensive back (AP-1, UPI-1), Rick Leach at quarterback (AP-1, UPI-2), Mike Kenn at offensive tackle (AP-1, UPI-2), Walt Downing at center (AP-1), John Anderson at defensive end (AP-2, UPI-1) and punter (AP-2, UPI-2), Ron Simpkins at linebacker (AP-2, UPI-1), Jim Pickens at defensive back (AP-2, UPI-1), Russell Davis at running back (AP-2, UPI-2), Harlan Huckleby at running back (UPI-2), Steve Graves at middle guard (UPI-2), Derek Howard at defensive back (UPI-2), Gene Johnson at tight end (AP-2), and Dom Tedesco at linebacker (AP-2).[41][42]

Team awards were presented as follows:[1]

* Most Valuable Player: Russell Davis
* Meyer Morton Award: John Anderson
* Frederick Matthei Award: Jerry Meter
* Arthur Robinson Scholarship Award: John Anderson
* John Maulbetsch Award: Ron Simpkins

## Personnel

[edit]

### Full roster

[edit]

1977 Michigan Wolverines football team roster

Players  | Coaches
Offense | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

G | `64` | John Arbeznik | Jr
G | `61` | Greg Bartnick | Jr
G | `65` | Kurt Becker | Fr
QB | `12` | Roger Bettis | Sr
QB | `8` | Jim Breaugh | Fr
FB | `33` | Russell Davis | Jr
QB | `10` | B. J. Dickey | Fr
TB | `29` | Gerald Diggs | So
G | `60` | Mark Donahue | Sr
C | `72` | Walt Downing | Sr
OT | `73` | Bill Dufek | Sr
RB | `` | Stanley Edwards | Fr
OT | `51` | Jon Giesler | Jr
RB | `25` | Harlan Huckleby | Jr
TE | `88` | Gene Johnson | Sr
QB | `9` | Stacy Johnson | Jr
OT | `51` | Dave Kadela | Jr
OT | `78` | Mike Kenn | Sr
FB | `36` | Kevin King | Sr
QB | `7` | Rick Leach | Jr
C | `59` | George Lilja | So
TE | `80` | Doug Marsh | Jr
WR | `30` | Alan Mitchell | Fr
OT | `67` | John Powers | So
FB | `23` | Lawrence Reid | So
WB | `43` | Max Richardson | Sr
TE | `82` | Mark Schmerge | Jr
TB | `44` | Mike Smith | Sr
WR | `85` | Curt Stephenson | Sr
G | `69` | Gerry Szara | Sr
Defense | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

LB | `86` | John Anderson | Sr
W | `42` | Gene Bell | So
DB | `28` | Mark Braman | Jr
S | `45` | Woody Brown | Sr
LB | `41` | Andy Cannavino | Fr
LB | `92` | Mark DeSantis | Jr
DT | `90` | Chris Godfrey | So
MG | `54` | Steve Graves | Sr
DT | `95` | Curtis Greer | Jr
DB | `4` | Mike Harden | So
ILS | `83` | Dave Harding | Sr
W | `17` | Dwight Hicks | Sr
LB | `94` | Robert Holloway | Jr
CB | `10` | Derek Howard | Sr
DT | `93` | William Jackson | Sr
DB | `20` | Raymond Johnson | Sr
DB | `16` | Mike Jolly | So
DT | `55` | Dave Keitz | Jr
MG | `38` | Thomas Melita | Jr
LB | `46` | Jerry Meter | Jr
LB | `53` | Mel Owens | So
W | `24` | Robert Patek | Sr
S | `18` | Jim Pickens | Sr
LB | `91` | Tom Seabron | Jr
LB | `40` | Ron Simpkins | So
LB | `99` | Dominic Tedesco | Sr
MG | `77` | Mike Trgovac | Fr
Special teams | Pos. | # | Name | Class

|
|
|

K | `3` | Nick Labun | Sr
K | `99` | Bryan Virgil | So
K | `1` | Greg Willner | Jr

Head coach

* Bo Schembechler

Coordinators/assistant coaches

Bill McCartney (defensive coordinator)
Dennis Brown (defensive ends)
Jack Harbaugh (defensive backs)
Tom Reed (defensive line)
Jerry Hanlon (offensive line)
Paul Schudel (offensive interior line)
Tirrel Burton (offensive ends)
Don Nehlen (offensive backfield)

* * *

Legend

* (C) Team captain
* (S) Suspended
* (I) Ineligible

* Injured
* Redshirt

* * *

Roster

### Offense

[edit]

* John Arbeznik, offensive guard, junior, University Heights, Ohio \- started 1 game at right offensive guard
* Greg Bartnick, offensive guard, junior, Detroit, Michigan - started 2 games at right offensive guard
* Kurt Becker, offensive tackle, freshman, Aurora, Illinois
* Roger Bettis, quarterback, senior, Minerva, Ohio
* Jim Breaugh, quarterback, freshman, West Bloomfield, M wing back, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan - started 8 games at wing back
* Ralph Clayton, wing back, sophomore, Detroit - started eight games at wing back
* Russell Davis, fullback, junior, Woodbridge, Virginia \- started all 12 games at fullback
* B. J. Dickey, quarterback, freshman, Ottawa, Ohio
* Gerald Diggs, tailback, sophomore, Chicago, Illinois
* Mark Donahue, offensive guard, senior, Oak Lawn, Illinois \- started all 12 games at left offensive guard
* Walt Downing, center, senior, Coatesville, Pennsylvania \- started all 12 games at center
* Bill Dufek, offensive tackle, senior, East Grand Rapids, Michigan
* Stanley Edwards, tailback, freshman, Detroit, Michigan
* Jon Giesler, offensive tackle, junior, Woodville, Ohio \- started 1 game at left offensive tackle, 1 game at right offensive tackle
* Harlan Huckleby, tailback, junior, Detroit, Michigan - started all 12 games at tailback
* Gene Johnson, tight end, junior, Flint, Michigan - started 9 games at tight end
* Stacy Johnson, quarterback, junior, Camden, New Jersey
* Dave Kadela, offensive tackle, junior, Dearborn, Michigan
* Mike Kenn, offensive tackle, senior, Evanston, Illinois \- started 11 games at left offensive tackle
* Kevin King, fullback, senior, Oak Lawn, Illinois
* Rick Leach, quarterback, junior, Flint, Michigan \- started all 12 games at quarterback
* George Lilja, center, sophomore, Palos Park, Illinois
* Doug Marsh, tight end, junior, Akron, Ohio
* Alan Mitchell, wide receiver, freshman, Detroit, Michigan
* John J. Powers, offensive tackle, sophomore, Oak Park, Illinois \- started 10 games at right offensive tackle
* Lawrence P. Reid, fullback, sophomore, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
* Max Richardson, wing back, senior, Fort Wayne, Indiana \- started 4 games at wing back
* Mark Schmerge, tight end, junior, Cincinnati, Ohio \- started 1 game at tight end
* Mike Smith, tailback, senior, Kalamazoo, Michigan
* Rickey Blake, tailback, sophomore, Chicago, Illinois
* Curt Stephenson, wide receiver, senior, La Jolla, California
* Gerry Szara, offensive guard, senior, Oak Lawn, Illinois - started 9 games at right guard
* Richard White, wide receiver, senior, Cincinnati, Ohio - started all 12 games at wide receiver

### Defense

[edit]

* John Anderson, defensive end, senior, Waukesha, Wisconsin \- started all 12 games at outside linebacker
* Gene Bell, wolf, sophomore, East Liverpool, Ohio
* Mark Braman, defensive halfback, junior, Midland, Michigan
* Woody Brown, safety, senior, East Detroit, Michigan
* Andy Cannavino, inside linebacker, freshman, Cleveland, Ohio
* Mark DeSantis, outside linebacker, junior, Harper Woods, Michigan
* Chris Godfrey, defensive tackle, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan - started 5 games at defensive tackle
* Steve Graves, middle guard, senior, Cleveland, Ohio - started all 12 games at middle guard
* Curtis Greer, defensive tackle, junior, Detroit, Michigan - started 9 games at defensive tackle
* Mike Harden, defensive halfback, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan - started 1 game at weak-side cornerback, 1 game at safety
* Dave Harding, ILS, senior, Northville, Michigan
* Dwight Hicks, wolf, senior, Pennsauken, New Jersey \- started 11 games at wolfman
* Robert K. Holloway, outside linebacker, junior, West Bloomfield, Michigan
* Derek Howard, wolf, senior, Hamilton, Ohio \- started all 12 games (10 at strong-side cornerback, 1 at wolfman, 1 at safety)
* William Jackson, defensive tackle, junior, Richmond, Virginia \- started 1 game at defensive tackle
* Raymond J. Johnson, defensive halfback, senior, Gary, Indiana
* Mike Jolly, defensive halfback, sophomore, Melvindale, Michigan \- started 11 games at weak-side cornerback
* Dale Keitz, defensive tackle, junior, Columbus, Ohio \- started 9 games at defensive tackle
* Thomas A. Melita, middle guard, junior, Penns Grove, New Jersey
* Jerry Meter, inside linebacker, junior, Birmingham, Michigan \- started all 12 games at inside linebacker
* Mel Owens, inside linebacker, sophomore, DeKalb, Illinois \- started 1 game at inside linebacker
* Robert M. Patek, wolf, junior, Farmington Hills, Michigan
* Jim Pickens, defensive halfback, senior, Sylvania, Ohio \- started all 12 games (10 at safety, 2 at strong-side cornerback)
* Tom Seabron, outside linebacker, junior, Detroit, Michigan
* Ron Simpkins, inside linebacker, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan - started 11 games at inside linebacker
* Dominic Tedesco, outside linebacker, senior, Riverside, Illinois \- started all 12 games at outside linebacker
* Mike Trgovac, middle guard, freshman, Austintown, Ohio

### Kickers

[edit]

* Nick Labun, place-kicker, senior, Rockford, Illinois
* Bryan Virgil, place-kicker, sophomore, Buchanan, Michigan
* Gregg Willner, place-kicker, junior, Miami Beach, Florida[43]

### Coaching staff

[edit]

* Head coach: Bo Schembechler
* Assistant coaches:

* Bill McCartney \- defensive coordinator[44]
* Dennis Brown \- defensive ends coach[44]
* Jack Harbaugh \- defensive backs coach[44]
* Tom Reed \- defensive line coach[44]
* Jerry Hanlon \- offensive line coach[44]
* Paul Schudel \- offensive interior line coach[44]
* Tirrel Burton \- offensive ends coach[44]
* Don Nehlen \- offensive backfield coach[44]

* Graduate assistants - Bob Thornbladh, Barry Pierson, Tim Davis, and Jerry Zuver[44]

### Other personnel

[edit]

* Athletic director: Don Canham[45]
* Trainer: Lindsy McLean[46]
* Manager: Donald G. Di Paolo[47]
* Stadium announcer: Howard King[48]
* Radio play-by-play announcer: Bob Ufer (WJR)[49]

## Statistics

[edit]

### Offensive statistics

[edit]

#### Rushing

[edit]

Player | Att | Net Yards | Yds/Att | TD

|
|
|
|

Russell Davis | 207 | 1,013 | 4.9 | 7
Harlan Huckleby | 160 | 743 | 4.6 | 6
Rick Leach | 106 | 370 | 3.5 | 7
Roosevelt Smith | 57 | 308 | 5.4 | 4
Stan Edwards | 33 | 152 | 4.6 | 1

[2]

#### Passing

[edit]

Player | Att | Comp | Int | Comp % | Yds | Yds/Comp | TD

|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Rick Leach | 147 | 76 | 7 | 51.7 | 1,109 | 14.6 | 13
John Wangler | 2 | 1 | 1 | 50.0 | 33 | 33.0 | 1
B. J. Dickey | 3 | 1 | 33.3 | -3.0 | -3.0 | 0

[2]

#### Receiving

[edit]

Player | Recp | Yds | Yds/Recp | TD

|
|
|
|

Ralph Clayton | 19 | 393 | 20.7 | 2
Gene Johnson | 13 | 187 | 14.4 | 3
Russell Davis | 12 | 148 | 12.3 | 1
Harlan Huckleby | 12 | 104 | 8.7 | 0

[2]

### Special teams statistics

[edit]

#### Returns

[edit]

Player | Kickoff Returns | Yds | Yds/Rtrn | TD | Punt Returns | Yds | Yds/Rtrn | TD

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Dwight Hicks | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 16 | 161 | 10.1 | 0
Ralph Clayton | 7 | 137 | 19.6 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0
Mike Harden | 3 | 49 | 16.3 | 0 | 14 | 86 | 6.1 | 0
Harlan Huckleby | 4 | 90 | 22.5 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0
Roosevelt Smith | 4 | 80 | 20.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0
Stan Edwards | 2 | 86 | 43.0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0
Mike Jolly | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 3 | 28 | 9.3 | 0

[2]

#### Kicking

[edit]

Player | PATA | PATM | Percent | FGA | FGM | Percent | Punts | Punt Yds | Avg | Points

|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|

Gregg Willner | 41 | 40 | 97.6 | 12 | 3 | 25.0 | 0 | 0 | - | 49
Nick LaBun | 4 | 4 | 100.0 | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | - | 4
John Anderson | 0 | 0 | - | 0 | 0 | - | 52 | 2,099 | 40.4 | 0

[2]

## References

[edit]

1. ^ a b c "1977 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved January 4, 2020.
2. ^ a b c d e f "1977 Michigan Wolverines Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved January 5, 2019.
3. ^ Don MacLachlan (November 22, 1977). "Win lightens Bo's load". The Michigan Daily. p. 8 - via Bentley Historical Library.
4. ^ a b "Michigan's Simpkins one that Woody lost". The Tuscaloosa News (AP story). November 25, 1978. p. 8.
5. ^ Curt Sylvester (April 7, 1977). "No. 1 Rumor and Missing U-M Stars Keep Bo Busy in Spring Grid Drills". Detroit Free Press. p. 4D - via Newspapers.com.
6. ^ a b Curt Sylvester (August 21, 1977). "Coach Bo Parades His Pride and Joy, U-M's Offensive Line". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1E, 2E - via Newspapers.com.
7. ^ "U-M's Dufek Out For Half Season". Detroit Free Press. August 28, 1977. p. 1E - via Newspapers.com.
8. ^ "Bo Loses Coach To Illinois". Detroit Free Press. December 4, 1976. p. 1C - via Newspapers.com.
9. ^ "Surprise! Stobart Is Toledo Coach". Detroit Free Press. December 17, 1976. p. 1D - via Newspapers.com.
10. ^ "Bo Picks Nehlen to Fill Staff". Detroit Free Press. January 12, 1977. p. 3D - via Newspapers.com.
11. ^ "U-M Lists Football Freshman". Detroit Free Press. July 21, 1977. p. 8D - via Newspapers.com.
12. ^ Bill Flick (September 11, 1977). "Mo vs. Bo show yields few surprises in end". The Pantagraph. p. B1.
13. ^ Curt Sylvester (September 11, 1977). "What Big Test? It's U-M, 37-9". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1E, 4E.
14. ^ a b John Niemeyer (September 11, 1977). "Michigan mauls Illinois, 37-9". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 10 - via Bentley Historical Library.
15. ^ Curt Sylvester (September 18, 1977). "U-M Bungles Way Past Duke, 21-9". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E, 4E.
16. ^ Curt Sylvester (September 25, 1977). "Rough Seas: 'M' 14, Navy 7". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1E, 4E.
17. ^ a b Curt Sylvester (October 2, 1937). "That's More Like It! U-M Rips Texas A&M, 41-3". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E, 4E.
18. ^ Joe Falls (October 2, 1977). "Bo Finally Cut His Players Loose". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E.
19. ^ Charlie Vincent (October 9, 1977). "U-M Struggles, 24-14". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1E, 4E.
20. ^ Curt Sylvester (October 16, 1977). "U-M Clips Badger Streak With a 56-0 TD Barrage". Detroit Free Press. p. 1D, 4D.
21. ^ Curt Sylvester (October 23, 1977). "It's Goodby [sic] No. 1, Perfect Season And Brown Jug! U-M Flops, 16-0". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E, 5E.
22. ^ Curt Sylvester (October 30, 1977). "U-M Back in Groove, 23-6: Leach Destroys Iowa". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1E, 5E.
23. ^ Curt Sylvester (November 6, 1977). "U-M Finally Has Laugher! Skins Tame Cats, 63-20". Detroit Free Press. p. 1D, 8D.
24. ^ a b Tom Cameron (November 13, 1977). "Ready for Woody: 'M' rolls, 40-7". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 10 - via Bentley Historical Library.
25. ^ a b c Curt Sylvester (November 13, 1977). "U-M Paves Way for OSU By Rocking Purdue, 40-7". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1D, 6D - via Newspapers.com.
26. ^ a b c d e Kathy Henneghan (November 20, 1977). "The Bucks stopped here! Defenders are key to triumph". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 9 - via Bentley Historical Library.
27. ^ Lois Josimovich (November 20, 1977). "ABC puts Sadat before The Game". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 2 - via Bentley Historical Library.
28. ^ a b c Curt Sylvester (November 20, 1977). "Ah! Everything Comes Up Roses For Bo's Gutty Wolverines, 14-6". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1D, 7D - via Newspapers.com.
29. ^ Jim Benagh (November 20, 1977). "Angry Woody Hits TV Cameraman". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1D, 7D - via Newspapers.com.
30. ^ "Woody 'Regrets' Slugging Cameraman". Detroit Free Press. November 22, 1977. p. 5D - via Newspapers.com.
31. ^ Bob Oates (January 3, 1978). "It's Moon Over Michigan in 27-20 Stunner: Huskies Barely Hang On After Charging to 24-0 Lead in Rose Bowl". Los Angeles Times. pp. III-1, III-8 - via Newspapers.com.
32. ^ "Roses Whither and Die on U-M! Pass Steals Save Huskies, 27-20". Detroit Free Press. January 3, 1978. pp. 1D, 5D - via Newspapers.com.
33. ^ a b "Irish Place Trio on Coaches All-America Team". The Tribune. November 24, 1977. p. 58 - via Newspapers.com.
34. ^ a b c "AP tabs Donahue All-American: Kenn, Hicks on Second Team". The Michigan Daily. November 30, 1977. p. 9 - via Bentley Historical Library.
35. ^ a b Ted Gangi (ed.). "FWAA All-America Since 1944: The All-Time Team" (PDF). Archived from the original (PDF) on March 4, 2019. Retrieved March 2, 2016.
36. ^ a b "UPI All-America Football Team". The Cumberland News. December 2, 1977 - via Newspapers.com.
37. ^ a b "College football". St. Louis Post-Dispatch. November 20, 1977. p. 9F - via Newspapers.com.
38. ^ a b "Campbell, Browner top All Americans". The Waxahachie Daily Light. December 8, 1977. p. 3 - via Newspapers.com.
39. ^ a b "All America teams: Sporting News". The Courier-Journal (Louisville). December 7, 1977. p. D3 - via Newspapers.com.
40. ^ "Irish, Pittsburgh, Buckeyes dominate Camp All-America". Alamogordo Daily News. December 13, 1977. p. 2 - via Newspapers.com.
41. ^ "1977 All-Big Ten Football". The Times Recorder. November 29, 1977. p. 3B - via Newspapers.com.
42. ^ "OSU, Michigan Dominate Big 10". The Salem News (Salem, Ohio). November 23, 1977. p. 9.
43. ^ Ernie Dunbar (October 27, 1978). "Willner, Virgil Marks of Consistency". The Michigan Daily. p. 17 - via Bentley Historical Library.
44. ^ a b c d e f g h i Gary Kicinski (September 17, 1977). "Meet Michigan assistants". The Michigan Daily. p. 15 - via Bentley Historical Library.
45. ^ Billy Neff (November 8, 1979). "Michigan's Money-Maker: Canham -- what makes him tick?". The Michigan Daily. p. 9 - via Bentley Historical Library.
46. ^ "Tending to tendons with trainer McLean". The Michigan Daily. October 16, 1977. p. 7 - via Bentley Historical Library.
47. ^ "Manager Don: Jack-of-all-trades for Bo's big boys". The Michigan Daily. October 16, 1977. p. 10 - via Bentley Historical Library.
48. ^ "Howard King's vocal vocation". The Michigan Daily. October 16, 1977. p. 7 - via Bentley Historical Library.
49. ^ Cub Schwartz (September 8, 1977). "Bob Ufer: The man behind the mike". The Michigan Daily. p. 5 - via Bentley Historical Library.

## External links

[edit]

* 1977 Football Team -- Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History

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