1980 Michigan Wolverines football team
Encyclopedia
The 1980 Michigan Wolverines football team, coached by Bo Schembechler
, won the Big Ten Conference
championship with a record of 10–2 (8–0 in conference) and defeated the Washington Huskies
in the 1981 Rose Bowl
game, 23–6. After starting the season 1–2 with a narrow victory over Northwestern and losses to Notre Dame and South Carolina, the 1980 season looked like it would be disappointment. A quarterback controversy concerning the choice of Rich Hewlett to start the season over the popular John Wangler
added to the controversy. However, the defense gathered strength over the course of the season, scored three consecutive shutouts, and did not allow a touchdown in the final 22 quarters of the season. The offense was led by All-Americans Anthony Carter at wide receiver and George Lilja
at center. The Rose Bowl victory over Washington was Schembechler's first win in a bowl game, following seven bowl games losses. After falling out of the rankings for four weeks in the middle of the season, the 1980 Wolverines ended up being ranked #4 in both the AP and Coaches polls.
took over as coach in 1969. In the AP's 1980 preseason poll, Michigan was not even picked to be one of the top two teams in the Big Ten Conference. The AP picked Ohio State (led by Art Schlichter
) as the No.1 team in the country, and the Purdue team (led by Mark Herrmann
) was picked at No. 9, with Michigan ranked No. 12.
fell on a Northwestern fumble at the Wildcats' 23-yard line. Hewlett responded with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Carter in the left corner of the endzone (Hewlett's second touchdown pass of the game to Carter) to give Michigan a 17-10 lead. In the final three minutes of the game, Northwestern drove the ball from its own 27 to the Michigan 7, but Andy Cannavino intercepted a pass on fourth down, as Michigan pulled off a narrow victory. After the game, Hewlett said he tried not to pay attention to the chants calling for Wangler, and Coach Schembechler said, "I don't care who they call for. You know that won't dictate what I do."
kicked an improbable 51-yard field into a strong wind to give Notre Dame the 29-27 victory. Notre Dame coach Dan Devine
performed the sign of the cross as Oliver's kick left his foot, and Oliver said, "This is by far the greatest moment of my life. I have to thank God and Our Lady, God had to be with me." Schembechler said after the game, "I'm proud of the way we came back. We had as much right to as they did. But they hung in there and they had the last shot. Time just ran out."
winner George Rogers
in the third week of the season. The press deemed South Carolina to be a heavy underdog going into the game. One writer noted, "Opponents like South Carolina are expected to be patsies. No trouble to beat." Consistent with expectations, Michigan took a 14-3 lead into halftime on a pair of touchdown passes from John Wangler to Anthony Carter. On the first drive of the second half, Michigan drove the ball to South Carolina's 8-yard line and appeared to be poised to take a 21-3 lead. However, on first and goal, Stan Edwards fumbled the ball into the endzone, and South Carolina recovered. South Carolina drove the ball 80 years for a touchdown to tighten the score to 14-10. On the ensuing drive, Michigan faced a fourth down with one yard to go at its own 29-yard line. Michigan faked the punt, but Stan Edwards was stopped for no gain. South Carolina responded with its second touchdown on the short field and took a 17-14 lead. After the game, Coach Schembechler blamed himself for the loss and the fake punt call. He said, "It was that a coach didn't have confidence in his defense. Hey, I've got to start realizing our defense isn't that bad. We should have punted ..." Late in the fourth quarter, Michigan had a chance to tie the game with a field goal, but opted to go for the touchdown on a pass play that was tipped off the hands of Anthony Carter. On not kicking the field goal, Schembechler said, "My players wouldn't want a tie in a non-conference game." South Carolina's offense was led by its tailback (and Heisman Trophy winner) George Rogers, who gained 142 yards on 36 carries.
With the loss to South Carolina, Michigan was 1-2 and had lost 5 of its last 6 games. It was the first time Michigan had lost consecutive non-conference games since 1967.
and 127 yards by Stan Edwards. After the game, Schembechler noted that respect for Cal quarterback Campbell led Michigan to emphasize the run: "Our intention was to control the ball and keep our defense off the field. You won't see that kind of running much more this season. ... Campbell dictated our offense. Our strategy was to keep him off the field. You're never out of the woods with Campbell."
kicked three field goals in the game, including a school-record 57-yarder. With the game tied 13-13 in the second half, Michigan State was penalized for roughing Michigan placekicker, Ali Haji-Sheikh. Though Haji-Sheikh's field goal was good, Michigan coach Schembechler decided to accept the penalty (taking three Michigan points off the board) and go for the touchdown. Three plays later, John Wangler threw a touchown pass to Anthony Carter. When questioned about the call after the game, Schembechler grinned and said, "So old Bo isn't too dumb is he?" Michigan scored its final touchdown on a pass from Wangler to Craig Dunaway. Michigan linebacker intercepted a pass in the final minute-and-a-half of the game to stop the Spartans' final drive.
and Lloyd Carr
had been fired by Illinois after the 1979 season. Rumors spread before the game that coach Schembechler wanted to "make Illinois pay" for the firings. Michigan fullback Stan Edwards ran for a career-high 152 yards in the game, though he also fumbled the ball while running untouched in the open field in the second quarter. Michigan also had a 78-yard punt return nullified for clipping. Anthony Carter caught five passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in the first half, and did not play in the second half. After the game, the Michigan players presented game balls to assistant coaches Moeller and Carr.
, who set all-time NCAA records for passing yardage and total offense. It was only the second time in Herrmann's four years at Purdue that the Boilermakers were shut out. In the second half, the defense did not allow a first down, and Herrmann passed for only 24 yards. The Wolverines defense also intercepted three of Herrmann's passes, including two by Tony Jackson. On offense, Michigan wide receiver Anthony Carter caught his 18th and 19th touchdown passes of the season. After the game, coach Schembechler expressed surprise when he was told that the defense had not allowed a single first down in the second half. Schembechler remarked, "Unbelievable. We've never shut any body down since I've been here like we did Purdue in the second half."
who became the third player in Big Ten history to surpass 6,000 yards in total offense (Mark Herrmann and Rick Leach were the first to accomplish the feat). Michigan's only touchdown came late in the third quarter on a pass from John Wangler to Anthony Carter. Butch Woolfolk rushed for 142 yards. Placekicker added an Ali-Haji-Sheikh kicked a 43-yard field goal in the first half, though he missed a 38-yarder. However, the game was close due to Michigan mistakes, including three interceptions, two missed field goals, and an extra-point kick that hit the left upright and bounced back on the field. The errors led coach Schembechler to say, "It may not be the prettiest win and its wasn't the most explosive offensive show you've ever seen, but we won it." Ohio State had a chance to win late in the fourth quarter, as Schlichter completed a 28-yard pass to the Michigan 32-yard line with less than a minute to play. On the ensuing drive, Schlichter was penalized for intentional grounding and was sacked on the next play with 13 seconds left on the clock. The Michigan defense held Schlichter to 8-of-25 passing and extended its streak of not having allowed a touchdown to 18 quarters and 274 minutes.
After the game, coach Schembechler paid tribute to his Big Ten championship team: "This was a great group in terms of never giving up. I enjoy this championship more than any of the previous ones because of the way we came back."
game in which it defeated the Pac Ten Conference champion Washington Huskies
by a score of 23–6. Coach Bo Schembechler, who had gone winless in seven prior bowl games (five Rose Bowls, an Orange Bowl, and a Gator Bowl), was the focus of much of the pre-game press coverage. Michigan center George Lilja noted before the game, "We want to win for our coach as much as for ourselves." Michigan scored on a six-yard touchdown run by Butch Woolfolk
to take a 7-6 lead at halftime. Michigan drove the ball 83 yards to start the second half, scoring on a 25-yard field goal by Ali Haji-Sheikh. In the third quarter, Wangler completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Carter, and added another touchdown in the fourth quarter on a one-yard run by Stan Edwards
. After the game, Michigan players carried Schembechler off the field on their shoulders as the coach held his arms above his head in victory. In the post-game press conference, Schembechler said, "I stood here five times before a loser. Now I'm smoking a cigar and smiling. ... Right now, I'm on top of the world. I feel great about everything."
Michigan finished the season ranked No. 4 in both the AP and UPI polls.
(who won the 2007 National Championship with LSU), Lloyd Carr
(who won the 1997 National Championship with Michigan), Bill McCartney
(who led Colorado to a No. 2 ranking in 1990 and later founded Promise Keepers
), Ron Vanderlinden
(head coach at Maryland for four years), Gary Moeller
(who led Michigan to three Big Ten championships and a No. 5 ranking in 1992), and Paul Schudel
(head coach at Ball State from 1985–1994). The coaching staff also included Tirrel Burton
, Tim Davis, Jerry Hanlon
, Jerry Meter
, Bob Thornbladh
, Milan Vooletich
.
Bo Schembechler
Glenn Edward "Bo" Schembechler, Jr. was an American football player, coach, and athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Miami University from 1963 to 1968 and at the University of Michigan from 1969 to 1989, compiling a career record of 234–65–8...
, won the Big Ten Conference
Big Ten Conference
The Big Ten Conference is the United States' oldest Division I college athletic conference. Its twelve member institutions are located primarily in the Midwestern United States, stretching from Nebraska in the west to Pennsylvania in the east...
championship with a record of 10–2 (8–0 in conference) and defeated the Washington Huskies
Washington Huskies
Washington Huskies is the nickname of the University of Washington's athletic teams. The school is a member of the Pacific-12 Conference. The athletic program is made up of 9 men's sports and 10 women's sports Washington Huskies is the nickname of the University of Washington's athletic teams. The...
in the 1981 Rose Bowl
1981 Rose Bowl
The 1981 Rose Bowl was the 67th Rose Bowl game and was played on January 1, 1981 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The game featured the Michigan Wolverines beating Washington Huskies by a score of 23–6...
game, 23–6. After starting the season 1–2 with a narrow victory over Northwestern and losses to Notre Dame and South Carolina, the 1980 season looked like it would be disappointment. A quarterback controversy concerning the choice of Rich Hewlett to start the season over the popular John Wangler
John Wangler
John "Johnny" Wangler is a former American football quarterback. He played for the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1980. During the 1979 and 1980 seasons, Wangler and Anthony Carter formed one of the most successful passing combinations in Michigan Wolverines football history...
added to the controversy. However, the defense gathered strength over the course of the season, scored three consecutive shutouts, and did not allow a touchdown in the final 22 quarters of the season. The offense was led by All-Americans Anthony Carter at wide receiver and George Lilja
George Lilja
George Vincent Lilja is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for several National Football League teams over the course of six seasons. He is also a former collegiate All-American center for the Michigan Wolverines football team...
at center. The Rose Bowl victory over Washington was Schembechler's first win in a bowl game, following seven bowl games losses. After falling out of the rankings for four weeks in the middle of the season, the 1980 Wolverines ended up being ranked #4 in both the AP and Coaches polls.
Schedule
Preseason expectations
The 1979 season marked the first time Michigan had not ended the season ranked among the nation's top ten teams since Bo SchembechlerBo Schembechler
Glenn Edward "Bo" Schembechler, Jr. was an American football player, coach, and athletics administrator. He served as the head football coach at Miami University from 1963 to 1968 and at the University of Michigan from 1969 to 1989, compiling a career record of 234–65–8...
took over as coach in 1969. In the AP's 1980 preseason poll, Michigan was not even picked to be one of the top two teams in the Big Ten Conference. The AP picked Ohio State (led by Art Schlichter
Art Schlichter
Arthur Ernest Schlichter is a retired college and professional American football quarterback, sometimes known for his compulsive gambling and the legal problems especially gambling that arose from it...
) as the No.1 team in the country, and the Purdue team (led by Mark Herrmann
Mark Herrmann
Mark James Herrmann is a former professional football player, a quarterback in the NFL. He was Associate Director of Educational Programs for the NCAA, before budget cutbacks. However, he is best known for his college career with the Purdue Boilermakers...
) was picked at No. 9, with Michigan ranked No. 12.
Week one: 17-10 win over Northwestern
In the first game of the year, Michigan played Northwestern. The game began in a heavy rain that turned into a dowpour for most of the first half. The game was unexpectedly close, as Northwestern, in the midst of a 34-game losing streak, dominated a third quarter in which Michigan ran only three plays and had the ball for 2:30. Northwestern then scored a touchdown early in the fourth quarter to tie the game, 10-10, "before a stunned crowd of 100,824 at Michigan Stadium." Michigan fans were unsure of the young sophomore quarterback, Rich Hewlett, starting in place of senior John Wangler, who had been injured in the previous year's Gator Bowl. With the game tied, 10-10, the disenchanted Michigan fans began chants of "We Want Wangler." With Northwestern still controlling the ball in the fourth quarter, the turning point came when Michigan captain Andy CannavinoAndy Cannavino
Andrew J. "Andy" Cannavino is a retired American football linebacker. He played for the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1980. He became one of the leading tacklers in Michigan history, played in the 1981 Rose Bowl and was the only unanimous selection as a first-team player on the 1980...
fell on a Northwestern fumble at the Wildcats' 23-yard line. Hewlett responded with a 23-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Carter in the left corner of the endzone (Hewlett's second touchdown pass of the game to Carter) to give Michigan a 17-10 lead. In the final three minutes of the game, Northwestern drove the ball from its own 27 to the Michigan 7, but Andy Cannavino intercepted a pass on fourth down, as Michigan pulled off a narrow victory. After the game, Hewlett said he tried not to pay attention to the chants calling for Wangler, and Coach Schembechler said, "I don't care who they call for. You know that won't dictate what I do."
Week two: 29-27 loss to Notre Dame
In the second week of the season, Michigan played Notre Dame in South Bend. After a scoreless first quarter, Notre Dame took a 14-0 lead in the second quarter. Michigan's reserve quarterback John Wangler replaced Rich Hewlett in the second quarter, and threw two touchdown passes in the span of 1:19 to tie the game, 14-14, at halftime. In the second half, Anthony Carter returned the opening kickoff 67 yards to the Notre Dame 32-yard line, and Michigan scored on a two-yard run by Stan Edwards. Notre Dame scored a touchdown (but missed the extra point) with 1:03 left in the third quarter on a 49-yard interception return of a Wangler pass. The last three minutes of the game proved to be one of the most exciting finishes in the Michigan-Notre Dame rivalry. With 3:03 left in the game, Notre Dame scored to take a 26-21 lead (an attempted two-point conversion failed). On the next drive, Butch Woolfolk ran 36 yards on a trap play, taking the ball to the Notre Dame 4-yard line with less than a minute to play. Wangler threw a pass to Woolfolk in the endzone that was tipped and caught by Michigan tight end, Craig Dunaway, to give the Wolverines a 27-26 lead with 41 seconds left. After a touchback, Notre Dame took over on its own 20-yard line with 40 seconds left. In five plays, Notre Dame moved the ball to the Michigan 41-yard line. Notre Dame's drive was aided by a controversial pass interference call against Michigan of which Coach Schembechler said after the game, "It was the key play, without it, they wouldn't have scored at all." And on the final play of the game, Notre Dame placekicker Harry OliverHarry Oliver
Harold "Pee-Wee" Oliver was a Canadian ice hockey forward who played for the Calgary Tigers of the Western Canada Hockey League and the Boston Bruins and New York Americans of the National Hockey League . He was a member of the Tigers' 1924 WCHL championship and won the Stanley Cup with the...
kicked an improbable 51-yard field into a strong wind to give Notre Dame the 29-27 victory. Notre Dame coach Dan Devine
Dan Devine
Daniel John Devine was an American football player and coach. He served as the head coach football coach at Arizona State University from 1955 to 1957, the University of Missouri from 1958 to 1970, and the University of Notre Dame from 1975 to 1980, compiling a career college football mark of...
performed the sign of the cross as Oliver's kick left his foot, and Oliver said, "This is by far the greatest moment of my life. I have to thank God and Our Lady, God had to be with me." Schembechler said after the game, "I'm proud of the way we came back. We had as much right to as they did. But they hung in there and they had the last shot. Time just ran out."
Week three: 17-14 loss to South Carolina
Michigan faced South Carolina and 1980 Heisman TrophyHeisman Trophy
The Heisman Memorial Trophy Award , is awarded annually to the player deemed the most outstanding player in collegiate football. It was created in 1935 as the Downtown Athletic Club trophy and renamed in 1936 following the death of the Club's athletic director, John Heisman The Heisman Memorial...
winner George Rogers
George Rogers (American football)
George Washington Rogers is a former American football player who achieved distinction in both the college and professional ranks as a running back...
in the third week of the season. The press deemed South Carolina to be a heavy underdog going into the game. One writer noted, "Opponents like South Carolina are expected to be patsies. No trouble to beat." Consistent with expectations, Michigan took a 14-3 lead into halftime on a pair of touchdown passes from John Wangler to Anthony Carter. On the first drive of the second half, Michigan drove the ball to South Carolina's 8-yard line and appeared to be poised to take a 21-3 lead. However, on first and goal, Stan Edwards fumbled the ball into the endzone, and South Carolina recovered. South Carolina drove the ball 80 years for a touchdown to tighten the score to 14-10. On the ensuing drive, Michigan faced a fourth down with one yard to go at its own 29-yard line. Michigan faked the punt, but Stan Edwards was stopped for no gain. South Carolina responded with its second touchdown on the short field and took a 17-14 lead. After the game, Coach Schembechler blamed himself for the loss and the fake punt call. He said, "It was that a coach didn't have confidence in his defense. Hey, I've got to start realizing our defense isn't that bad. We should have punted ..." Late in the fourth quarter, Michigan had a chance to tie the game with a field goal, but opted to go for the touchdown on a pass play that was tipped off the hands of Anthony Carter. On not kicking the field goal, Schembechler said, "My players wouldn't want a tie in a non-conference game." South Carolina's offense was led by its tailback (and Heisman Trophy winner) George Rogers, who gained 142 yards on 36 carries.
With the loss to South Carolina, Michigan was 1-2 and had lost 5 of its last 6 games. It was the first time Michigan had lost consecutive non-conference games since 1967.
Week four: 38-13 win over California
In its fourth game, Michigan beat California, 38-13, in front of 104,621 spectators at Michigan Stadium. The game was close for the first three quarters, as Cal's Heisman Trophy candidate, quarterback Rich Campbell, completed 22 of 34 passes (including 15 for 15 in the second half) for 249 yards. But three fourth quarter touchdowns by Michigan gave Michigan a 25-point margin of victory. Michigan gained 388 rushing yards in the game, including 184 yards by Lawrence RicksLawrence Ricks
Lawrence Tallmagde Ricks is a former American football professional running back and kick returner who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League and Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League. Ricks had been a star running back for the Michigan Wolverines...
and 127 yards by Stan Edwards. After the game, Schembechler noted that respect for Cal quarterback Campbell led Michigan to emphasize the run: "Our intention was to control the ball and keep our defense off the field. You won't see that kind of running much more this season. ... Campbell dictated our offense. Our strategy was to keep him off the field. You're never out of the woods with Campbell."
Week five: 27-23 win over Michigan State
In the fifth week of the season, Michigan defeated its in-state rival, Michigan State, in a close game by a score of 27-23. Michigan running back Butch Woolfolk rushed for 136 yards, and the Spartans' placekicker, Morten AndersenMorten Andersen
Morten Andersen , nicknamed "The Great Dane", is a former National Football League kicker. He holds the distinction of being the all-time leading scorer in NFL history, as well as being the all-time leading scorer for two different teams; the New Orleans Saints, with whom he spent 13 seasons, and...
kicked three field goals in the game, including a school-record 57-yarder. With the game tied 13-13 in the second half, Michigan State was penalized for roughing Michigan placekicker, Ali Haji-Sheikh. Though Haji-Sheikh's field goal was good, Michigan coach Schembechler decided to accept the penalty (taking three Michigan points off the board) and go for the touchdown. Three plays later, John Wangler threw a touchown pass to Anthony Carter. When questioned about the call after the game, Schembechler grinned and said, "So old Bo isn't too dumb is he?" Michigan scored its final touchdown on a pass from Wangler to Craig Dunaway. Michigan linebacker intercepted a pass in the final minute-and-a-half of the game to stop the Spartans' final drive.
Week six: 37-14 win over Minnesota
In week six, Michigan won a convincing 37-14 road victory over Minnesota. Butch Woolfolk scored two first-half touchdowns, including a 27-yard touchdown run on Michigan's opening possession. Quarterback John Wangler threw for a personal-high 227 yards on 16-for-22 passing, and Anthony Carter caught nine passes for 149 yards and two touchdowns. Ali Haji-Sheikh added three field goals.Week seven: 45-14 win over Illinois
Week seven's match-up against Illinois had special significance, because Michigan assistant coaches Gary MoellerGary Moeller
Gary O. Moeller is an American football coach best known for being head coach at the University of Michigan from 1990 to 1994. During his five seasons at Michigan, he won 44 games, lost 13 and tied 3 for a winning percentage of .758...
and Lloyd Carr
Lloyd Carr
Lloyd H. Carr is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Michigan from 1995 through the 2007 season. Under Carr, the Wolverines compiled a record of 122–40 and won or shared five Big Ten Conference titles...
had been fired by Illinois after the 1979 season. Rumors spread before the game that coach Schembechler wanted to "make Illinois pay" for the firings. Michigan fullback Stan Edwards ran for a career-high 152 yards in the game, though he also fumbled the ball while running untouched in the open field in the second quarter. Michigan also had a 78-yard punt return nullified for clipping. Anthony Carter caught five passes for 121 yards and a touchdown in the first half, and did not play in the second half. After the game, the Michigan players presented game balls to assistant coaches Moeller and Carr.
Week eight: 35-0 win over Indiana
The Michigan defense scored its first of three straight shutouts in week eight, as Michigan defeated Indiana, 35-0. Michigan running backs Butch Woolfolk and Lawrence Ricks ran for 152 and 123 yards respectively. The game's most unusual moment came when Ricks scored two touchdowns in a span of only 28 seconds in the first quarter. Ricks ran 29 yards for a touchdown, and on the ensuing kickoff, Indiana fumbled on its own 22 yard-line. Ricks ran the ball twice, scoring on the second carry after the fumble recovery. Anthony Carter caught a 34-yard touchdown pass from Wangler, and Woolfolk added a 64-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.Week nine: 24-0 win over Wisconsin
Michigan shut out Wisconsin on the road in Week Nine, by a score of 24-0. Anthony Carter caught a touchdown pass to set a Michigan school record for touchdown receptions in a single season.Week ten: 26-0 win over Purdue
Michigan's most impressive defensive performance of the season came in a Week-Ten, 26–0, shutout of Purdue. Purdue was led that year by senior quarterback and Heisman Trophy candidate Mark HerrmannMark Herrmann
Mark James Herrmann is a former professional football player, a quarterback in the NFL. He was Associate Director of Educational Programs for the NCAA, before budget cutbacks. However, he is best known for his college career with the Purdue Boilermakers...
, who set all-time NCAA records for passing yardage and total offense. It was only the second time in Herrmann's four years at Purdue that the Boilermakers were shut out. In the second half, the defense did not allow a first down, and Herrmann passed for only 24 yards. The Wolverines defense also intercepted three of Herrmann's passes, including two by Tony Jackson. On offense, Michigan wide receiver Anthony Carter caught his 18th and 19th touchdown passes of the season. After the game, coach Schembechler expressed surprise when he was told that the defense had not allowed a single first down in the second half. Schembechler remarked, "Unbelievable. We've never shut any body down since I've been here like we did Purdue in the second half."
Week eleven: 9-3 win over Ohio State
In the final game of the regular season, Michigan faced Ohio State in front of a record crowd of 88,827 in Columbus, Ohio. Ohio State, which started the season ranked No. 1 in the country, had lost a non-conference game to UCLA and came into the game ranked No. 5. The Buckeyes were led by senior quarterback Art SchlichterArt Schlichter
Arthur Ernest Schlichter is a retired college and professional American football quarterback, sometimes known for his compulsive gambling and the legal problems especially gambling that arose from it...
who became the third player in Big Ten history to surpass 6,000 yards in total offense (Mark Herrmann and Rick Leach were the first to accomplish the feat). Michigan's only touchdown came late in the third quarter on a pass from John Wangler to Anthony Carter. Butch Woolfolk rushed for 142 yards. Placekicker added an Ali-Haji-Sheikh kicked a 43-yard field goal in the first half, though he missed a 38-yarder. However, the game was close due to Michigan mistakes, including three interceptions, two missed field goals, and an extra-point kick that hit the left upright and bounced back on the field. The errors led coach Schembechler to say, "It may not be the prettiest win and its wasn't the most explosive offensive show you've ever seen, but we won it." Ohio State had a chance to win late in the fourth quarter, as Schlichter completed a 28-yard pass to the Michigan 32-yard line with less than a minute to play. On the ensuing drive, Schlichter was penalized for intentional grounding and was sacked on the next play with 13 seconds left on the clock. The Michigan defense held Schlichter to 8-of-25 passing and extended its streak of not having allowed a touchdown to 18 quarters and 274 minutes.
After the game, coach Schembechler paid tribute to his Big Ten championship team: "This was a great group in terms of never giving up. I enjoy this championship more than any of the previous ones because of the way we came back."
Rose Bowl: 23-6 win over Washington
As the Big Ten Conference champion, Michigan advanced to the 1981 Rose Bowl1981 Rose Bowl
The 1981 Rose Bowl was the 67th Rose Bowl game and was played on January 1, 1981 at the Rose Bowl Stadium in Pasadena, California. The game featured the Michigan Wolverines beating Washington Huskies by a score of 23–6...
game in which it defeated the Pac Ten Conference champion Washington Huskies
Washington Huskies football
College football has a long history at the University of Washington. The Washington Huskies have won 15 Pacific-10 Conference championships, seven Rose Bowl titles, and three national championships. Washington's all-time record of 653-398-50 ranks 20th by all-time winning percentage and 21st by...
by a score of 23–6. Coach Bo Schembechler, who had gone winless in seven prior bowl games (five Rose Bowls, an Orange Bowl, and a Gator Bowl), was the focus of much of the pre-game press coverage. Michigan center George Lilja noted before the game, "We want to win for our coach as much as for ourselves." Michigan scored on a six-yard touchdown run by Butch Woolfolk
Butch Woolfolk
Harold E. "Butch" Woolfolk is a former American football running back and kick returner who played in college for the University of Michigan and in the National Football League for the New York Giants , Houston Oilers and Detroit Lions . Woolfolk attended Westfield Senior High School in...
to take a 7-6 lead at halftime. Michigan drove the ball 83 yards to start the second half, scoring on a 25-yard field goal by Ali Haji-Sheikh. In the third quarter, Wangler completed a seven-yard touchdown pass to Anthony Carter, and added another touchdown in the fourth quarter on a one-yard run by Stan Edwards
Stan Edwards
Stanley Edwards is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He played six total seasons in the league, five for the Houston Oilers and one for his hometown Detroit Lions...
. After the game, Michigan players carried Schembechler off the field on their shoulders as the coach held his arms above his head in victory. In the post-game press conference, Schembechler said, "I stood here five times before a loser. Now I'm smoking a cigar and smiling. ... Right now, I'm on top of the world. I feel great about everything."
Michigan finished the season ranked No. 4 in both the AP and UPI polls.
Players
The number of games started by each player at a position is listed in parentheses next to the player's name.Offensive starters
- Kurt BeckerKurt BeckerKurt Frank Becker is a former professional American football player who played guard for nine seasons for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams. An offensive guard at the University of Michigan, Becker started in 36 consecutive games...
- started 12 games at right guard - Norm Betts - started 11 games at tight end
- Anthony Carter - started 12 games at wide receiver
- Chuck Christian - started 1 game at tight end
- Tom DixonTom Dixon (American football)Tom Dixon is a former All-American football center who played for the Michigan Wolverines from 1980 to 1983. Dixon started every game for the Wolverines in the 1981, 1982, and 1983 seasons. He was named a first-team All-American in 1983 by UPI, Kodak and Walter Camp and helped the Wolverines win...
- started 1 game at left guard - Stan EdwardsStan EdwardsStanley Edwards is a former American football running back in the National Football League. He played six total seasons in the league, five for the Houston Oilers and one for his hometown Detroit Lions...
- started 12 games at fullback - Rich Hewlett - started 1 game at quarterback
- George LiljaGeorge LiljaGeorge Vincent Lilja is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for several National Football League teams over the course of six seasons. He is also a former collegiate All-American center for the Michigan Wolverines football team...
- started 12 games at center - Alan Mitchell - started 12 games at split end
- Ed MuranskyEd MuranskyEdward William "Ed" Muransky is a former professional American football offensive tackle who played for the Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League and Orlando Renegades of the United States Football League . He was a member of the Super Bowl XVIII Champion Raiders...
- started 12 games at right tackle - Bubba ParisBubba ParisWilliam "Bubba" Paris is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL from 1983 to 1990. He was a member of three 49er teams that won the Super Bowl...
- started 12 games at left tackle - John Powers - started 11 games at left guard
- Lawrence RicksLawrence RicksLawrence Tallmagde Ricks is a former American football professional running back and kick returner who was drafted by the Dallas Cowboys of the National Football League and Michigan Panthers of the United States Football League. Ricks had been a star running back for the Michigan Wolverines...
- started 6 games at tailback - John WanglerJohn WanglerJohn "Johnny" Wangler is a former American football quarterback. He played for the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1980. During the 1979 and 1980 seasons, Wangler and Anthony Carter formed one of the most successful passing combinations in Michigan Wolverines football history...
- started 10 games at quarterback - Butch WoolfolkButch WoolfolkHarold E. "Butch" Woolfolk is a former American football running back and kick returner who played in college for the University of Michigan and in the National Football League for the New York Giants , Houston Oilers and Detroit Lions . Woolfolk attended Westfield Senior High School in...
- started 6 games at tailback
Defensive starters
- Defensive tackle - Winfred Carraway (5), Cedric Coles (3), Dave Nicolau (3), Jeff Shaw (1)
- Middle guard - Jeff Shaw (8), Tony Kelsie (3), Winfred Carraway (1)
- Defensive tackle - Mike TrgovacMike TrgovacMichael Trgovac is the defensive line coach for the Green Bay Packers and the former defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers...
(11), Cedric Coles (1) - Outside linebacker - Robert ThompsonRobert Thompson (American football)Robert Thompson is a retired American football linebacker. He played for the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1982 and in the NFL for the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and Detroit Lions.-Early years:...
(12) - Outside linebacker - Mel OwensMel OwensMel Owens is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. Owens was selected in the first round by the Los Angeles Rams out of the University of Michigan in the 1981 NFL Draft...
(11), Mike Lemirande (1) - Inside linebacker - Andy CannavinoAndy CannavinoAndrew J. "Andy" Cannavino is a retired American football linebacker. He played for the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1980. He became one of the leading tacklers in Michigan history, played in the 1981 Rose Bowl and was the only unanimous selection as a first-team player on the 1980...
(11), James HerrmannJim HerrmannJim Herrmann is an American football coach. He is currently the linebackers coach for the New York Giants of the National Football League.-College coaching career:...
(1) - Inside linebacker - Paul GirgashPaul GirgashPaul Girgash is a retired American football linebacker. He played for the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1982. He started 36 consecutive games at inside linebacker for Michigan from 1980 to 1982, played in the 1981 and 1983 Rose Bowls, and was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten player by...
(12) - Weak side cornerback - Brian CarpenterBrian Carpenter (American football)Brian Milton Carpenter is a former American football defensive back in the National Football League for the New York Giants, the Washington Redskins, and the Buffalo Bills. He played college football at the University of Michigan and was drafted in the fourth round of the 1982 NFL Draft by the...
(11), Marion Body (1) - Strong side cornerback - Marion BodyMarion BodyMarion Body is a retired American football cornerback. He played for the University of Michigan from 1979 to 1982 and in the USFL for the Michigan Panthers in 1983. A native of Detroit, Michigan, Body attended Kettering High School. He enrolled at the University of Michigan and played football...
(11), Gerald Diggs (1) - Strong safety - Keith Bostic (8), Jeff Reeves (2), Jeff Cohen (2)
- Free safety - Tony Jackson (10), Keith Bostic (2)
Rushing
| Player | Att | Net Yards | Yds/Att | TD | Long |
| Butch Woolfolk | 196 | 1042 | 5.3 | 8 | 64 |
| Stanley Edwards | 192 | 901 | 4.7 | 8 | 42 |
| Lawrence Ricks | 167 | 850 | 5.1 | 6 | 29 |
| Jerald Ingram | 33 | 145 | 4.4 | 2 | 26 |
| Rich Hewlett | 21 | 73 | 3.5 | 0 | 17 |
| Anthony Carter | 10 | 68 | 6.8 | 0 | 21 |
| Kerry Smith | 8 | 46 | 5.8 | 0 | 16 |
| Tom Hassel | 6 | 17 | 2.8 | 0 | 9 |
| Steve Smith | 9 | 8 | 0.9 | 0 | 9 |
Passing
| Player | Att | Comp | Int | Comp % | Yds | Yds/Comp | TD | Long |
| John Wangler | 212 | 117 | 9 | 55.2 | 1522 | 13.0 | 16 | 55 |
| Rich Hewlett | 17 | 7 | 0 | 41.2 | 118 | 16.9 | 2 | 25 |
| Steve Smith | 6 | 3 | 0 | 50.0 | 44 | 14.7 | 0 | 24 |
Receiving
| Player | Recp | Yds | Yds/Recp | TD | Long |
| Anthony Carter | 51 | 818 | 16.0 | 14 | 44 |
| Alan Mitchell | 13 | 215 | 16.5 | 0 | 26 |
| Norm Betts | 17 | 161 | 9.5 | 1 | 17 |
| Craig Dunaway | 9 | 135 | 15.0 | 2 | 55 |
| Stanley Edwards | 9 | 93 | 10.3 | 0 | 17 |
| Butch Woolfolk | 10 | 68 | 6.8 | 0 | 12 |
| Kenney Gear | 3 | 60 | 20.0 | 0 | 25 |
| Lawrence Ricks | 8 | 56 | 7.0 | 1 | 13 |
| Fred Brockington | 2 | 31 | 15.5 | 0 | 16 |
| Jerald Ingram | 3 | 23 | 7.7 | 0 | 13 |
| Chuck Christian | 1 | 10 | 10.0 | 0 | 10 |
| Milt Carthens | 1 | 4 | 4.0 | 0 | 4 |
Tackles, assists and interceptions
| Player | Tackles | Assists | Total | Interceptions |
| Andy Cannavino | 81 | 47 | 128 | 4 |
| Mel Owens | 52 | 37 | 89 | 1 |
| Paul Girgash | 53 | 28 | 81 | 0 |
| Robert Thompson | 51 | 28 | 79 | 1 |
| Frederick Motley | 36 | 27 | 63 | 0 |
| Marion Body | 41 | 16 | 57 | 5 |
| Keith Bostic | 38 | 14 | 52 | 2 |
| Tony Jackson | 28 | 14 | 42 | 2 |
| Winfred Carraway | 23 | 12 | 35 | 0 |
| Jeff Reeves | 26 | 6 | 32 | 0 |
| Brian Carpenter | 25 | 7 | 32 | 5 |
| Cedric Coles | 18 | 13 | 31 | 0 |
| Jim Herrmann Jim Herrmann Jim Herrmann is an American football coach. He is currently the linebackers coach for the New York Giants of the National Football League.-College coaching career:... |
19 | 11 | 30 | 0 |
Kickoff returns
| Player | Returns | Yds | Yds/Rtrn | TD | Long |
| Anthony Carter | 15 | 427 | 28.5 | 0 | 67 |
| Tom Hassel | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 12 |
| Kenney Gear | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 12 |
| Stanley Edwards | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 12 |
| Jerald Ingram | 1 | 12 | 12.0 | 0 | 12 |
| Brian Carpenter | 1 | 9 | 9.0 | 0 | 9 |
Punt returns
| Player | Returns | Yds | Yds/Rtrn | TD | Long |
| Anthony Carter | 24 | 165 | 6.9 | 0 | 21 |
| Brian Carpenter | 3 | 14 | 4.7 | 0 | 9 |
| Tony Jackson | 1 | 13 | 13.0 | 0 | 13 |
Awards and honors
- Captain: Andy CannavinoAndy CannavinoAndrew J. "Andy" Cannavino is a retired American football linebacker. He played for the University of Michigan from 1977 to 1980. He became one of the leading tacklers in Michigan history, played in the 1981 Rose Bowl and was the only unanimous selection as a first-team player on the 1980...
, George LiljaGeorge LiljaGeorge Vincent Lilja is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for several National Football League teams over the course of six seasons. He is also a former collegiate All-American center for the Michigan Wolverines football team... - All-American1980 College Football All-America TeamThe 1980 College Football All-America team is composed of various organizations that choose College All-America teams that season. The organizations that chose the teams were Associated Press, United Press International, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Football Writers Association of America,...
s: Anthony Carter, George LiljaGeorge LiljaGeorge Vincent Lilja is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for several National Football League teams over the course of six seasons. He is also a former collegiate All-American center for the Michigan Wolverines football team... - All-Conference: Mike TrgovacMike TrgovacMichael Trgovac is the defensive line coach for the Green Bay Packers and the former defensive coordinator for the Carolina Panthers...
, Butch WoolfolkButch WoolfolkHarold E. "Butch" Woolfolk is a former American football running back and kick returner who played in college for the University of Michigan and in the National Football League for the New York Giants , Houston Oilers and Detroit Lions . Woolfolk attended Westfield Senior High School in...
, Mel OwensMel OwensMel Owens is a former American football linebacker in the National Football League. Owens was selected in the first round by the Los Angeles Rams out of the University of Michigan in the 1981 NFL Draft...
, Andy Cannavino, Anthony Carter, Ed MuranskyEd MuranskyEdward William "Ed" Muransky is a former professional American football offensive tackle who played for the Los Angeles Raiders of the National Football League and Orlando Renegades of the United States Football League . He was a member of the Super Bowl XVIII Champion Raiders...
, George LiljaGeorge LiljaGeorge Vincent Lilja is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for several National Football League teams over the course of six seasons. He is also a former collegiate All-American center for the Michigan Wolverines football team...
, Kurt BeckerKurt BeckerKurt Frank Becker is a former professional American football player who played guard for nine seasons for the Chicago Bears and the Los Angeles Rams. An offensive guard at the University of Michigan, Becker started in 36 consecutive games...
, Bubba ParisBubba ParisWilliam "Bubba" Paris is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for the San Francisco 49ers of the NFL from 1983 to 1990. He was a member of three 49er teams that won the Super Bowl...
, John Powers - Most Valuable Player: Anthony Carter
- Meyer Morton Award: George LiljaGeorge LiljaGeorge Vincent Lilja is a former professional American football offensive lineman who played for several National Football League teams over the course of six seasons. He is also a former collegiate All-American center for the Michigan Wolverines football team...
- John MaulbetschJohn MaulbetschJohn F. "Johnny" Maulbetsch was an All-American football halfback at Adrian College in 1911 and for the University of Michigan Wolverines from 1914 to 1916...
Award: Keith Bostic
Coaching staff
Michigan's assistant coaches in 1980 included six individuals who went on to success as head coaches -- Les MilesLes Miles
Leslie Edwin "Les" Miles, nicknamed "The Mad Hatter", is an American college football coach and the current head coach of the Louisiana State University football team. Prior to holding that position, he was head coach at Oklahoma State...
(who won the 2007 National Championship with LSU), Lloyd Carr
Lloyd Carr
Lloyd H. Carr is a former American football player and coach. He served as the head coach at the University of Michigan from 1995 through the 2007 season. Under Carr, the Wolverines compiled a record of 122–40 and won or shared five Big Ten Conference titles...
(who won the 1997 National Championship with Michigan), Bill McCartney
Bill McCartney
William Paul McCartney is a former American football player and coach and the founder of the Promise Keepers men's ministry. He was the head coach at the University of Colorado from 1982 to 1994, where he compiled a record of 93–55–5 and won three consecutive Big Eight Conference...
(who led Colorado to a No. 2 ranking in 1990 and later founded Promise Keepers
Promise Keepers
Promise Keepers is an international conservative Christian organization for men. While it originated in the United States, it is now world-wide...
), Ron Vanderlinden
Ron Vanderlinden
Ron Vanderlinden is an American college football coach. He is currently the co-defensive coordinator and linebackers coach at Penn State University. Vanderlinden previously served as the head coach at the University of Maryland from 1997 to 2000....
(head coach at Maryland for four years), Gary Moeller
Gary Moeller
Gary O. Moeller is an American football coach best known for being head coach at the University of Michigan from 1990 to 1994. During his five seasons at Michigan, he won 44 games, lost 13 and tied 3 for a winning percentage of .758...
(who led Michigan to three Big Ten championships and a No. 5 ranking in 1992), and Paul Schudel
Paul Schudel
-External links:...
(head coach at Ball State from 1985–1994). The coaching staff also included Tirrel Burton
Tirrel Burton
Tirrel Burton is a former American football player, coach, and radio broadcaster. He played halfback for Ara Parseghian's championship teams at Miami University in 1954 and 1955 and led the undefeated, untied 1955 team in rushing, scoring, pass interceptions, kickoff returns and punt returns,...
, Tim Davis, Jerry Hanlon
Jerry Hanlon
Jerry Hanlon is a former American football player, coach, and radio broadcaster. He was a halfback on the 1953–1955 Miami University teams that won two Mid-American Conference championships under Ara Parseghian...
, Jerry Meter
Jerry Meter
Jerry Meter is a former American football player and coach. Meter's father, Bernard Meter, played football for Notre Dame in the 1940s. Jerry Meter enrolled at the University of Michigan and played linebacker for Bo Schembechler from 1976 to 1978. In 1977, he received the Frederick Matthaei...
, Bob Thornbladh
Bob Thornbladh
Robert N. M. "Blade" Thornbladh is a former American football player, coach and radio color commentator. He played for the Michigan Wolverines football team from 1971 to 1973 and was an assistant coach at Michigan from 1980 to 1986...
, Milan Vooletich
Milan Vooletich
Milan Emil Vooletich, Jr. was an American football player and coach. He played football at Geneva College in the mid-1960s and later had a 32-year career as a football coach including eight years as an assistant coach under Bo Schembechler at the University of Michigan, five years as an assistant...
.