Counting Down Michigan’s Greatest Season Openers

1984 for the most part was not a memorable season for Michigan. Schembechler’s squad would finish 6-6 after an injury to QB Jim Harbaugh sent the season into a spiral. But it did begin with a bang, as the Wolverines took out the number one ranked Hurricanes propelling the Wolverines to a temporary third place ranking. 1984 was also Jimmy Johnson’s first at the helm for Miami. He would finish the season 8-5 with three consecutive losses, including the historic Hail Flutie Game. An odd tidbit, Miami entered the game 2-0, while it was Michigan’s season opener.

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Most of the official media outlets are picking the Connecticut Huskies to come to the Big House and surprise the Michigan Wolverines. But how confident are the fans heading into the matchup?

So far in our season prediction contest, fans have predicted victory at a 90.5% rate. The average predicted season calls for between 7 & 8 wins.

Great Interviews with the defensive staff, courtesy of Rivals.com:

Defensive Coordinator Greg Robinson -

Defensive Backs Coach Tony Gibson -

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• Name: Hasean Clinton-Dix
• Position: Athlete
• Height & Weight: 6’2” 190 lbs.
• High School: Dr. Phillips Panthers (FL)

HIGHLIGHTS

NEWS

Currently committed to Alabama. Visiting with teammate Demetrius Hart to the UConn game.

QUOTES

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Although the 1986 match-up was a victory for Michigan, it is an ode to the Irish. Michigan entered 1986 ranked 2nd in the Country. The game at South Bend was Lou Holtz’s first leading Notre Dame after previously coaching at Minnesota. The Fighting Irish were unranked, but came out firing as they amassed 455 total yards while never punting. Yet somehow the Wolverines would pull out this game by the skin of their teeth. 

They did due to the Irish’s poor ball security. Notre Dame turned over the ball four times to Michigan’s one. Three of those turnovers occurring inside the red zone. A missed extra point and 45 yard field goal by future pro John Carney also helped seal their fate. For the first time in history, an unranked team, Notre Dame, moved up into the rankings (#20th) following a loss.

Source: Wolverine Liberation Army

• Name: Kevin Clare
• Position: Defenseman
• Height & Weight: 6’1” 189 lbs.
• Birthdate: March 13, 1992
• Hometown: New Rochelle, NY

HIGHLIGHTS

Kevin Clare at 13:

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• Name: Nick Patti
• Position: Quarterback
• Height & Weight: 5’10” 185 lbs.
• High School: Dr. Phillips Panthers (FL)

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INTERVIEW

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The class of 2003 was ranked 8th overall by Scout.com & 17th overall by Rivals.com

The Michigan Wolverines Recruiting Class of 2003:

Pos.	Name	High School
QB	Clayton Richard	McCutcheon (IN)
RB	Jerome Jackson	Saginaw (MI)
TE	Will Paul	Parkway West (MO)
OL	Jake Long	Lapeer East (MI)
OL	Adam Kraus	Brother Martin (LA)
OL	Jeff Zuttah	The Hun School (NJ)
OL	Pat Sharrow	Monroe (MI)
DE	Shawn Crable	Massillon (OH)
LB	LaMarr Woodley	Saginaw (MI)
LB	Prescott Burgess	Warren Harding (OH)
LB	Jim Presley	Milford (MI)
DB	Leon Hall	Vista (CA)
DB	Ryan Mundy	Woodland Hills (PA)	-
DB	Anton Campbell	Fort Zumwalt West (MO)
ATH	Brandent Englemon	Holmes, KY
K	Garrett Rivas	Tampa Jesuit (FL)

Made it to the NFL:

Jake Long – (  ) Started 38 games during his career at Michigan as a tackle on the offensive line. Named team captain during his junior & senior seasons while also making All-conference. Was drafted 1st Overall in the 2008 NFL Draft by the Miami Dolphins.

LaMarr Woodley – (  ) Made 177 tackles, 24 sacks and forced 10 fumbles during his Michigan career. Although Michigan lost the 2005 Rose Bowl to Texas, Woodley shared the MVP Award with Vince Young. Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year in 2006. Drafted in the 2nd Rd. of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Pittsburgh Steelers. Member of the XLIII Super Bowl Champions. 2009 Pro Bowler and 2nd Team All-Pro. Recorded 29 sacks in the first 3 years of his pro career.

Prescott Burgess – ( ) Made 171 tackles and intercepted 4 passes while at Michigan. Made a career high 11 tackles against Iowa in 2005. Drafted in the 6th Rd. of the 2007 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens.

Leon Hall – ( ) Started 33 games during his Michigan career. He had 180 tackles and 12 interceptions as a Wolverine. Leon was drafted 18th overall in the 2007 NFL Draft by the Cincinnati Bengals. Hall started at cornerback his first game at a Bengal and has 14 career interceptions.

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The game started out slow with Denard Robinson unable to gain a first down during Michigan’s first two possessions as both teams went scoreless. Tate Forcier was inserted for the Wolverine’s third possession and promptly 5 consecutive passes driving the Wolverines 83 yards down the field before Micheal Shaw would score from 3 yards out.

7

0

9:51 1Q

	14		0	2:22 1Q

Fraser quickly responded for the Huskies completing 5 passes in a row covering 76 yards. The scoring play was a 8 yard pass to Moore.

	14		7	0:51 1Q

The following drive will be one that the Head Coach Rich Rodriguez will have on his mind all night as Denard drove the team to the 1 yard line before they would attempt a 4th down conversion. Robinson missed Darryl Stonum in the corner to cause a turnover on downs.

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HIGHLIGHTS

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Michigan entered the match-up in 1999 ranked 7th in the country while Notre Dame was 16th. Tom Brady, Anthony Thomas, Marquise Walker & David Terrell powered the Wolverine offense. Drew Henson also came in periodically to spell Brady. With four minutes remaining, Notre Dame went for it and 4th & 1, hit a wide-open receiver to pull ahead 22-19. The rest is history:

Michigan would finish the season 10-2 (losses to Michigan State & Illinois) defeating Alabama 35-34.

Michigan Football 2011 Recruiting Board – 2012 Recruiting Board

(It’s time for the season to begin)

New Profiles:

2012 RB Brionte Dunn

Official Visitors vs. UConn:

RB Demetrius Hart – S HaSean Clinton-Dix – S Avery Walls

News:

Brice’s Recruiting speculates on the possibility of A.J. Jordan committing to Michigan.

Mick McCabe ranked Shawn Conway 17th in the state and says he will:

“Look for a breakout year. He is a superior athlete and a standout in basketball. He wowed coaches with his efforts at combines. He is a big receiver who can go up in a crowd and come down with the ball. His size is highlighted by sprinter speed.”

Thunder, Touch The Banner, speculates on the impact of Troy Woolfolk’s injury on recruiting.

QB Cardale Jones recently received an offer from LSU.

I committed to Stanford. Not really, but I did laugh when I saw someone with my namesake did.

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