1971 Michigan Wolverines football team

The 1971 Michigan Wolverines football team was an

The Wolverines were undefeated in the regular season, including three consecutive shutout victories over Virginia (56–0), UCLA (38–0), and Navy (46–0). Two later victories over Indiana (61–7) and Iowa (63–7) were the Wolverines' highest point totals since a 69-point tally in 1947. The Michigan-Ohio State game set an NCAA record with a crowd of 104,016 at Michigan Stadium. In the 1972 Rose Bowl, Michigan lost to Stanford, 13–12, on a field goal with 12 seconds remaining.

Four Michigan players received first-team honors on the 1971 College Football All-America Team. They are:

• Linebacker Mike Taylor had 97 total tackles in 1971 and was selected as a consensus first-team All-American.
• Offensive guard Reggie McKenzie
  blocked and opened holes for an offense that compiled 3,977 rushing yards and was also selected as a consensus first-team All-American.
• Billy Taylor
  rushed for 1,297 yards, was named as the team MVP, broke Michigan's career rushing record with 3,072 yards, and was selected as a first-team All-American by the Football News.
• The Sporting News
  .

Linebacker Dana Coin set an NCAA record by successfully converting 55 of 55 extra points without a miss during the 1971 season. He was also the team's leading scorer with 79 points.

Schedule

Date	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 11	at No. 20 rivalry )		W 21–6	42,472
September 18	Virginia*	No. 4	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 56–0	81,391
September 25	UCLA*	No. 4	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 38–0	88,042
October 2	Navy*	No. 2	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 46–0	68,168
October 9	at Michigan State	No. 2	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI (rivalry)		W 24–13	80,093
October 16	Illinois	No. 3	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (series)		W 35–6	73,406
October 23	at Minnesota	No. 3	Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN (Little Brown Jug)		W 35–7	44,176
October 30	Indiana	No. 3	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 61–7	75,751
November 6	Iowa	No. 3	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 63–7	72,467
November 13	at Purdue	No. 3	Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN		W 20–17	65,254
November 20	Ohio State	No. 3	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Michigan (rivalry)		W 10–7	104,016
January 1, 1972	vs. No. 16 Stanford*	No. 4	Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA (Rose Bowl)	NBC	L 12–13	103,154
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

Season summary

Preseason

The 1970 Michigan team compiled a 9–1 record and was ranked No. 7 in the final Coaches Poll and No. 9 in the final AP Poll. The 1970 team was not permitted to accept a bowl invitation, as Big Ten policy prescribed that the Rose Bowl was the only bowl game in which a conference team could participate. In March 1971, Michigan coach Bo Schembechler launched a public campaign to change the Big Ten's restrictive bowl participation policy. He noted that lesser teams had played in major bowl games and said, "It was a crime what happened to us last season. We were the greatest team in the country not to play in a bowl game."^[1] The conference eventually rescinded its one-bowl policy in 1975.

Schembechler also spoke in opposition to the extension of the football schedule from 10 to 11 games for the 1971 season: "I think the NCAA made a mistake in going to 11 games. . . . I love the game and I love to coach it but I also realize that in college they still have to go to school. . . . it does take away somewhat from their academic pursuits. I was concerned about that."^[2]

Important players lost from the 1970 team included quarterback Don Moorhead, who had set 24 school records, including those for most yards of total offense and most passing yards. The candidates to take Moorhead's spot as the team's starting quarterback included Tom Slade, Kevin Casey, and Larry Cipa.^[3] After the first spring scrimmage, Schembechler criticized the play of his quarterbacks: "We have a lousy offense. We're going to have to run the ball every play."^[4] Slade and Casey ended up starting eight and four games, respectively. Cipa was the only one of the trio who went on to play quarterback in the NFL.

Other key players lost from the 1970 season included offensive lineman Dan Dierdorf, middle guard Henry Hill, and linebacker Marty Huff.^[5]

Michigan was ranked No. 4 in the final pre-season poll.^[6]

Recruiting

Michigan's recruiting class for 1971 included quarterback Dennis Franklin, running backs Chuck Heater and Gil Chapman, defensive back Dave Brown, linebacker Steve Strinko, and offensive lineman Dennis Franks. Chapman was the most heralded rookie back, having scored 564 points in high school.^[7]

Northwestern

Michigan opened its 1971 season with a 21–6 victory over

After a review of game films, center Guy Murdock was named Michigan's offensive champion, and Gusich, with his two interceptions, was named defensive champion.^[8]

Virginia

On September 18, Michigan defeated Virginia, 56–0, in the home opener before a crowd of 81,391 at Michigan Stadium. Michigan took a 35–0 lead at halftime and used its reserves extensively, including five quarterbacks and 11 running backs. Michigan's offense was heavily skewed in favor of the ground game, with 83 rushing carries and only 10 passes. The Wolverine backs carried the ball 83 times and totaled 495 rushing yards, including 107 yards by Ed Shuttlesworth and 89 yards, all in the first half, by Billy Taylor. Michigan scored seven rushing touchdowns, two each by Taylor and Alan Walker and one each by Shuttlesworth, Bob Thornbladh and Fritz Seyferth. Michigan's eighth touchdown was scored by Dave Elliott, the son of former Michigan player Pete Elliott, who fell on the ball after a Michigan kickoff was not fielded by Virginia as it made its way into the end zone. Kevin Casey started his second game at quarterback and completed two of five passes for 43 yards. Virginia completed only one pass and threw three interceptions. In total offense, Michigan out-gained Virginia, 566 yards to 78 yards. After the game, Virginia coach Don Lawrence praised Michigan's running backs: "Those are the best six running backs I've ever seen together. We were there, but we just got knocked down."^[9] Coach Schembechler opined, "There's not much to say, is there? We were bigger and stronger physically than they were."^[9]

UCLA

On September 25, Michigan defeated UCLA, 38–0, before a crowd of 89,177 in the rain at Michigan Stadium. Michigan led 24–0 at halftime on touchdown runs by Fritz Seyferth and Ed Shuttlesworth, a 31-yard field goal by Dana Coin, and a 32-yard touchdown pass from Kevin Casey to Bo Rather. Casey's touchdown pass to Rather was the first of the year for Michigan. In the fourth quarter, Michigan added two more touchdowns on a 92-yard interception return by Thom Darden and a short run by Harry Banks.^[10] With 91 rushing yards, Billy Taylor passed 2,000 career rushing yards to move into third place among Michigan's career rushing leaders.^[11] On defense, Michigan held UCLA to 39 rushing yards and sacked UCLA quarterback nine times. After the game, UCLA coach Pepper Rodgers said, "I've never had a team dominated the way we were today."^[10]

After defeating UCLA, Michigan jumped to #2 in the AP and UPI polls.^[12]

Navy

On October 2, Michigan defeated Navy, 46–0, in front of 68,168 spectators in Michigan Stadium. The game marked the first time since 1948 that a Michigan football team had shut out three consecutive opponents. Michigan's running backs scored five rushing touchdowns, two by Alan Walker and one each by Billy Taylor, Harry Banks, and Fritz Seyferth. With 76 rushing yards, Taylor passed Tom Harmon and moved into second place among Michigan's career rushing leaders. Ed Shuttlesworth also ran for a two-point conversion in the second quarter. Kevin Casey started his fourth game at quarterback and completed only one pass for eight yards, as Tom Slade, Larry Cipa and Jack McBride replaced him after the first quarter and jointly completed eight of 13 passes for 145 yards. Cipa threw a 49-yard touchdown pass to Mike Oldham with three minutes remaining in the game. Dana Coin converted five points after touchdown and kicked a field goal. Michigan out-gained Navy by 428 yards to 71 yards.^[13]

During a halftime ceremony, Michigan honored the crew of Apollo 15, James Irwin, David Scott, and Alfred Worden, all Michigan alumni.^[13]

Michigan State

On October 9, Michigan won its fifth consecutive game, defeating

In the weekly polling after the Michigan-Michigan State game, the Wolverines dropped from #2 to #3 in both the Coaches and AP Polls. Oklahoma narrowly edged ahead of Michigan after an upset victory over Texas.^[16]

Illinois

On October 16, Michigan defeated Illinois, 35–6, at Michigan Stadium. Quarterback Tom Slade threw an interception on the first play from scrimmage, setting up an Illinois touchdown only one minute and 23 seconds into the game. Slade then settled in, ran 25 yards for Michigan's first touchdown, and completed five of seven passes for 74 yards and a touchdown. Defensive back Thom Darden set up Michigan's second touchdown with a 47-yard punt return. Wingback Glenn Doughty was the star of the game for Michigan, as he rushed for 48 yards and two touchdowns on six carries and caught three passes for 56 yards and a touchdown. Billy Taylor led the rushing attack with 103 yards and a touchdown on 22 carries.^[17]

Minnesota

On October 23, in the annual Little Brown Jug game, Michigan defeated Minnesota, 35–7, in front of 44,176 spectators in Minneapolis. Billy Taylor rushed for 166 and two touchdowns on 33 carries. He also surpassed Ron Johnson's career total of 2,524 rushing yards to become Michigan's all-time career rushing leader. Michigan rushed for 391 yards in all, including 96 yards for Ed Shuttlesworth, 62 yards and a touchdown for Glenn Doughty, and 25 yards and a touchdown to Fritz Seyferth. Michigan's passing game never got on track, as Tom Slade completed only one of seven passes for 13 yards. Coming into the game in the second half, Larry Cipa threw a five-yard touchdown pass to Larry Gustafson. Dana Coin converted all five point after touchdown kicks for Michigan.^[18]

Indiana

On October 30, Michigan defeated Indiana, 61–7, before a crowd of 75,751 at Michigan Stadium. Michigan's 61 points was its highest score since a 69-point tally in 1947. Billy Taylor led the offense with 172 rushing yards, including touchdown runs of 43 and 66 yards, on 11 carries, an average of 15.6 yards per carry. Michigan rushed for a total of 452 yard, with addition touchdowns scored by third-string fullback Bob Thornbladh (2), quarterback Tom Slade (2), and Alan Walker. Thom Darden returned an interception 60 yards for a touchdown, and Michigan also scored on a safety when the Indiana returner took the ball at the one-yard line, took a step back, and downed the ball in the end zone. Michigan also recovered four fumbles and played its reserves extensively, with a total of 68 players seeing game action. Dana Coin added a field goal and five extra points. After the game, coach Bo Schembechler sent his regrets to his close friend and Indiana coach John Pont; Schembechler told the press, "I hate to beat anybody that bad, especially somebody I like."^[19]

Iowa

On November 6, Michigan defeated Iowa, 63–7, in front of 72,467 "shivering fans" at Michigan Stadium. Fullback Ed Shuttlesworth rushed for three touchdowns in the first half to give Michigan a 21–0 lead at halftime. Shuttlesworth ended up with 112 yards on 16 carries. Michigan's backs totaled 493 rushing yards, including 98 yards and two touchdowns for Alan "Cowboy" Walker, 80 yards and one touchdown for Billy Taylor, Glenn Doughty with 57 yards and one touchdown, and Bob Thornbladh with 51 yard and a touchdown. Quarterback Tom Slade completed two of four passes for 32 yards, including a 24-yard touchdown pass to Bo Rather. Dana Coin kicked seven extra points, giving him an NCAA record with 51 consecutive successful extra point kicks.^[20]

Purdue

On November 13, Michigan defeated Purdue, 20–17. For the second consecutive week, Ed Shuttlesworth led Michigan in rushing, totaling 125 yards and a touchdown on 28 carries. Billy Taylor added 98 yards and Glenn Doughty 93 yards. Dana Coin added two field goals, including the winning field goal with 46 seconds left in the game. Purdue quarterback Gary Danielson, who attended high school in Dearborn, Michigan, kept the game close with touchdown passes of nine and 66 yards.^[21]

Ohio State

On November 20, Michigan defeated Ohio State, 10–7, before an NCAA record crowd of 104,016 persons in attendance at Michigan Stadium.^[22] Michigan took a 3–0 lead at halftime on a 32-yard field goal by Dana Coin. Ohio State took the lead in the third quarter on an 85-yard punt return by Campana. Billy Taylor, assisted by a "devastating block" by Fritz Seyferth, put Michigan back in the lead with a 21-yard touchdown run with two minutes and seven seconds left in the game.^[23] Ohio State's final drive ended when Thom Darden intercepted a pass with one-and-a-half minutes remaining. After the interception, Ohio State coach Woody Hayes ran across the field, berating each of the officials. The officials assessed an unsportsmanlike conduct against Hayes. When another penalty was assessed against Ohio State linebacker Randy Gradishar for punching Michigan's backup quarterback, Larry Cipa. When the official moved the first-down markers to assess the penalty, Hayes pulled the markers from ground, threw one onto the field and threw the other to the ground, proceeding to then rip the plastic flag from the pole with his hand.^[24] The victory gave Michigan an undefeated record in the regular season for the first time since 1948.^[23]

1972 Rose Bowl

The game was the first Rose Bowl meeting between the two schools since the inaugural Rose Bowl in

In their third season under coach Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled an 11–1 record, outscored opponents 421 to 83, won the Big Ten Conference championship, and played in their second Rose Bowl in three years.^[26] In early January 1972, the Associated Press (AP) released its final post-season college football poll for the 1971 season. The 1971 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team was ranked No. 1, and Michigan dropped from No. 4 to No. 6.^[27]

After setting Michigan's career rushing record,

• He was selected by the Football News (FN) as a first-team running back on the 1971 College Football All-America Team.^[28] He also received second-team honors from the United Press International (UPI) and third-team honors from the AP.^[29]
• He was selected by his Michigan teammates as the winner of the team's most valuable player award for the 1971 season.^[26]
• In a close competition, he finished second behind Michigan State's Eric Allen for the Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy as the most valuable player in the Big Ten Conference.^[30]

Four other Michigan players won first-team All-American honors as follows:

• Offensive guard
  The Sporting News (TSN),^[35] and the Walter Camp Football Foundation
  (WCFF).
• Linebacker Mike Taylor, who had 97 total tackles in 1971,^[36] was also recognized as a consensus first-team All-American.^[32] He received first-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association (AFCA),^[37] AP,^[29] FWAA,^[33] NEA,^[34] UPI,^[29] FN,^[28] Time, TSN, and WCFF.
• Defensive back Thom Darden intercepted four passes with returns of 92 and 60 yards, averaged 10.3 yards on 23 punt returns, and received first-team honors from the AFCA and TSN and second-team honors from the AP and UPI.^{[29][35][37][38]}
• Defensive end Mike Keller received third-team honors from the AP.^[29]

Linebacker and placekicker Dana Coin set an NCAA record by successfully converting 55 of 55 extra points without a miss during the 1971 season. He was also the team's leading scorer with 79 points.^[20][39]

Fifteen Michigan players received honors on the 1971 All-Big Ten Conference football team. Thom Darden, Reggie McKenzie, Billy Taylor, and Mike Taylor received first-team honors from both the AP and UPI, and Mike Keller received first-team honors from the AP. Players receiving second-team honors were Tom Coyle (AP-2, UPI-2), Guy Murdock (AP-2, UPI-2), Ed Shuttlesworth (UPI-2), Glenn Doughty (UPI-2), Paul Seymour (UPI-2), Chris Tucker (AP-2), Jim Brandstatter (UPI-2), Jim Coode (UPI-2), Alden Carpenter (UPI-2), and Tom Beckman (AP-2).^[40][41]

Team awards went to Billy Taylor (Most Valuable Player),

The following individuals won varsity letters for their participation on the 1971 Michigan football team.^[42] Players who started at least six games are highlighted in bold.

Offense

Defense

Others

The following individuals were on the team roster but did not win varsity letters.^[42]

• Dave Brandon, quarterback, sophomore, Plymouth, Michigan
• Don Coleman, fullback, sophomore, Daly City, Ohio

Statistical leaders

Rushing

Passing

Receiving

Kickoff returns

Punt returns

Professional football

Twenty-two members of the 1971 team went on to play professional football. They are: (1)

• Head coach: Bo Schembechler^[26]
• Assistant coaches:
  Frank Maloney (defensive line), George Mans (offensive ends), Gary Moeller (defensive ends), Larry Smith (interior line), Chuck Stobart (offensive backfield), Jim Young (defensive coordinator)^[26]
• Trainer: Lindsy McLean^[26]
• Manager: Charles Quebbeman^[26]

References