2011 Michigan Wolverines football team

American college football season

2011 Michigan Wolverines football
Sugar Bowl champion
Sugar Bowl, W 23–20 OT vs. Virginia Tech
Conference	Big Ten Conference
Division	Legends Division
Ranking
Coaches	No. 9
AP	No. 12
Record	11–2 (6–2 Big Ten)
Head coach	Brady Hoke (1st season)
Offensive coordinator	Al Borges (1st season)
Offensive scheme	Spread/Pro-style
Defensive coordinator	Greg Mattison (1st season)
Base defense	4–3
MVP	Denard Robinson
Captains	Kevin Koger (Senior year) Mike Martin (Senior year) David Molk (5th year)
Home stadium	Michigan Stadium
Seasons ← 2010 2012 →

2011 Big Ten Conference football standings

v t e	Conf							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
Legends Division
No. 11 Michigan State x		7	–	1					11	–	3
No. 12 Michigan %		6	–	2					11	–	2
No. 24 Nebraska		5	–	3					9	–	4
Iowa		4	–	4					7	–	6
Northwestern		3	–	5					6	–	7
Minnesota		2	–	6					3	–	9
Leaders Division
No. 10 Wisconsin xy$		6	–	2					11	–	3
Penn State x		6	–	2					9	–	4
Purdue		4	–	4					7	–	6
Ohio State		3	–	5					6	–	7
Illinois		2	–	6					7	–	6
Indiana		0	–	8					1	–	11
Championship: Wisconsin 42, Michigan State 39
$ – BCS representative as conference champion % – BCS at-large representative x – Division champion/co-champions y – Championship game participant Rankings from AP Poll

The 2011 Michigan Wolverines football team, sometimes known as Team 132 in reference to the 132-year tradition of the Michigan football program,^[1][2][3] represented the University of Michigan in the sport of college football during the 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football season.

Under first-year head coach Brady Hoke, Michigan compiled a record of 11–2 and finished in second place in the newly formed Legends Division of the Big Ten Conference. Hoke, hired in January 2011 following the firing of previous head coach Rich Rodriguez, was named Big Ten Coach of the Year by both the media and the coaches and was a finalist for national coach of the year honors. Highlights of Michigan's 2011 season included a 35–31 victory over Notre Dame in the first night game ever played at Michigan Stadium,^[4] a 45–17 victory over Nebraska in the Cornhuskers' first year in the Big Ten,^[5] and the first victory over arch-rival Ohio State since 2003.^[6] Michigan's season ended with a 23–20 overtime victory against Virginia Tech in the 2012 Sugar Bowl.

Under first-year defensive coordinator

safety Jordan Kovacs, who was a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy and a semifinalist for the Burlsworth Trophy. Mattison was selected as one of five finalists for the 2011 Broyles Award

, awarded to the best assistant coach in college football.

On offense, Michigan had two players, Denard Robinson and Fitzgerald Toussaint, rush for 1,000 yards each for the first time since 1975. Robinson led the Big Ten in total offense per game for the second year in a row and also led the Wolverines in scoring with 96 points. Place-kicker Brendan Gibbons was the team's second leading scorer with 93 points having converted 13 of 17 field goal attempts and 54 of 55 extra points.^[9] Senior David Molk won the Rimington Trophy as the best center in college football and also became Michigan's first consensus All-American since 2007. Junior Hemingway was the team's leading receiver with 699 receiving yards and led the conference in yards per reception (20.6) for the second year in a row.

Preseason

In 2010, Michigan became bowl eligible for the first time since 2007 and faced the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Gator Bowl, which Michigan lost 52–14. The 2010 Wolverines finished the season ranked eighth nationally in total offense with quarterback Denard Robinson setting several individual records. However, the defensive unit finished 110th in total defense.^[10]

On January 4, 2011, after Michigan's loss in the Gator Bowl, and following a 15–22 record in three seasons under head coach Rich Rodriguez, athletic director Dave Brandon announced that Rodriguez had been fired and a national search was underway to select a new head coach.^[11][12] Brady Hoke was hired as Michigan's new head coach on January 11.^[13] Hoke's hiring triggered speculation that Denard Robinson would transfer, as it was believed that Hoke would run a pro-style offense with Michigan's new offensive coordinator Al Borges, but Robinson announced one day after Hoke's hiring that he would return to Michigan for the 2011 season.^[14] On defense, Michigan hired defensive coordinator Greg Mattison from the Baltimore Ravens. Mattison had previously been the defensive coordinator for Michigan's 1995 and 1996 teams.^[15] Following Hoke's hiring, the team was dubbed "Team 132" in recognition of the 132 seasons of Michigan football.^[1]

During the first eight months of 2011, seven Michigan players announced plans to transfer to other schools. The first to go was backup quarterback

safety Ray Vinopal, who cited personal reasons for transferring to Pittsburgh,^[17][18] (2) cornerback Cullen Christian who also transferred to Pittsburgh,^[19][20] (3) wide receiver D.J. Williamson,^[21] (4) incoming offensive guard Tony Posada,^[22] (5) wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes who transferred to Bowling Green,^[23][24] and (6) incoming tight end Chris Barnett.^[25]

On August 7, 2011, Hoke announced that wide receiver Darryl Stonum (the team's second leading receiver in 2010) was suspended and would be redshirted due to drunken driving related violations. Additionally, due to an unspecified team rules violations, punter Will Hagerup (who had been suspended for one game in 2010) was suspended for the first four games, while wide receiver Terrence Robinson was suspended for the first game.^[26]

On August 28, 2011, the team named

offensive guard Stephen Schilling, linebacker Jonas Mouton, cornerback James Rogers, and defensive Greg Banks, as well as back-up linebacker Obi Ezeh, who was a former starter for the Wolverines. Other 2010 Wolverines in NFL training camps included Martell Webb and Perry Dorrestein.^[28] A total of 26 former Wolverine student-athletes were on opening day 53-man NFL active rosters.^[29]

Six Michigan players were listed on preseason watch lists: (1) Denard Robinson for the

Bednarik Trophy (best defensive player), Outland Trophy (best interior lineman),^[33] and Lombardi Award (best lineman),^[34] (3) David Molk for the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Rimington Trophy (best center),^[35] (4) Kevin Koger for the John Mackey Award (best tight end),^[36] (5) Roy Roundtree for the Fred Biletnikoff Award (best wide receiver), and (6) Ryan Van Bergen for the Ted Hendricks Award (best defensive end).^[37]

Recruiting

Position key

Back	B		Center	C		Cornerback	CB		Defensive back	DB
Defensive end	DE		Defensive lineman	DL		Defensive tackle	DT		End	E
Fullback	FB		Guard	OG		Halfback	HB		Kicker	K
Kickoff returner	KR		Offensive tackle	OT		Offensive lineman	OL		Linebacker	LB
Long snapper	LS		Punter	P		Punt returner	PR		Quarterback	QB
Running back	RB		Safety	S		Tight end	TE		Wide receiver	WR

Recruits

Michigan's

recruiting class was ranked No. 27 by Scout and No. 21 by Rivals.^[38][39] It was not ranked by ESPN.^[40] The program received 20 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 2, 2011.^[41]

US college sports recruiting information for high school athletes

Name	Hometown	High school / college	Height	Weight	40‡	Commit date
Chris Barnett TE	Hurst, Texas	L.D. Bell H.S.	6 ft 6 in (1.98 m)	247 lb (112 kg)	4.535	Feb 2, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Russell Bellomy QB	Arlington, Texas	Martin H.S.	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	181.5 lb (82.3 kg)	4.63	Jan 25, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Brennen Beyer DE	Canton, Michigan	Plymouth H.S.	6 ft 4 in (1.93 m)	220 lb (100 kg)	4.6	Apr 15, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Greg Brown DB	Fremont, Ohio	Fremont Ross H.S.	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	187.5 lb (85.0 kg)	4.4	Sep 2, 2009
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Chris Bryant OT	Chicago, Illinois	Simeon Career Academy	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	330 lb (150 kg)	5.3	Jan 28, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Tamani Carter CB	Pickerington, Ohio	Pickerington H.S. Central	5 ft 11.5 in (1.82 m)	175 lb (79 kg)	4.48	Jan 19, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 74
Frank Clark DE/LB/TE	Cleveland, Ohio	Glenville H.S.	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	4.53	Feb 2, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Blake Countess DB	Olney, Maryland	Our Lady of Good Counsel H.S.	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	172.5 lb (78.2 kg)	4.475	Dec 17, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 80
Justice Hayes RB	Grand Blanc, Michigan	Grand Blanc H.S.	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	178.5 lb (81.0 kg)	4.425	Nov 22, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Keith Heitzman DE/TE	Columbus, Ohio	Hilliard Davidson H.S.	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	229.5 lb (104.1 kg)	4.9	Jan 21, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 75
Delonte Hollowell DB	Detroit, Michigan	Cass Tech H.S.	5 ft 8 in (1.73 m)	163 lb (74 kg)	4.615	Jan 17, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Kellen Jones LB	Houston, Texas	St. Pius X H.S.	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	209.5 lb (95.0 kg)	4.65	Jul 29, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 79
Jack Miller C	Perrysburg, Ohio	St. John's Jesuit H.S.	6 ft 4.25 in (1.94 m)	266.5 lb (120.9 kg)	4.8	Jun 29, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Desmond Morgan LB	Holland, Michigan	West Ottawa H.S.	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	225 lb (102 kg)	4.675	Dec 13, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Antonio Poole LB	Cincinnati, Ohio	Winton Woods H.S.	6 ft 1.5 in (1.87 m)	217.5 lb (98.7 kg)	–	Jan 25, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Tony Posada OT	Tampa, Florida	Plant H.S.	6 ft 5.5 in (1.97 m)	320 lb (150 kg)	5.4	Aug 11, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Thomas Rawls RB	Flint, Michigan	Flint Northern H.S.	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	215 lb (98 kg)	4.5	Feb 1, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 76
Chris Rock DE	Columbus, Ohio	Desales H.S.	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	245 lb (111 kg)	4.9	May 28, 2010
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 78
Raymon Taylor ATH	Highland Park, Michigan	Highland Park Community H.S.	5 ft 10.5 in (1.79 m)	171 lb (78 kg)	4.43	Jan 22, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 77
Matt Wile K	San Diego, California	Francis W. Parker School	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	210 lb (95 kg)	–	Jan 22, 2011
	Recruiting star ratings: Scout:   Rivals:   247Sports: N/A    ESPN grade: 74
Overall recruiting rankings: Scout: 27   Rivals: 21
‡ Refers to 40 yard dash Note: In many cases, Scout, Rivals, 247Sports, and ESPN may conflict in their listings of height, weight and 40 time. In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Michigan Football Commitments". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 2, 2011. "2011 Michigan Football Commits". Scout.com. Retrieved February 2, 2011. "ESPN". ESPN.com. Retrieved February 2, 2011. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout.com. Retrieved February 2, 2011. "2011 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved February 2, 2011.

Rankings

See also: 2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

Michigan began the season unranked in the Top 25 of both the

AP Poll.^[42][43] After its loss to Michigan State, Michigan fell to #17 in the Coaches' Poll and #18 in the AP Poll.^[44] Michigan rose to #13 in the AP and Coaches' Polls and #15 in the BCS Poll before its game against Iowa, falling after the loss to #22 in the AP Poll, #21 in the Coaches' Poll, and #24 in the BCS Poll.^[45][46] Michigan finished the regular season ranked #12 in the Coaches' Poll, and #13 in the AP and BCS Polls.^[47] Following its win over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, Michigan ended the season ranked #9 in the Coaches' Poll and #12 in the AP Poll.^[48]

Ranking movements
Legend: ██ Increase in ranking ██ Decrease in ranking
RV = Received votes

	Week
Poll	Pre	1	2	3	4	5	6	7	8	9	10	11	12	13	14	Final
AP	RV	RV	RV	22	19	12	11	18	17	13	22	20	17	17	13	12
Coaches	RV	RV	RV	21	19	11	10	17	17	13	21	18	16	16	12	9
Harris	Not released						10	17	16	13	21	18	16	16	12	Not released
BCS	Not released							18	18	15	24	18	15	16	13	Not released

*Source: ESPN.com: 2011 NCAA Football Rankings[42]

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance	Source
September 3	3:30 p.m.	Western Michigan*		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	ABC, ESPN2	W 34–10	110,506	[49]
September 10	8:00 p.m.	Notre Dame*		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry, College GameDay)	ESPN	W 35–31	114,804	[50]
September 17	12:00 p.m.	Eastern Michigan*		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	BTN	W 31–3	110,343	[51]
September 24	12:00 p.m.	San Diego State*	No. 22	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	BTN	W 28–7	110,707	[52]
October 1	12:00 p.m.	Minnesota	No. 19	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (Little Brown Jug)	BTN	W 58–0	111,106	[53]
October 8	7:00 p.m.	at rivalry)	BTN	W 42–24	47,330	[54]
October 15	12:00 p.m.	at No. 23 Michigan State	No. 11	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI (rivalry)	ESPN	L 14–28	77,515	[55]
October 29	12:00 p.m.	Purdue	No. 17	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	ESPN2	W 36–14	112,115	[56]
November 5	12:00 p.m.	at Iowa	No. 13	Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA	ESPN	L 16–24	70,585	[57]
November 12	3:30 p.m.	at Illinois	No. 22	Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL (series)	ABC/ESPN	W 31–14	60,670	[58]
November 19	12:00 p.m.	No. 16 Nebraska	No. 20	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	ESPN	W 45–17	113,718	[59]
November 26	12:00 p.m.	Ohio State	No. 17	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)	ABC	W 40–34	114,132	[60]
January 3, 2012	8:30 p.m.	vs. No. 11 Virginia Tech*	No. 13	Mercedes-Benz Superdome New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl, College GameDay)	ESPN	W 23–20 OT	64,512	[61]
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

Radio

On August 8, 2011, the University of Michigan announced a five-year extension of its contract with

In the opening game of the season, Michigan hosted the Western Michigan Broncos. When the teams last met in 2009, the Wolverines won 31–7.^[65]

In a game shortened by lightning, Michigan defeated Western Michigan 34–10.^[49] Western Michigan scored the only points of the first quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by Antoin Scriven. Michigan answered with three consecutive touchdowns in the second quarter: a one-yard run by Fitzgerald Toussaint, a 94-yard interception return by Brandon Herron (the longest interception return for a touchdown in Michigan program history), and a two-yard touchdown run by Toussaint. Following Michigan's third touchdown, the extra point attempt was blocked. The Broncos scored their final points of the game on a 36-yard field goal by John Potter just before halftime. In the third quarter, Herron returned a fumble 29 yards for a touchdown, and Michael Shaw scored on a 44-yard touchdown run (the longest touchdown run of his career). After two rain delays in the third quarter, the game was stopped due to lightning in the area and Michigan was awarded the win.^[66] The temperature on the field at kickoff was over 137 °F (58 °C), and by the end of the game it had dropped to 84 °F (29 °C), a difference of 53 °F (12 °C).^[67] This was the first Michigan football game to be ended due to weather before all 60 minutes were played and the second game in Michigan Stadium history that featured a weather delay (the first coming in a 2006 game against Central Michigan).^[49][67]

The NCAA originally determined that it would not count player and team statistics for the game, because three quarters had not been completed.^[73] At the end of November 2011, the NCAA reversed the decision and determined that statistics from the game would be counted.^[74]

Vs. Notre Dame

Following its opener against Western Michigan, Michigan renewed its rivalry with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In the first night game in

Michigan came back from a 17-point deficit to defeat Notre Dame 35–31, scoring the winning touchdown with two seconds remaining.^[50] Notre Dame started the scoring with two consecutive touchdowns in the first quarter, with the first coming from a seven-yard catch by Theo Riddick, and the second from a four-yard run by Cierre Wood. Michigan's only points of the first half came on a 43-yard reception by Junior Hemingway in the second quarter. Notre Dame answered with a 38-yard field goal by David Ruffer just before halftime to extend its lead to ten points. The score at halftime was 17–7 in favor of Notre Dame. The only points of the third quarter were when Notre Dame's T. J. Jones caught a 15-yard touchdown pass. In the fourth quarter Michigan rallied from behind, scoring three consecutive touchdowns: first a one-yard run by Denard Robinson after Stephen Hopkins fumbled at the goal line, then a 47-yard catch by Jeremy Gallon, then a 21-yard catch by Vincent Smith to give them their first lead of the game. Notre Dame responded almost immediately, as Theo Riddick scored his second touchdown of the game less than a minute later on a 29-yard catch. Michigan received the ball on its 20-yard line with 30 seconds remaining, and drove 80 yards in 28 seconds with Roy Roundtree scoring the game-winning touchdown with two seconds left in the game.^[82]

Michigan's 17-point comeback against Notre Dame tied for the third-biggest comeback in Michigan history and tied for the second-biggest comeback at Michigan Stadium. The game's announced crowd of 114,804 set the all-time attendance record for a football game—college or NFL—and broke the Michigan Stadium attendance record. The previous Michigan Stadium record was 113,411 spectators, established at the 2010 "Big Chill at the Big House" ice hockey game.^[83] In recognition of his performance during the game, the Big Ten named Denard Robinson its Offensive Player of the Week, while the Davey O'Brien Award named him its Quarterback of the Week. He was also named Rivals.com's Big Ten and National Player of the Week and won the Capital One Cup Impact Performance of the Week.^[84][85] The team was recognized as the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of Week.^[86]

Vs. Eastern Michigan

In the third week of the season, Michigan hosted the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Michigan won the previous meeting between the two schools in 2009 by a 45–17 score.^[88]

Michigan defeated Eastern Michigan 31–3.^[51] In the first quarter, Eastern Michigan sustained five drives into Michigan territory, but their drives stalled on a fumble, an interception, and a stop by the Michigan defense on fourth down from the one-yard line. On the first play of the second quarter, the Eagles took a 3–0 lead on a 21-yard field goal by Kody Fulkerson. Michigan did not score until the 9:28 mark in the second quarter with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Denard Robinson to Kevin Koger. The Wolverines added to the lead later in the second quarter on an 11-yard touchdown run by Robinson giving Michigan a 14–3 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, Michigan added two more touchdowns on a one-yard touchdown run by Fitzgerald Toussaint and a 19-yard touchdown catch by Drew Dileo. The final points of the game came on a 21-yard field goal by Brendan Gibbons in the fourth quarter.^[89]

In holding Eastern Michigan to three points, Michigan put in its best performance in scoring defense since a 38–0 shutout of Notre Dame on September 15, 2007. The defense also held the Eagles to 29 passing yards – the lowest total for a Michigan opponent since Rice recorded 15 passing yards in 1999. Denard Robinson rushed for 198 yards. Robinson's 52-yard run early in the second quarter was his longest to that point of the season, later eclipsed by a 53-yard run against San Diego State. After Robinson completed seven of 18 passes with an interception, the Associated Press called it "another lackluster passing performance."^[51] Vincent Smith also contributed 118 rushing yards rushing on nine carries. The Wolverines improved to 10–0 in the all-time series against Eastern Michigan.^[51]

Vs. San Diego State

In its final game of non-conference play, Michigan hosted the San Diego State Aztecs. This meeting was the first between the two schools since 2004, and came nine months after Brady Hoke left San Diego State for Michigan. During the previous meeting, Michigan escaped a potential upset by San Diego State, winning 24–21.^[91]

Michigan defeated San Diego State 28–7.^[52] Denard Robinson scored all three touchdowns in the first half: a five-yard run and then a 53-yard run in the first quarter, and then in the second quarter on a one-yard run. In the third quarter, San Diego State scored its only points of the game with a 16-yard catch by Colin Lockett following a fumble by Michigan's Stephen Hopkins. In the fourth quarter, Michigan sealed its victory with a seven-yard touchdown run by Vincent Smith.^[92]

Robinson carried the ball 21 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns and also passed for 93 yards. It was Robinson's third career 200-yard rushing game and matched his career best for rushing touchdowns. Robinson became one of only three Wolverines players to register three or more 200-yard rushing games in program history.

In its first game of the Big Ten season, Michigan hosted the Minnesota Golden Gophers for the Little Brown Jug. Michigan won the previous meeting between the two schools in 2008 29–6.^[95]

Michigan dominated in all aspects of the game and defeated Minnesota 58–0.^[53] In the first quarter Vincent Smith ran in a three-yard touchdown, which was followed by a Denard Robinson nine-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter Drew Dileo caught a 17-yard pass from Vincent Smith, which was followed by a Vincent Smith 28-yard touchdown reception, his second touchdown of the game. Michigan's next scoring play came on a 25-yard field goal by Brendan Gibbons. Just before halftime, Kevin Koger caught an 18-yard pass for a touchdown. After the break, Fitzgerald Touissant rushed for a one-yard touchdown. Next came two more field goals from Gibbons: first from 32 yards, then in the fourth quarter from 38 yards. Michigan scored its final points when Courtney Avery picked up a Minnesota fumble and ran it back 83 yards for a touchdown.^[96]

The game was Michigan's first shutout of a Big Ten opponent since a 20–0 win at Penn State on October 6, 2001, and its first shutout of any opponent since a 38–0 win against Notre Dame on September 15, 2007. The 58–0 win over the Golden Gophers was Michigan's largest margin of victory over Minnesota in the series' history. The previous best was 51 (58–7) in 1993. The game also marked Michigan's largest margin of victory over any opponent since a 69–0 victory over Northwestern in October 1975. (Michigan also defeated Indiana by an identical 58–0 score in October 2000.) Vincent Smith became the first running back in FBS to pass for a touchdown and have touchdowns rushing and receiving since C. J. Spiller on November 14, 2009, against North Carolina State. He is the fifth Big Ten player to do so since 1996 and the first since Mike Kafka, who accomplished the feat for Northwestern on September 19, 2009. Michigan outgained Minnesota 580 to 177. Minnesota's total yardage was the lowest allowed by Michigan since the game against Minnesota in 2008. Michigan rushed for 363 yards of offense, its third straight game of rushing for more than 300 yards. This is the first time this has occurred since the 1987 season.^[97]

At Northwestern

After the battle for the Little Brown Jug, Michigan traveled to Evanston, Illinois, for the first time since 2007 to play the Northwestern Wildcats. During the previous meeting between the schools in 2008, Northwestern won 21–14.^[99]

Michigan scored 28 unanswered points to erase a ten-point deficit and defeat Northwestern 42–24.^[54] Michigan scored first on a nine-yard reception by Steve Watson. Northwestern replied with a 15-yard touchdown run by Kain Colter, and then took the lead on a seven-yard run by Treyvon Green. In the second quarter, Michigan's Jeremy Gallon caught a 25-yard touchdown reception. The Wildcats responded with a two-yard touchdown run by Adonis Smith, and scored their final points of the game with a 20-yard field goal by Jeff Budzien. Michigan dominated the second half with four unanswered touchdowns. In the third quarter, Denard Robinson scored on a two-yard run, then Devin Gardner scored on a one-yard run. In the fourth quarter, Michael Shaw scored on a two-yard run, and Denard Robinson capped the victory with a five-yard run.^[100]

Michigan's 541 yard offensive performance was the second straight week the offense gained more than 500 yards of offense, and was the second highest total of the season, only beaten by the previous week's total of 581 yards against Minnesota. Denard Robinson's 337 yards of passing were one yard shy of his career high; he threw for 338 yards against Notre Dame on September 10, 2011. Michigan started a season 6–0 for the first time since 2006.^[101] Jordan Kovacs had two solo tackles for a loss,^[101] both on fourth down.^[102] Brady Hoke's 6–0 start was the first 6–0 start by a first-year Michigan coach since Bennie Oosterbaan did so in 1948.^[103]

At Michigan State

After its game against Northwestern, Michigan traveled to East Lansing to battle their in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans, for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan was searching for its first win against Michigan State since 2007. Michigan State won the previous meeting 34–17.^[105] The Wolverines wore legacy road uniforms for the game with Michigan State, which were the road version of the uniform worn against Notre Dame. It was the first time that Michigan wore all white road uniforms since the 1976 Orange Bowl against Oklahoma. Michigan State also wore special alternate uniforms colored dark green, bronze and black.^[106]

Michigan State continued its recent dominance over Michigan, winning 28–14.

The game was Michigan's first against a ranked opponent in the 2011 season. Michigan's record against Michigan State in the overall series dropped to 68–35–2, while its record in games involving the Paul Bunyan Trophy dropped to 35–23–2. Denard Robinson's passing performance put him over 4,000 yards in his career, the 10th Michigan quarterback to do so, and his rushing performance moved him past Tim Biakabutuka for 10th place. Punter Will Hagerup placed four of his seven punts inside Michigan State's 20-yard line, and three of those inside the 15-yard line.[106] The victory was Michigan State's fourth in a row against Michigan, the first time Michigan State had done this since a streak between 1959 and 1962.^[108]

Vs. Purdue

Following its trip to East Lansing and its bye week, Michigan hosted the Purdue Boilermakers for its homecoming game. During the previous meeting between the two schools, Michigan defeated Purdue 27–16 in a turnover filled game caused by heavy rain.^[110] The game ball was delivered via jet pack, as Michigan's homecoming theme for the year was space.^[111]

Michigan defeated Purdue 36–14.

Junior quarterback Denard Robinson completed 9-of-14 passes for 170 yards and carried the ball 15 times for 63 yards and a touchdown. He scored his 29th career rushing touchdown on a two-yard run midway through the first quarter. Robinson moved to ninth place among Michigan's all-time leaders in the category, where he is tied with Butch Woolfolk (1978–81). Robinson has scored at least one rushing touchdown in seven straight games. Fitzgerald Toussaint recorded career highs in carries (20) and rushing yards (170) and matched a career best with two rushing touchdowns. Toussaint's second touchdown—a 59-yard rush in the third quarter—was the longest rush for a touchdown of his career, but missed his overall career long by two yards (61 yards vs. Bowling Green, September 25, 2010). The Apollo 15 flight crew, which consisted of all Michigan graduates, was honored during the first quarter.^[112]

At Iowa

For its ninth game, Michigan traveled to Iowa City to meet the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa won the 2010 game, 38–28.^[115]

Iowa defeated Michigan 24–16 after Michigan was unable to score a touchdown from the three-yard line at the end of the game.^[57] Iowa scored first with a four-yard touchdown run by Marcus Coker. Michigan responded with a five-yard touchdown catch by Fitzgerald Toussaint, their only points of the first half; however, the extra point was botched due to a bad snap. In the second quarter, Iowa's Brad Herman caught a one-yard pass from James Vandenberg for a touchdown. Iowa's Mike Meyer then kicked a 42-yard field goal to add to the Hawkeyes' lead. After halftime, Michigan's Brendan Gibbons scored the only points of the 3rd quarter with a 32-yard field goal. Iowa then scored its only points of the second half when Marcus Coker scored his second touchdown of the day, this time with a 13-yard rush. Michigan responded with a seven-yard touchdown catch by Kevin Koger.^[116]

Junior Hemingway had 64 yards on five catches to pass Adrian Arrington and take over 20th place with 1,453 career yards. Fitzgerald Toussaint made his first career touchdown reception on just the third catch of his career. Denard Robinson moved to ninth place all-time on the Michigan career rushing yards list, with his then total of 2,933 yards surpassing Gordon Bell's total of 2,900 yards.^[117]

At Illinois

Following its trip to Iowa, Michigan played on the road for the second consecutive week against the Illinois Fighting Illini. In 2010, the Wolverines and Illini had played in the highest combined scoring game in Michigan Stadium history, with Michigan prevailing 67–65 in triple overtime.^[119]

Michigan dominated the game, defeating Illinois 31–14.

Michigan's defense forced three turnovers, sacked the Illinois quarterback four times, and held Illinois' offense to 37 rushing yards on 33 attempts for an average of 1.1 yards per carry. Mike Martin led the defense with nine tackles. After the game, Michigan's defensive coordinator Greg Mattison became emotional as he told reporters: "That was a Michigan defense. ... Nobody knows what went on inside of these guys and for them to stick together and to play like they played tonight, and like they have tried in every game, it says a lot about them."^[121] Defensive end Ryan Van Bergen, who recorded 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and seven tackles overall, was named the Big Ten's Co-Defensive Player of the Week.^[122] Toussaint's 65-yard touchdown run and his total of 192 rushing yards were career highs.^[123]

Vs. Nebraska

In the penultimate game of the 2011 regular season, Michigan hosted the Nebraska Cornhuskers, competing in their first season as a member of the Big Ten Conference and appearing in Michigan Stadium for the first time since 1962.^[125] The teams had last met in the 2005 Alamo Bowl, which Nebraska won 32–28.^[126] In celebration of Military Appreciation Day, Michigan held a card stunt and had a flyover of four F-16 fighter jets prior to kickoff, and the Wolverines wore American flag patches on their jerseys. Michigan also honored former head coach Lloyd Carr at the game.^[127]

Michigan dominated Nebraska, winning 45–17.^[59] Michigan took an early lead when Jeremy Gallon caught a six-yard touchdown pass and then added three more points when Brendan Gibbons kicked a 42-yard field goal. Late in the first quarter, Nebraska narrowed the gap when Brandon Kinnie caught a 54-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Martinez. In the second quarter, each team scored once. The Cornhuskers' Brett Maher kicked a 51-yard field goal, and Denard Robinson responded with a 14-yard touchdown run. Michigan led 17–10 at halftime. At the start of the third quarter, Nebraska's Kenny Bell fumbled while returning the opening kickoff, and Michigan recovered the ball. The turnover led to a one-yard touchdown run by Denard Robinson. Fitzgerald Toussaint also scored on a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Later in the third quarter, Nebraska closed the gap to 31–17 on a three-yard touchdown run by Ameer Abdullah. Josh Furman also blocked a punt in the third quarter, the first punt block by Michigan since 2009. In the fourth quarter, Michigan outscored Nebraska 14–0 with a 38-yard touchdown catch by Martavious Odoms and a 31-yard run by Toussaint.^[59]

Michigan's defense held Nebraska to three successful conversions on 13 third downs. The Wolverines ran 80 plays in the game and maintained possession for 41 minutes and 13 seconds during the 60 minutes of play. Denard Robinson was honored for the sixth time in his career as the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week, having run for two touchdowns, passed for two more, and accounted for 263 yard of total offense (180 passing yards and 83 rushing yards), more than the entire Nebraska team.^[128] Michigan improved to 4–2–1 in its all-time series against Nebraska.^[129]

Vs. Ohio State

The Wolverines completed the regular season at home with the 108th Michigan–Ohio State rivalry game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State won the 2010 game 37–7,^[131] but later vacated the win as part of its self-imposed sanctions after it was discovered that five players had received improper benefits and had played while ineligible.^[132][133] This was the first time the schools met with both having head coaches in their first season since 1929, when Harry Kipke became the head coach at Michigan and Sam Willaman became the head coach at Ohio State.^[134]

Michigan defeated Ohio State for the first time in eight years, winning 40–34.

On December 4, Michigan was selected to play in the Sugar Bowl against the Virginia Tech Hokies. It was Michigan's first BCS bowl game since the 2006 season, when Michigan was defeated by the USC Trojans in the 2007 Rose Bowl. The meeting between the Hokies and the Wolverines was the first between the two schools.^[138] Virginia Tech was forced to use its third-string kicker during the game, as first-string kicker Cody Journell was suspended for the game as a result of an arrest for breaking-and-entering,^[139] while second-string kicker Tyler Weiss was suspended from the game and sent home for missing curfew.^[140]

Virginia Tech dominated the majority of the first half. In the first quarter, Virginia Tech's third-string kicker Justin Myer kicked a 37-yard field goal, which was the only scoring play of the quarter. Myer added a 43-yard field goal in the second quarter. At the end of the half, however, Denard Robinson threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Junior Hemingway to give Michigan a 7–6 lead and on the ensuing kickoff, Michigan's J.B. Fitzgerald forced a fumble, which Michigan recovered. Michigan's Brendan Gibbons kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired. In the third quarter, Michigan scored another touchdown on a Denard Robinson to Junior Hemingway pass, this time from 18 yards out. This scoring drive followed an interception by linebacker Frank Clark. Virginia Tech responded with another Justin Myer field goal, this time from 36 yards away. In the fourth quarter, Virginia Tech's quarterback Logan Thomas trimmed Michigan's lead to two points, and then promptly tied the game throwing a successful two-point conversion to Marcus Davis. Michigan responded with a 39-yard Brendan Gibbons field goal, but Virginia Tech tied the game with two seconds remaining via a 25-yard field goal by Myer. In overtime, Virginia Tech seemingly scored the go-ahead touchdown on a Logan Thomas to Danny Coale pass, but video review overturned the play. The next play saw Myer miss a 37-yard field goal. Michigan received the ball and saw Gibbons kick the game-winning 37-yard field goal.^[141]

The game was Michigan's fifth BCS bowl appearance. With the victory, Michigan won the only BCS bowl that it had not yet won, improved its bowl record to 20–21, and improved its record against the ACC to 19–3. Michigan also moved to 2–0 in overtime in bowl games, with the previous victory coming in the 2000 Orange Bowl. Hemingway, who caught both Michigan touchdowns,^[142] was named the Sugar Bowl MVP. Brady Hoke became the eighth coach to lead a team to a BCS bowl and third to win a BCS bowl in his first season.^[141][143]

Depth chart

Starters and backups.^[144]

Captains/Co-Captains

Season Captains Kevin Koger (TE-#86), David Molk (C-#50), and Michael Martin (DT-#68)

Game Co-Captains Zachary Johnson (S-#36)-Michigan vs. Michigan State University on October 15, 2011, Jared VanSlyke (DB-#31)-Michigan vs. Virginia Tech on December 4, 2012

Awards and honors

At the conclusion of the season, several Wolverines players and coaches received national and/or conference honors.

Several Michigan players were invited to post-season all-star games: Junior Hemingway Kevin Koger to the 2012 East–West Shrine Game,^[167][168] David Molk and Mike Martin to the 2012 Senior Bowl,^[168] Michael Shaw to the Casino del Sol All-Star Game, Marell Evans to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, and Martavious Odoms to the Battle of Florida All-Star Game.^[169]

Statistics

Michigan finished the season ranked third in the Big Ten in total offense and second in scoring offense. Defensively, the team improved dramatically finishing fourth in total defense in the Big Ten and 17th in the country.^[7]

Denard Robinson led the Big Ten in total offense for the second consecutive year and finished fifth in the conference in rushing with an average of 90.46 rushing yards per game. Jeremy Gallon finished third in the conference with an average of 10.11 yards per punt return. Kenny Demens led the team in tackles with 7.23 per game.^[7] The per game team rankings below include 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams and 12 Big Ten Conference teams.^[7]

The per game rankings below include players who played in 75% of teams' games and were ranked in the top 100 national leaders and top 25 conference leaders:^[7]

Roster

2012 NFL Draft

Three Michigan players (Mike Martin, Junior Hemingway and David Molk) were invited to the 2012