Michigan Wolverines Football Tickets

The Wolverines have had 38 straight winning years, which is the current longest streak in the NCAA (all-time record Penn St 1939-'87). They have been to 31 straight bowl games, also the longest streak in the NCAA, but last year played in the first December bowl game since Lloyd Carr's first year in 1995. In 2003 UM was #6 in the final polls after dropping the Rose Bowl to USC but outgained Big 10 foes by 139.1 ypg. They returned to the Rose Bowl again in 2004 despite a defense that allowed 279 points, which was the most in the program history. While they were 9-3 on the year, I pointed out that they had 4 close wins and could easily have been 5-7. The Wolves entered 2005 with 14 returning starters and what they hoped was a much improved defense. Michigan's D looked much stronger at the start of the year as they held the explosive ND offense to a season low 244 yards. The team began the season with National Title aspirations (#4 preseason poll) but dropped 5 games, their most losses since 1984, including their 4th bowl loss in 5 years. Close games were commonplace for the Wolves as they had 3 close wins and 5 close losses and theoretically could have finished 12-0 just as easily as 4-8. Michigan losttheir 6th straight road opener vs Wisconsin to fall to 2-2 and were actually an underdog vs Mich St for the first time since 1967. They were also out of the AP for the first time since 1998. After winning that game, they were stunned at home by Minnesota but got a fortunate TD pass with :01 left to end Penn St's unbeaten season. They also got past Iowa in OT but after leading Ohio St 21 -12 in the 40, lost and gave up a late lead in the bowl as well. While Michigan outscored Big 10 foes by 5.1 ppg, they were actually outgained by 9.1 ypg in league play. They took on the 2nd toughest schedule (pg 317) last year. The Wolves have six starters back on offense and are loaded with VHT's and should surpass last year's 28.8 ppg. The Wolves allowed 23.3 ppg in 2004, their highestsince 1962. Last year they had 6 starters back on D and improved some to 20.3 ppg. This year they have 8 starters back on that side of the ball and should resemble a more traditional Wolverine defense. Michigan lost 3 players to the NFL which is in marked contrast to top Big 10 contender (Ohio St). The Wolves also failed to have a player drafted in the 1 first 3 rounds for the first time since 1989.

Michigan Wolverines Football 2006 Schedule