1998 FBL vs. Syracuse -- postgame notes
9/12/1998 12:00:00 AM | Football
Michigan-Syracuse Game Sets NCAA Attendance Record
Today's announced crowd of 111,012 fans for the Michigan-Syracuse game set the NCAA single-game attendance record. The mark breaks the previous Michigan Stadium record of 106,982 set last year vs. Ohio State (Nov. 22) and is the 143rd consecutive game in which the Wolverines have drawn in excess of 100,000 fans to the "Big House". The mark surpassed the previous record of 107,608 fans set on Sept. 21, 1996 at Neyland Stadium, a 35-29 victory by Florida over host Tennessee.
80 Year Reunion
Today's match-up between Michigan and Syracuse marked the first time in over 80 years that the two teams have played. The last contest between the two programs was held in Ann Arbor on November 16, 1918, when U-M beat Syracuse 16-0 at Ferry Field. The 38-28 Syracuse win evens the series at 5-5-1. Michigan plays at Syracuse next season.
Home Opener String Broken
Michigan's string of consecutive home openers without a loss was broken at eight games. Prior to today's loss to Syracuse, Michigan's last loss in a home opener was in 1989, when U-M lost to Notre Dame, 24-19.
Back-to-Back Losses
Michigan's loss to Syracuse marks the first time Michigan have suffered back-to-back losses in a season since 1996, when Michigan lost at Purdue (9-3) a week before losing to Penn State at Michigan Stadium (29-17). The last time Michigan lost two consecutive games to ranked teams was in 1984, when U-M lost to No. 11 Ohio State (Nov. 17, 21-6) and No. 1 Brigham Young in the Holiday Bowl (Dec. 21, 24-17). The last time that Michigan started out the season 0-2 was in 1988, when Michigan dropped its first two games to Notre Dame (19-17) and Miami (31-30). In 1988, the Wolverines finished 9-2-1 and beat USC in the Rose Bowl.
Cross Comes of Age
Freshman tailback Walter Cross (Fort Washington, Md.) provided Michigan with some offensive fireworks in the fourth quarter. Cross rushed ten times for 104 yards and two touchdowns while making his career debut. Cross was named ABC's Player of the Game. He is the first true freshman to rush for 100 yards in the second game of the season since Anthony Thomas vs. Baylor last season (September 20, 1997).
Here Comes Mr. Jordan
Redshirt freshman linebacker Anthony Jordan (Jersey City, N.J.) made his first career start and led the Wolverines with 13 tackles, 12 solo, and one for a loss (for 1 yard). Jordan is fourth on the team in total tackles with 15.
First Career Start Part Two
Redshirt freshman linebacker Eric Brackins (Pigeon Forge, Tenn.) also made his first start and collected three tackles, all solo.
Jones Collects 100th Career Tackle
Junior inside linebacker Dhani Jones (Potomac, Md.) made his 11th career start. Against Syracuse, he collected seven tackles (4 solo). On his second tackle of the game, Jones registered his 100th tackle as a Wolverine.
Syracuse Notes
