Weekly Release #4
9/20/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
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#17/#20 Wisconsin (2-1, 0-0)
Saturday, September 25, 1999 (3:30 p.m. EDT/2:30 p.m. CDT)
Camp Randall Stadium, Madison, Wis.
Projected Attendance: 76,129 (capacity)
Radio Coverage: WJR (760 AM Detroit) will originate the game on the Michigan Football Network. Frank Beckmann handles play-by-play, Jim Brandstatter is the analyst and Steve Courtney provides sideline reports and analysis. WUOM (91.7 FM) has Tom Hemingway doing play-by-play and Tom Slade as analyst.
TV Coverage: ABC Sports will broadcast the game to a national audience. Brent Musburger will handle the play-by-play duties with Gary Danielson providing commentary. Leslie Gudel provides sideline reports and analysis.
Series History: This will be the 55th meeting between the two programs. Michigan holds a 43-10-1 lead in the all-time series and has won 14 of 15 conference openers against Wisconsin (has won its last nine Big Ten openers vs. the Badgers). The Wolverines have claimed victories in nine of the last 11 matchups and 25 of the last 28 games.
Last Meeting: (No. 15 Michigan 27, No. 8 Wisconsin 10 -C Michigan Stadium, Nov. 14, 1998) The Wolverines handed the Badgers their only loss of the 1998 season, gaining 476 yards of total offense (257 rushing and 219 passing) and holding Wisconsin to 190 yards of total offense. Clarence Williams (22 carries for 121 yards) and Anthony Thomas (13 carries for 102 yards and two rushing TDs) led the rushing effort, while Tom Brady completed 15-of-24 passes for 202 yards and one touchdown. The stingy Michigan defense limited Wisconsin to nine first downs, 3-of-14 on third down conversions, forced 10 punts and kept Ron Dayne to 53 yards on 13 carries. Sam Sword spearheaded the defense with 11 tackles, with Ian Gold contributing eight stops and James Hall adding seven tackles and two sacks.
QUICKLY ON COACH CARR ...
Lloyd Carr (Northern Michigan, 1968)
Fifth season as Michigan Head Coach
42-11 overall record at Michigan
Carr has a 3-0 record in his fifth year as Michigan's head coach and his 20th season with the University of Michigan football program. He led the Wolverines to a 10-3 overall record, back-to-back Big Ten titles and a 45-31 victory in the CompUSA Florida Citrus Bowl last season. In 1997, Carr led the Wolverines to a 12-0 record and a share of the national title that earned him national Coach of the Year honors. Carr, previously a Michigan assistant coach for 15 years, began his college coaching career as a defensive backs coach at Eastern Michigan (1976-77) before joining Gary Moeller's staff at Illinois in the same role (1978-79). Carr came to Michigan in 1980 as Bo Schembechler's secondary coach. Carr served as defensive coordinator (1987-94) and was assistant head coach (1990-94).
Did You Know
-- Lloyd Carr is one of only nine current Division I-A coaches who have won a national title. The others are: Joe Paterno, Penn State (2, 1982 and 1986); Dennis Erickson, Oregon State (2, 1989 and 1991 at Miami, Fla.); Bobby Bowden, Florida State (1, 1993); Lavell Edwards, Brigham Young (1, 1984); Steve Spurrier, Florida (1, 1996); Lou Holtz, South Carolina (1, 1987 at Notre Dame); John Robinson, UNLV (1, 1978 at Southern Cal); Phillip Fulmer, Tennessee (1, 1998). Carr was the quickest to win his national title though, winning college football's top team honor in only his third year as a collegiate head coach.
-- Lloyd Carr has the best winning percentage of all the previous Michigan coaches at Michigan Stadium. Carr is 25-3 (.893) in his career at the "Big House" and ranks fifth among all-time Michigan coaches in terms of winning percentage at home.
MICHIGAN TEAM AND PLAYER NOTES ...
Wolverines Ranked Fourth in Both Polls
After remaining constant in last week's poll, Michigan jumped two spots in the Associated Press poll and one slot in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches' poll to fourth in both rankings. The Wolverines have an impressive 44-12-2 record when ranked No. 4 in the Associated Press national poll.
Michigan in the 1990s
Entering the final year of this decade, the Wolverines have compiled an impressive 86-24-3 (.774) record during the 1990s. Michigan is tied for eighth (Miami also has 86 victories) among Division I-A institutions in terms of wins this decade. The Wolverines need four victories to reach 90 wins in a decade for only the third time in school history (1970s and 1980s). The school record is 96 victories (96-16-3 from 1970-79), while the best-ever winning percentage by decade was .898 (82-8-3 record), set during the 1900-09 seasons.
Finishing the Way You Started
The Michigan football team looks to finish the decade the way it started it ... with three consecutive Big Ten titles. The Wolverines claimed Big Ten titles in 1990, 1991 and 1992, and have won back-to-back conference crowns (1997 and 1998) heading into the 1999 season. Michigan leads the Big Ten with five titles during the 1990s, followed by Ohio State (three), Wisconsin (two) and Northwestern (two). The Wolverines' school record for most conference titles in a decade is seven, set during the 1970s (1971-72-73-74-76-77-78).
Most Big Ten Conference Titles in a Decade
| No. | School (Years) |
| 8 | Ohio State (1970-72-73-74-75-76-77-79) |
| 7 | Michigan (1971-72-73-74-76-77-78) |
| 5 | Michigan (1980-82-86-88-89) |
| 5 | Michigan (1990-91-92-97-98) |
| 5 | Michigan (1901-02-03-04-06) |
| 5 | Minnesota (1903-04-06-09-10) |
| 5 | Minnesota (1933-34-35-37-38) |
Michigan on Artificial Turf
Following its 18-13 victory over Syracuse last week, Michigan will play its second straight game on artificial turf. The Wolverines play three games on artificial surfaces this season (Syracuse, Wisconsin and Michigan State), the most since playing five contests in 1995. The Wolverines have been impressive on turf since 1969, holding a 178-33-5 record (.836), including a 120-17-3 mark (.868) when Michigan Stadium was carpeted between 1969 and 1990.
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A Battle of Ranked Foes
For the second time this season (Notre Dame game) and for the fifth time in 55 meetings between Michigan and Wisconsin, both teams enter the contest ranked nationally. The Wolverines (No. 4 in both AP and USA Today/ESPN Coaches) and the Badgers (No. 17 USA Today/ESPN Coaches and No. 20 AP) will both enter this week's game ranked in the national polls. Michigan has a 3-1 record in the previous matchups between the two schools when both entered the game ranked, including wins the past two seasons. The higher ranked team has won three of the previous four games, with the exception being last year's 27-10 victory by No. 15 Michigan over No. 8 Wisconsin.
| Year | W/L | Score | Site | AP Rank |
| 1977 | W | 56-0 | H | 1/14 |
| 1993 | L | 10-13 | A | 24/21 |
| 1997 | W | 26-16 | A | 1/23 |
| 1998 | W | 27-10 | H | 15/8 |
Michigan Ranked for 26th Consecutive Game Against Badgers
This will be the 26th consecutive time that Michigan has faced Wisconsin when the Wolverines were ranked entering the game. Michigan has been ranked for every meeting between the two schools since 1968, with Wisconsin being ranked five times during the 26-year string (1977, 1993, 1997, 1998 and 1999). The Wolverines have been listed in the top five of the Associated Press 16 times during the all-time series, claiming victories in all but one occasion (lost 21-14 in 1981 when ranked No. 1). Michigan is 4-0 against the Badgers when ranked No. 4 or No. 5 in the AP poll.
Conference Opener Streak on the Line
The Wolverines head to Madison looking to win their 18th consecutive Big Ten opener. Michigan has won 17 straight conference openers dating back to Sept. 11, 1982 (20-9 victory over Wisconsin at Michigan Stadium) and has claimed victories in 30 of its last 31 Big Ten openers. The only setback during the string was a 21-14 loss to Wisconsin in Madison on Sept. 12, 1981.
Conference Openers vs. Wisconsin
Michigan has a 68-23-2 all-time record in conference openers and will make Wisconsin the most common opponent in a conference opener when the two programs meet Saturday (Sept. 25). Michigan State and Wisconsin are currently tied with 15 conference-opening games played each against Michigan. The Wolverines have a 14-1 record against the Badgers in Big Ten openers, with the two schools meeting 10 consecutive years from 1981 to 1990 (9-1 record).
Most Common Opponent in a Conference Opener
| Opponent | Games | Won | Lost | Tied |
| Wisconsin | 15 | 14 | 1 | 0 |
| Michigan State | 15 | 4 | 9 | 2 |
| Northwestern | 12 | 9 | 3 | 0 |
| Indiana | 13 | 9 | 4 | 0 |
| Iowa | 10 | 10 | 0 | 0 |
| Illinois | 10 | 8 | 2 | 0 |
Michigan and Wisconsin in the 1990s
This is only the sixth meeting between the Wolverines and Badgers in the 1990s (the two schools did not meet during the 1991, 1992, 1995 and 1996 seasons because of the rotational regular-season system developed by the Big Ten Conference). Michigan leads the series 3-2 in the 1990s, with a pair of victories at home and a 26-16 victory in Madison during the 1997 national championship season.
Wolverines Complete Unbeaten Non-Conference Slate
Michigan completed the 1999 non-conference schedule with a perfect 3-0 record for the fourth time in Lloyd Carr's five years as Michigan head coach. The 18-13 victory over Syracuse (Sept. 18) gave Carr the 15th road victory of his career (15-6, .714) and improved his record to 15-2 all-time in the month of September (4-1 on the road in the month).
Michigan Eyes Win No. 790
The Wolverines head into the conference opener at Wisconsin looking for their NCAA-leading 790th victory. Michigan has a 789-257-36 all-time record in 120 years of competition in Division I-A football.
Del Verne Reaches Double Digits for Third Straight Game
Senior/junior placekicker Jeff Del Verne (Sylvania, Ohio/St. John's HS) reached double digits in scoring for the third consecutive game, scoring 10 points against Syracuse. Del Verne connected on all three field goals (41, 24 and 31 yards) and hit his only extra point of the game. He ranks second in the nation with a 3.33 field goals per game average and lists 10th in scoring nationally with a 12.33 points per game average. Del Verne has made 10-of-11 field goal attempts and hit on all seven point-after attempts. He has provided Michigan with a 3-0 lead in each of the first three games.
All-Purpose Thomas
Junior tailback Anthony Thomas (Winnfield, La./Winnfield HS) has been a workhorse on the ground for the Wolverines so far this season, averaging 26.3 carries per game. Thomas has rushed 79 times for 322 yards (4.1 avg.) this season, and ranks 25th nationally in rushing with a 107.33 yards per game average. He has also contributed on the receiving end with 10 receptions for 36 yards, and has returned two kickoffs for 42 yards. Thomas lists 44th in the nation in all-purpose yardage with a 133.33 yards per game average.
Thomas had one of his finest all-around performances in the 18-13 victory at Syracuse. He rushed 26 times for 97 yards, equaled his career high with eight receptions for 30 yards and returned one kickoff for 22 yards. He completed his fifth career start with 149 all-purpose yards.
Thomas Eyes 50 Career Receptions
With his eight-catch performance against Syracuse, Anthony Thomas moved his career numbers to 48 receptions for 407 yards. He needs two catches to become the sixth running back in school history to reach 50 career receptions and would also become the 35th player in school history to reach the milestone. Jamie Morris (1984-87), Michigan's leading career rusher, holds the record for most receptions by a running back with 99 catches for 756 yards.
All-Time Career Receptions by a Running Back
| | Player | Rec. | Yards | Years |
| 1. | Jamie Morris | 99 | 756 | 1984-87 |
| 2. | Clarence Williams | 68 | 682 | 1995-98 |
| 3. | Gerald White | 64 | 564 | 1984-86 |
| 4. | Chris Howard | 60 | 429 | 1994-97 |
| 5. | Tyrone Wheatley | 51 | 510 | 1991-94 |
| 6. | Anthony Thomas | 48 | 407 | 1997- |
Thomas Rushes into 23rd
Anthony Thomas moved up two slots in the career rushing records at Michigan with his 97-yard effort against Syracuse. Thomas slid ahead of running back Leroy Hoard (1,706 yards on 314 carries) and quarterback Steve Smith (1,694 yards on 342 carries) and into 23rd place on Michigan's all-time career rushing list with 1,762 yards on 383 attempts. He needs 102 rushing yards to surpass Bob Westfall (1,864 yards) and 185 yards to reach the top 20. With 238 yards, Thomas would become the 18th player in school history to eclipse the 2,000-yard mark in career rushing.
Michigan's All-Time Career Rushing List
| | Player | Att. | Yards | Years |
| 1. | Jamie Morris | 809 | 4,392 | 1984-87 |
| 15. | Stanley Edwards | 468 | 2,206 | 1977-81 |
| 16. | Rick Leach | 487 | 2,176 | 1975-78 |
| 17. | Tom Harmon | 398 | 2,134 | 1938-40 |
| 18. | Clarence Williams | 466 | 1,982 | 1995-98 |
| 19. | Chuck Heater | 406 | 1,981 | 1972-74 |
| 20. | Rick Rogers | 435 | 1,947 | 1981-84 |
| 21. | Chris Howard | 418 | 1,876 | 1994-97 |
| 22. | Bob Westfall | 428 | 1,864 | 1939-41 |
| 23. | Anthony Thomas | 383 | 1,762 | 1997- |
Terrell Reaches Century Mark for Second Time
Sophomore wide receiver David Terrell (Richmond, Va./Huguenot HS) heads into the conference opener at Wisconsin with two 100-yard receiving performances in three games this season. Terrell caught seven passes for a team-high 110 yards and carried the ball once for 15 yards on a reverse at Syracuse. He made four receptions on the team's only touchdown drive of the game (51 yards). Terrell also saw action at cornerback on the second defensive possession of the game against the Orangemen, his second appearance of the year in the secondary (vs. Notre Dame in the third quarter). Terrell has already surpassed his 14-catch season of a year ago (14 receptions for 149 yards), hauling in a team-leading 19 passes for 287 yards and one TD. He has 33 career receptions for 436 yards and three TDs. Terrell is 27th nationally with a 95.67 yards receiving per game average and lists tied for 31st in the nation with a 6.33 receptions per game average.
Shea Third on Team in Receptions
Senior fullback Aaron Shea (Ottawa, Ill./Ottawa HS) enters the conference opener needing two receptions for 40 in his career. Shea scored Michigan's lone touchdown against Syracuse, catching a screen pass from quarterback Drew Henson and running 22 yards for the go-ahead score. He caught three passes for 23 yards against Syracuse, carried the ball once for four yards and made one tackle on punt coverage. Shea is third on the team with eight receptions for 56 yards (7.0 avg.). He has 38 catches for 351 yards and three receiving TDs in his career (both previous touchdowns came against Penn State). Shea has 11 career starts and has played in 38 career games.
Knight Eyes 15th Start
Senior wide receiver Marcus Knight (Sylacauga, Ala./Comer HS) heads into the Big Ten opener at Wisconsin looking to make his 15th career start at wide receiver. Knight has started all three games this season and started 10 games during the 1998 season (only other start came against Indiana in 1997). Knight was held without a reception against Syracuse, ending a string of 15 consecutive games with a catch. He contributed to the team's victory with four punt returns for 10 yards, including an eight-yard return that set up Jeff Del Verne's third field goal of the game. Knight has 56 career receptions for 836 yards.
Michigan's All-Time Receptions List
| | Player | Rec. | Yards | Years |
| 1. | Anthony Carter | 161 | 3,076 | 1979-82 |
| 20. | Gerald White | 64 | 564 | 1984-86 |
| 21. | John Kolesar | 61 | 1,425 | 1985-88 |
| 22. | Chris Howard | 60 | 429 | 1994-97 |
| 23. | Paul Jokisch | 58 | 1,088 | 1984-86 |
| | Paul Staroba | 58 | 818 | 1968-70 |
| | John Henderson | 58 | 787 | 1963-64 |
| | Russell Shaw | 58 | 668 | 1996-97 |
| 27. | Doug Marsh | 57 | 947 | 1977-79 |
| 28. | Marcus Knight | 56 | 836 | 1996- |
| | Chris Calloway | 56 | 826 | 1987-89 |
| | Jim Berline | 56 | 657 | 1967 |
Henson Sets Career Highs
Sophomore quarterback Drew Henson (Brighton, Mich./Brighton HS) saw his most extensive action in a Michigan uniform at Syracuse and responded by leading the Wolverines to victory. He played the final three quarters of the game and led all four Michigan offensive scoring drives. Henson posted career highs in passing attempts (28), completions (16) and passing yards (151). During U-M's lone touchdown drive, he completed 6-of-8 passes for 81 yards, including a 22-yard scoring pass to fullback Aaron Shea. Henson has completed 27-of-50 passes (.540) for 300 yards and two TDs this season, and is 48-of-97 (.495) for 554 yards and five TDs in his career.
Brady Moving Up Passing Charts
Senior quarterback and co-captain Tom Brady (San Mateo, Calif./Serra HS) enters the conference opener against Wisconsin looking to make his 16th consecutive start at quarterback. Brady completed 5-of-10 passes against Syracuse for 26 yards and continued to move up Michigan's all-time passing charts. Brady has completed 32-of-49 attempts (.653) for 338 yards this season. He lists sixth in completions (261), seventh in yardage (3,105) and eighth in attempts (419) in his career. Brady's 62.3 career completion percentage ranks fourth in school history.
Career Passing Attempts
| | Player | Attempts | Years |
| 1. | Elvis Grbac | 835 | 1989-92 |
| 2. | Todd Collins | 711 | 1991-94 |
| 3. | Steve Smith | 648 | 1980-83 |
| 4. | Jim Harbaugh | 620 | 1983-86 |
| 5. | Brian Griese | 606 | 1994-97 |
| 6. | Rick Leach | 537 | 1975-78 |
| 7. | Don Moorhead | 425 | 1968-70 |
| 8. | Tom Brady | 419 | 1996- |
| 9. | Dick Vidmer | 380 | 1965-67 |
| 10. | Scott Dreisbach | 378 | 1995-98 |
Career Pass Completions
| | Player | Comp. | Years |
| 1. | Elvis Grbac | 522 | 1989-92 |
| 2. | Todd Collins | 457 | 1991-94 |
| 3. | Jim Harbaugh | 387 | 1983-86 |
| 4. | Brian Griese | 355 | 1994-97 |
| 5. | Steve Smith | 324 | 1980-83 |
| 6. | Tom Brady | 261 | 1996- |
| 7. | Rick Leach | 250 | 1975-78 |
| 8. | Scott Dreisbach | 206 | 1995-98 |
| 9. | Don Moorhead | 200 | 1968-70 |
| 10. | John Wangler | 197 | 1976-80 |
Career Passing Yards
| | Player | Yards | Years |
| 1. | Elvis Grbac | 6,460 | 1989-92 |
| 2. | Todd Collins | 5,858 | 1991-94 |
| 3. | Jim Harbaugh | 5,449 | 1983-86 |
| 4. | Steve Smith | 4,860 | 1980-83 |
| 5. | Brian Griese | 4,383 | 1994-97 |
| 6. | Rick Leach | 4,284 | 1975-78 |
| 7. | Tom Brady | 3,105 | 1996- |
| 8. | John Wangler | 2,994 | 1976-80 |
| 9. | Scott Dreisbach | 2,894 | 1995-98 |
| 10. | Don Moorhead | 2,550 | 1968-70 |
Howard Has Top Statistical Game
Sophomore cornerback Todd Howard (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook HS) had his top statistical game in a Michigan uniform, recording career highs in every statistical category at Syracuse. Howard led the team with 10 tackles (all solo), one TFL, one sack and two pass break-ups against the Orangemen. He has registered 14 tackles this season (all solo) and leads the squad with three PBUs. Howard's first career TFL and sack came on the attempted go-ahead field goal by Syracuse when he caught quarterback Troy Nunes for a 15-yard loss. Howard enters the conference opener at Wisconsin with 15 career games played, 29 tackles and four PBUs.
Jones Nears 200 Career Tackles
Senior inside linebacker Dhani Jones (Potomac, Md./Winston Churchill HS) leads the team in tackles this season with 22 stops in three games (7.33 tackles per game average). Jones was second on the team with nine tackles at Syracuse, including eight solo stops. He enters the conference opener with Wisconsin needing 12 tackles to reach the 200-tackle plateau for his career (188 career tackles). Jones has recorded at least five tackles in 23 of the last 27 games that he has played (missed the 1998 Northwestern game) and registered four-tackle efforts in those other four contests. He has 22 tackles (16 solo), two TFLs, one sack and one forced fumble on the year.
Hall Monitors Quarterback Sacks
Senior rush linebacker James Hall (New Orleans, La./St. Augustine HS) heads into the Wisconsin game fifth in Michigan school history with 20 career sacks. Hall became the fifth player in Michigan history to record 20 or more career sacks when he sacked Syracuse quarterback Troy Nunes at the three-yard line to force a punt late in the fourth quarter (the Wolverines ultimately scored a field goal that secured the final 18-13 margin). Hall finished the Syracuse game with five solo tackles, two TFLs and one sack. He also recorded his fifth career PAT block, ending Syracuse kicker Nate Trout's consecutive extra-point streak at a school-record-tying 72 in a row. Hall has 15 tackles this season, three TFLs and two sacks. He needs four tackles to reach 150 in his career.
Hall's sack against Syracuse snapped his tie for fifth with Robert Thompson (19 sacks, 1979-82). He holds sole possession of fifth place all-time and needs four sacks to join a group of three former Wolverines tied for second (Chris Hutchinson, Jason Horn and Glen Steele). The school record of 36 career sacks is held by defensive tackle Mark Messner (1985-88).
Career Sacks (Since 1980)
| | Player | Sacks | Years |
| 1. | Mark Messner | 36 | 1985-88 |
| 2. | Chris Hutchinson | 24 | 1989-92 |
| | Jason Horn | 24 | 1992-95 |
| | Glen Steele | 24 | 1995-97 |
| 5. | James Hall | 20 | 1996- |
Renes Continues Stellar Play in the Middle
Senior nose tackle and co-captain Rob Renes (Holland, Mich./West Ottawa HS) enters the Wisconsin game in the midst of arguably the best three-game stretch of his career. Renes has caused havoc in the middle of the Wolverines defensive line, tallying back-to-back seven-tackle games against Syracuse and Rice as well as a six-tackle effort vs. Notre Dame. He is second on the team with 20 tackles (15 solo) this season, including two TFLs and one sack. An Academic All-America and All-America candidate, Renes has 125 career tackles and 21 TFLs from his nose tackle position.
Whitley Makes 15th Career Start
Junior cornerback James Whitley (Norfolk, Va./Norview HS) enters the Wisconsin game after making his 15th career start in the Syracuse game. Whitley had an all-around game against the Orangemen, registering three solo tackles, one TFL, one sack, forcing one fumble and intercepting his first pass of the year. He has 10 tackles (all solo) this season and needs three tackles for 85 in his career. Whitley has four career interceptions and is tied with Tommy Hendricks for the career lead among current players with 11 PBUs.
Hendricks Third in Tackles
Senior strong safety Tommy Hendricks (Houston, Texas/Eisenhower HS) heads into the conference opener with Wisconsin third on the team with 18 tackles this year. He leads the Wolverines with four TFLs (13 yards) and has contributed one interception. Hendricks, Hall and senior defensive end Josh Williams look to play in their 40th career games when they travel to Wisconsin for the Big Ten opener. A Jim Thorpe Award candidate, Hendricks made his 28th consecutive starting assignment in the Syracuse game and recorded four tackles and one TFL. He needs 44 tackles to reach the all-time top 5 at Michigan in tackles by a defensive back (171 career stops).
Michigan Defensive Backs All-Time Tackles
| | Player | Tackles | Years |
| 1. | Don Dufek Jr. | 249 | 1973-75 |
| 2. | Marcus Ray | 242 | 1995-98 |
| 3. | Tripp Welborne | 238 | 1987-90 |
| 4. | Garland Rivers | 222 | 1983-86 |
| 5. | Thom Darden | 211 | 1969-71 |
Williams Eyes 40th Game Played
Senior defensive end Josh Williams (Houston, Texas/Cypress Creek HS) looks to play in his 40th career game when the Wolverines travel to Wisconsin Saturday. Williams made his 25th career starting assignment in the Syracuse game, contributing two solo tackles. He has 12 tackles this season and needs one stop to collect 120 career tackles.
Gold Leads Balanced Defense
Senior inside linebacker Ian Gold (Belleville, Mich./Belleville HS) enters the Wisconsin game fourth on the team in tackles with 17 stops. Gold registered five tackles in the 18-13 victory over Syracuse and has 125 career tackles (89 solo). He has contributed one TFL and one forced fumble this season.
Michigan Fifth Nationally in Turnover Battle
Michigan has won the turnover battle in its first three games of the season, taking the ball away three times against both Rice (two interceptions and one fumble) and Notre Dame (two fumbles and one interception) and collecting two interceptions against Syracuse. The Wolverines are fifth nationally in turnover margin with a 2.33 avg. per game (plus seven overall). Michigan suffered its first turnover of the season on a third quarter interception by sophomore quarterback Drew Henson at Syracuse.
Sgroi Makes Debut
Sophomore/freshman linebacker and long snapper Joe Sgroi (Plymouth, Mich./Catholic Central HS) made his career debut at Syracuse. Sgroi snapped on punts and played special teams, recording two tackles against the Orangemen.
Frysinger and Ziemann Make 1999 Debuts
Junior defensive end Jake Frysinger (Grosse Ile, Mich./Grosse Ile HS) and fifth-year senior offensive lineman Chris Ziemann (Aurora, Ill./Waubonsie HS) made their first appearances of the 1999 season at Syracuse. Frysinger, recovering from an appendectomy during fall camp, played on the first defensive possession of the game and saw action throughout the game. Ziemann saw his first action of the year, playing right guard on the Wolverines' first possession of the second half.
Bryant Keeps Consecutive Games Streak Going at 40
Senior wide receiver and special teams performer Kevin Bryant (Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison HS) played in his 40th consecutive football game for the Wolverines at Syracuse. Bryant is the only senior on this year's team to have played in every game of his career.
Contact: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423
