Michigan Tabbed Big Ten Conference Preseason Favorite by Media
7/27/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
CHICAGO, Ill. -- The 2000 University of Michigan football team has been tabbed as the Big Ten Conference preseason favorite as voted upon by the media members attending the 29th annual Big Ten Conference Football Media Day and Kickoff Luncheon at the Sheraton Chicago (July 26-27).
The Wolverines received the preseason nod, followed by two-time defending Big Ten Champion Wisconsin in second place and Purdue in third. Purdue senior quarterback Drew Brees was selected as the Big Ten Preseason Offensive Player of the Year, while Wisconsin junior cornerback Jamar Fletcher was named the conference's Preseason Defensive Player of the Year.
The Wolverines enter their 121st season of gridiron action with 43 returning lettermen and 16 starters. Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr begins his sixth season at the helm of the program, with a 49-13 overall record and 31-9 Big Ten Conference mark. U-M compiled a 10-2 record last season to finish No. 5 in the final Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today Coaches' polls, including a thrilling 35-34 overtime victory against Alabama in the FedEx Orange Bowl.
Michigan begins the 2000 season against Bowling Green on Saturday, Sept. 2, at Michigan Stadium. The game will be aired on ESPN Regional beginning at 12:10 p.m. Eastern.
Contact: David Ablauf (734) 763-4423
