“Touchdown! Billy Taylor!” | U-M 10, OSU 7 (11/20/1971)
One of the few times that the Ten Year War did not have major stakes beyond pride, undefeated Michigan faced three loss OSU. A defensive struggle, Michigan trailed 7-3 after an 85-yard touchdown punt return by Tom Campana. With time running short, Michigan finally started to click on offense. They converted a 4th and 1 with 2:45 remaining and two plays later, Michigan running back Billy Taylor took a pitch and ran 21 yards for the score, prompting Bob Ufer’s iconic “Touchdown Billy Taylor” radio call.
The game was not over yet. From Bo’s autobiography: “The Buckeyes then tried a fervent drive to get into field-goal territory. Ohio State quarterback Don Lamka threw the ball on a third-and-16 toward receiver Dick Wakefield, but Michigan’s Thom Darden jumped over Wakefield for a interception, effectively killing Ohio State’s hope for at least a tie. The entire Ohio State sideline screamed for an interference penalty to be called, and Hayes stormed onto the field, launched a profanity-laced tirade at the referee, Jerry Markbreit, and tore up the sideline markers, receiving a 15-yard unsportsmanlike conduct penalty. A further enraged Hayes then proceeded to throw the penalty flag into the crowd, began destroying the yard markers and threw the first-down marker into the ground like a javelin before being restrained by Buckeyes team officials; Hayes was then assessed an additional 15-yard penalty and ejected. Hayes was later suspended for one game and fined $1000. As the Wolverines proceeded to run out the clock, OSU linebacker Randy Gradishar was ejected after he slugged Tom Slade through his facemask and starting a ten-minute bench clearing brawl.”
See also a highlight package built from coach’s film, the MVictors.com piece on Taylor’s off color Pumas and Dr. Billy Taylor’s “Get Back Up” website for his substance abuse facility in Detroit.
