Today we take a look at the conference reforms that led Michigan to leave the Big Ten in the early 1900s. But while we were an Independent, we managed to schedule Minnesota. And thank goodness we did - those non-conference match-ups with the Gophers launched the Little Brown Jug rivalry. Michigan returned to the conference in 1917 and it didn't take long to return to our winning ways. Go Blue!
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The Groundbreaker – George Jewett (1890-1894) | This Week in Michigan Football History
In this edition of This Week in Michigan Football History we look at traditions past and present, old and new. First, we note today is the 87th playing of the SAE Mudbowl down on campus. Next, we note the calendar features two big wins over rival Minnesota in the 1940s, including one in 1943 that snapped a 10 (TEN!) game winless streak against the Gophers. Finally, we celebrate the legacy of Dr. George Jewett, and welcome the 16th Big Ten Rivalry Trophy – The George Jewett Trophy - as Northwestern faces Michigan Saturday.
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Interview: Quarterback Nick Sheridan
An Interview with Michigan quarterback Nick Sheridan, conducted in 2009.
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Why We Hate The Paul Bunyan Trophy
We covered a lot of ground including the odd origins of the Paul Bunyan Trophy (the nine foot wooden sculpture awarded to the winner of the Michigan-Michigan State game since 1953). And why Michigan fans have never really cared for it until now. We also touched on the 2020 Minnesota game, the Little Brown Jug (naturally), the fickle mood of Michigan fans and much more.
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Playing on Halloween, Tiny Crowds, Indifference for Paul | This Week in Michigan Football History
For the home opener of this unique year, This Week in Michigan Football History discusses Halloween, small Big House crowds, and one reason why Michigan fans aren't down with the Paul Bunyan Trophy. This Week in Michigan Football History.
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Ski-U-Milton | Dr. Sap’s Decals
Big Ten Football is back! Michigan Football is back! And isn’t it just great?! During this pandemic when everything but the norm is now the new normal, there is still one constant that has been so sorely missed - Michigan Football. Here's Dr. Sap's Decals.
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Has the Original 1903 Jug Survived?
In this video I examine a common question: Did the original jug, found by Gopher equipment manager Oscar Munson following the 1903 Minnesota-Michigan 6-6 tie, survive to the present day? In other words, is the jug the teams exchange today that same, original crock? We examine the evidence, from the paint jugs, to old photos, to press reports and most importantly, the expert opinion of Ryan Forrey from the Henry Ford Museum.
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Jug 401: Did Yost really want the Little Brown Jug returned?
In this short video, I take a look at the origin story involving Michigan's coach Fielding H. Yost asking for the return of the jug after the 1903 game. I also take a look at the alleged the response from Minnesota that he and Michigan would need "to WIN it back." This story is important to origin story of college football oldest rivalry trophy tradition, but is it really what happened? I examine some of the problems with and much more in this video.
