For this week’s episode, a quick look at a weird 1960s season opener in Chapel Hill, North Carolina where Bump Elliott’s crew faced the Tar Heels. Guess what? Two things were super hot that day: Michigan’s start to the game, and the weather! We conclude with a short trip back to 2004 when Lloyd Carr’s team looked to bounce back from a setback in South Bend. San Diego State’s DARK SIDE DEFENSE was the problem. The solution? A dose of Henne-to-Braylon, and a dash of freshman Mike Hart.
As always this clip plays on WTKA 1050AM’s ‘Keybank Countdown to Kickoff’ each Saturday before the game! You can catch the entire archive of TWIMFbH clips here.
Go Blue! Full script:
GOOD MORNING! Exactly FIFTY-SIX years ago today in 1965, Bump Elliott’s defending ROSE BOWL champs were ranked No. 4 in the land and OPENED the season in Chapel Hill, NC to take on the Tar Heels. The game was played in SUFFOCATING HEAT as field temperatures surpassed 100 degrees. The Maize and Blue jumped out to a 21–0 lead, stayed cool, hung on, and headed back home with a 31–24 victory.
MEEECHIGAN also played on this day 2004, when Lloyd Carr’s 17th-ranked crew returned home after a tough loss in South Bend. This time our guests were The Aztecs of San Diego State and their heralded DARK SIDE DEFENSE.
The teams lit up the scoreboard in the first half, and SDSU found the end zone on their opening drive. Coach Carr immediately tested the Aztec secondary as Chad Henne connected with Braylon Edwards for a long TD strike on the first play from scrimmage. After a Garrett Rivas field goal, it was the defense’s turn as Roy Manning smashed the Aztec QB, jarred out the pigskin – Lawrence Reid scooped it up, and trotted in for a 6 yard TD.
But the visitors would NOT go away and took 21-17 lead going into the half. The Victors emerged from the tunnel determined, and the defense refused to yield another point. Early in the second half, Henne found Edwards again and newcomer Mike Hart shined tallying up 121 yards on 25 carries.
The 24-21 victory was tighter than most wanted or expected, but there were bright spots. Newcomer Mike Hart emerged as the heir-apparent to fill the void left by the departed All-American Chris Perry. And the Wolverines found a new weapon in the Henne-to-Braylon combination.
SURE ENOUGH Michigan rambled through the schedule, ran off seven straight victories and earned a trip to Pasadena.
Go Blue! Beat THESE Huskies! And for more check out MVictors.com and WTKA.com – for the Keybank countdown to kickoff this is Greg Dooley.
