2004 Season

Rose Bowl Scoreboard

Phil's Game Grades

"I had no faith that the defense would stop Texas in the 4th quarter."

Phil Callihan, UMGoBlue.COM

Great game.  After a season of last second comebacks the Wolverines came up short inthis one.

Offense-  Don't blame the offense on this one.  4 Touchdowns with no turnovers should have been enough.

Defense-  Somebody has some explaining to do.  How can a defense with such outstanding players like Marlin Jackson, Ernest Shazor, Gabe Watson, etc. disappear for large stretches of the last two games of the season?

Special Teams-  Breaston was incredible. He was a major reason the Wolverines were in this game at all.

Coaching-   It looks like all that preparation the defense did to shut the run sure helped...

Comments-   This one stings pretty bad right now.  I left the Rose Bowl in a pretty bad mood.  I'll right more later.

Game 11 Scoreboard
 

Phil's Game Grades

"I think the linemen weren't happy and we knew we weren't getting it going. We didn't play very well in the first half and we were just ready to get out there for the second half."

10/30/04- Phil Callihan, UMGoBlue.COM

OSU dominated every aspect of this game.

Offense-  I had a bad feeling about this when I read the Michigan freshman duo downplay the difficulty of playing in Columbus.  With all due respect getting booed in high school is nothing compared to playing in a hostile stadium like the Horseshoe. 

Defense-  The "anemic" OSU offense scored more points against Michigan than any other team this season.  MSU wrote the script on how to shred this group but give OSU credit for carrying it out.  Michigan was not able to put pressure on the OSU QB Troy Smith and worse could not contain him when he ran.

Special Teams-  Some nice punts but gave up a crucial punt return for a TD.

Coaching-   Michigan had no answer for the surprising Ohio State offense.  How can Michigan have two former QB's at receiver (Steve Breaston and Jerame Gonzales) and NOT have a trick play that involves them throwing down field on a pass-pass play?  Ohio State was able to pressure Henne all day.  No play action or rollouts were called to stymie the Ohio State pass rush.

Comments-   There is no way to prepare freshman for the intensity of rivaly games.  Hopefully this game will provide Chad Henne and Mike Hart with the motivation to work hard in the off-season to avenge losses to Notre Dame and Ohio State.
 

Game 10 Scoreboard
 

Phil's Game Grades

"I think the linemen weren't happy and we knew we weren't getting it going. We didn't play very well in the first half and we were just ready to get out there for the second half."

Chad Henne, Michigan QB

"I can't say I stole the show. I knew I had to step up my game and we knew we couldn't send the seniors out with a loss. We knew we had to come out and play a great game."

Mike Hart, Michigan RB

"...Wwe certainly did not come out here ready to play offensively. It was obvious. Then we had penalties. We fumbled the ball. We did everything. We had guys open and we missed them. So we were in a dog fight. And I think the great news is that our defense played extremely well. When you consider what they were confronted with – an offense that had no production in the first half - and then with the exception of the big play in the second half, I thought our defense did a good job. And our offense really came out and played in the second half "

Lloyd Carr, Michigan Head Coach

A pretty boring first half lead to an awesome 3rd quarter!

Offense-  Things weren't clicking in the first half.  Seriously, if QB Chad Henne doesn't under throw Braylon Edwards 3 times this game is over before halftime.  The second half explosion was great to see. 

Defense-  This defense played really well with the exception of a long run given up in the second half.

Special Teams-  A game where special teams looked really good.  Maybe things really are turning around.  Except for the kick-off that veered WAY out of bounds...

Coaching-   Nothing fancy.  Michigan really played it close to the vest.  Expect to see a little more against the Buckeyes next week.

Comments-   It all comes down to next week in Columbus.  Michigan can cap a glorious season- the Buckeyes can salve their wounds with a victory over their arch rivals...This is what it's all about!

Game 9 Scoreboard
 

Phil's Game Grades

"There are so many heroes. When we look at this game on film there are going to be a lot of things from a technical standpoint that we did not do particularly well. I think this game speaks to the spirit of this stadium, to the tradition, and this rivalry. Michigan State was an unbelievable foe today, they gave everything they had and anybody who saw this game either in this stadium or across the country on television saw one of the greatest football games, in my opinion, ever played. "

Lloyd Carr, Michigan Head Coach

"I don't think we ever gave up. We all just kept fighting. Coach Carr kept telling us that it wasn't over and that we can do it. We believe in Coach Carr and what he tells us and we went out and did it."

Ernest Shazor, Michigan Safety

"I almost cried. It was magnificent. I love my teammates to death and they never quit. They stood strong in the fourth quarter. We imposed our will on Michigan State in the second half. We had a never-say-die attitude and we refused to lose this game. "

Braylon Edwards, Michigan WR

The dual grades reflect the first 3 1/2 quarters versus what happened afterwards.  One the best games I have ever seen at any level.

Offense-  A complete disaster for most of the game.  And then Chad Henne and Braylon Edwards were completely unstoppable.  Incredible turnaround.  This team has heart (and Hart!)  Lost in the incredible comeback was ANOTHER 200 yard performance (225) by Mike Hart.

Defense-  This defense was getting shredded for most of the game.  Northwestern and OSU will use the tape of this game to prepare.  It's disturbing to see the "strength" of this team get completely dominated.

Special Teams-  My biggest concern heading into overtime was the kicking game (PAT's and field goals.)  Considering how inconsistent this area has been they greatest miracle of all may be that we made every kick in OT.

Coaching-   The Michigan defense had no answer for MSU QB Drew Stanton.  Even after he left due to injury MSU still moved the ball well.  Other teams will use this game as a guide for attacking the Wolverines.  The good news is that Michigan has two before we play Northwestern.

Comments-   I had a bad feeling heading into this game.  On paper, it looks like an easy victory.  But this was the definition of a rivalry game.  An incredible example of how entertaining college football can be.

Game 8 Scoreboard
 

Phil's Game Grades

"We just got out muscled. "

Joe Tiller, Purdue Head Coach

"Every year Purdue comes in highly touted and then Michigan beats them. "

Phil Callihan, UMGoBlue.COM

"Purdue is a team that’s on the rise. They’re not just yet a Michigan-caliber team; they’re not a championship team yet. They play real hard, (and) I give them a lot of credit... "

Ernest Shazor, Michigan Safety

Another Purdue squad tastes disappointment against the Wolverines...You could say it's a Boilermaker tradition.

Offense-  Everything was good right until we got into the red zone.  We can't settle for field goal attempts when out kicking game is so poor.  And what was that trick play supposed to be?  What's wrong with Braylon?  This the second game he's been almost invisible...

Defense-  This defense once again came up big this week.  If the offense had been more effective in the red zone either with TD's or field goals this won wouldn't have been close.

Special Teams-  Special teams almost lost the Wolverines this game.  One missed field goal and one blocked field goal not to mention that the one field goals that was good barely made it over the bar.  There's not excuse for an elite program to struggle like this year in and year out.

Coaching-   A tight game that would be impressive if one took Purdue seriously.  I don't.  Purdue is all hype.  Every year they beat up on weak teams and then fold like a house of cards against good teams.  Sigh, at least they made it close this season...

Game 7 Scoreboard
 

Phil's Game Grades

"The first half was an eye-opener. "

Scott McClintock, Michigan LB, on trailing 17-10 at halftime.

"We didn't come out here to lead at halftime or play a close game. We came out here to win!"

Ron Turner, Illinois Head Coach

On to Purdue...

Offense-  All those rushing yards are nice but this game was much closer than it should have been.  The wind definitely made things difficult for QB Matt Henne.  A bigger mystery is what happened to Braylon Edwards, who seemed a little dinged up.

Defense-  This defense turned things around for the Wolverines.  The corners still look vulnerable, Purdue will be a stern test for this group.  Great see Marlin Jackson with INT and nice return.

Special Teams-  One missed PAT and one off the goal post.  This week's excuse is the wind.  Whatever.

Coaching-   This game is probably exactly what the Wolverine coaching staff wanted.  A huge victory and the Wolverines may have gotten cocky.  First and foremost it was victory.  Second, the running game continues to look good and it was crucial for backup RB Max Martin to get some reps when the game was on the line.  Next, Henne got a little more seasoning under tough road conditions will should help next week against Purdue and later against OSU.   The Wolverines also seem to have escaped this game without any major injuries.  Purdue looms...

Game 6 Scoreboard
 

Phil's Game Grades

"The coaches put the Brown Jug and the 424 yards rushing (from 2003) in our face the whole week. We just tried to prepare to stop the run and shut it down. "

Gabe Watson, Michigan DT

"I hurt right now...I hurt inside."

Glen Mason, Minnesota Head Coach

So Minnesota looked forward to this since last season?

Offense-  The offense put together a great game winning drive under pressure.  Not only that but they out gained the vaunted Minnesota running attack on the ground and doubled their passing yardage.

Defense-  This defense was great.  Gave up a LONG touchdown run but came through when the game was on the line.

Special Teams-  More thrills and chills on special teams.  Michigan was lucky to kick a short field goal after a bad snap and turned the ball over a on fumbled punt return.  Special teams continue to be haphazard.

Coaching-   A great defensive game plan won this one for the Wolverines.

Game 5 Scoreboard
 

Phil's Game Grades

"I just told Chad to throw the ball deep. It's up to me to make the play. Chad did exactly what he's supposed to do, and the balls are exactly on the money. "

Braylon Edwards, Michigan WR

"Attendance was announced as 35,001.  Is Indiana still in the Big Ten?  I think more people stopped by my tailgate last week."

Phil Callihan, UMGoBlue.COM

This game should have been played on Halloween.  They would have explained they guys dressed up as Big Ten football players at Indiana...

Offense-  The offense shows flashes of brilliance followed by stretches of mediocrity.  The passing game is devastating when Henne has time to throw the ball but the running game needs to get more consistent (get with the program offensive line!)  for Wolverines to compete for the Big Ten title this season. 

Defense-  This defense is SO dominating Indiana should have had negative yardage for the entire game.  Something tells me the Wolverines were looking past the Hoosier (who?-siers) to Minnesota.

Special Teams-  Michigan missed a field goal, got burned on a fake punt, and made some dicey PAT's.  Just another day at the circus (THRILLS! CHILLS!) for the Wolverines on special teams.  Of course, Leon Hall's (filling in for the injured Steve Breaston) 76 yard punt return for a TD not to mention Grant Mason's 97 yard KO return makes this week's performance a little more tolerable.  Opposing teams can smell blood whenever Michigan special teams take the field...

Coaching-   A win is a win, but this game showed why this team makes many Wolverine fans queasy.  Bring on the Gophers...

Game 4 Scoreboard

"We lost to them two years in a row and we didn't want the seniors to go out with three losses. We worked hard on the game plan and we came out and executed."

Gabe Watson, Michigan DL

"I think the guys really played hard. We obviously wanted this game. I think we got better as a football team today. We improved offensively, we improved defensively, and our kicking game was the best it has been all year."

Lloyd Carr, Michigan Head Coach
 

Phil's Game Grades

A solid if unspectacular victory...

Offense-  Chad Henne and Braylon Edwards are really getting in sync.  Braylon should put up some monster stats this season.  Mike Hart had another good day at RB.

Defense-  After giving up a touchdown on Iowa's first possession odf the game they were great.  Iowa had -13 rushing yards.

Special Teams-  Another #$@& blocked PAT.  Wonder that the excuse is this time.

Coaching-  Iowa is a shell of the team compared to the Hawkeye squads that beat Michigan the last two seasons.  Still an important victory to open the Big Ten season.

Game 3 Scoreboard

"They told me I had a chance to play. I had to come in here and show what I could do. I have to keep proving myself week in and week out and I have to be consistent."

Mike Hart, Michigan RB

"Michigan is a little more diversified than Ohio State in their approach both on offense and defense. They gave us a lot of different coverage, we saw a lot more offensively than we did last year against Ohio State."

Tom Craft, SDSU Head Coach
comparing Ohio State and Michigan
 

Phil's Game Grades

This one started out crazy and ended as defensive struggle.

Offense-  It started out on a high note but then it got dicey.  It was nice to see Clayton Richard get some reps at QB.  Mike Hart seems to have emerged as the starting running back.

Defense-  Gave up a lot of yards through the air but shut down SDSU when it mattered in the second half.

Special Teams-  Almost another fumble during a punt return but everything else was decent.  It would be nice to have a few games with really boring (SAFE) special teams play.

Coaching-  Sandwiched between Notre Dame and Iowa I thought this game would have easy for the Wolverines to overlook.  SDSU played Ohio State tough last season and they weren't intimidated to play Michigan.  Michigan must take the win but start preparing for Iowa.  The Wolverines really need to put a thumping on the Hawkeyes...

Game 2 Scoreboard

"You can't give up big plays, you can't have a punt blocked and do the things we did — turn the football over late in the game — and expect to win."

Lloyd Carr, Michigan Head Coach

"I expect myself to catch everything that I can touch."

Braylon Edwards, Michigan Wide Receiver
 on the INT that bounced off his hands

"That's how you lose, turnovers and big plays."

Marlin Jackson, Michigan Defensive Back
 

Phil's Game Grades

A potential season wrecking loss to a hated rival.

Offense-  Wow, where do I start.  The running game was non-existent and the play calling was uninspired.  QB Chad Henne seemed to be limited by his lack of experience and the pressure of the Notre Dame pass rush.  The offensive line seemed to open holes early but the running backs couldn't find them.  The receivers allegedly the strength of the offense contributed to the turnovers.  In the second half the offensive line melted down and things got ugly...

Defense-  For most of three quarters the defense was spectacular.  It seemed like the they might be able to compensate for the anemic offense.  Eventually, bad field position and exhaustion caught up with them in the 4th quarter.  Don't blame the loss on the defense.  All this game showed is that they're not super human.

Special Teams-  Amazing Michigan made their field goals (even a long one!!)  Unfortunately the special teams problems that have dogged the Wolverines for the last several years continued against Notre Dame and lit the fuse for 21 4th quarter Notre Dame points.  A blocked punt and a muffed punt return are just the latest special teams disasters for the Wolverines.

Coaching-   Lots of questions here.  The plan seems to have been to play conservative offense and let the defense win the game for the Wolverines.  And it might have worked.  But the offense was abysmal.  In past seasons, the Wolverine offense to put together a few long time consuming scoring drives to help the defense out- not such luck here...

Game 1 Scoreboard

"There are no words to explain that feeling. It's awesome to go out and see all those people. You just have to go out and play through the nervousness. You have to play like your practice all week."

Chad Henne, Michigan QB
on starting his game as freshman at Michigan Stadium
 

Phil's Game Grades

An empty victory against an overmatched opponent...

Offense-  The offense took a long time to get on track.  The running game wasn't exactly spectacular.  A nice debut for true Freshman Chad Henne.  Expected starting QB Matt Guiterrez is allegedly hurt but still held for point after attempts.

Defense-  Looked good but this hardly a difficult test.

Special Teams-  Two missed extra point attempts.  It's a complete mystery to my why these guys can't seem to get things together on special teams.  It's going to cost us.  So much for Mike Debord fixing things...

Coaching-   In many ways this was a good game for the Wolverines. Michigan won and won big without a ton of injuries, as long as you don't count the mystery surrounding the surprise start of Chad Henne. 

Go Blue!

Phil Callihan
UMGoBlue.COM, Editor-in-Chief
phil@umgoblue.com
 

Phil Callihan is the Editor-in- Chief of UMGoBlue.COM.  Phil graduated from the University of Michigan in 1993 and has been a football season ticket holder since 1994.

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