September 12, 1981
Michigan at Wisconsin
Top-ranked Michigan came into the 1981 season with a cavalcade of star players – All-American OG Kurt Becker, All-American WR Anthony Carter, All-American OT Ed Muransky, All-Big Ten OT Bubba Paris, & RB Butch Woolfolk. They had won their last 9 games of the 1980 season & seemed primed for a dominating Belt reign, Wisconsin had other ideas. In spite of losing the past 4 games to Michigan by a combined score of 176-0, coach Dave McClain had his Wisconsin team ready to surprise the nation. All-American NT Tim Krumrie, All-Big Ten DT Darryl Sims, & All-Big Ten S Matt VandenBoom anchored the Badger defense which hoped to contain the Wolverines’ offense. Wisconsin’s QB Jess Cole threw for 182 yards with 2 touchdowns & the Badgers’ defense held Michigan to just 39 yards passing leading Wisconsin to a 21-14 upset of the Wolverines. Michigan took a 7-0 lead in the 2nd quarter when QB Steve Smith carried 4 yards for a touchdown. The Badgers scored twice in the last 3:47 of the 1st half to take the lead. Cole connected with WR Marvin Neal on a 17-yard touchdown pass & RB Chucky Davis scored on a 1-yard touchdown run for the 14-7 halftime lead. The Wolverines tied the score early in the 3rd quarter when Woolfolk broke loose for an 89-yard touchdown run making the score 14-14. Wisconsin got the lead back when Cole hit RB John Williams on a screen pass which he took 71 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. The Badgers held on in the 4th quarter constantly putting the Wolverines in poor field position. Michigan’s last chance ended when VandenBoom, who picked off 3 passes, intercepted Smith at the Wisconsin 17-yard line with just 0:02 to play. Woolfolk rushed for 119 yards & a touchdown but Carter had just 1 catch while Smith’s 3 of 18 passing with 3 interceptions spelled doom for the Wolverines. The win gave the Badgers their first Belt reign. Michigan finished the season 9-3 ranked 12th nationally while the Badgers finished 7-5. Michigan would play for The Belt again in 5 weeks.
It’s probably fair to say that Bo Schembechler is a solid 50% of the source for my dislike of the Skunkbears.
Right now, it’s hard to look at anything with an “M” on it. I just want to throw up.
In reality after Saturday, it’s also hard to look at anything with an “ND” on it. I just want to throw up.
I’m surprised you can even talk about Saturday to the extent you already have, Wally. Not that my football weekend was any better (Penn State and NY Giants), I just don’t live and breathe those teams like you do your alma mater.
I’m not breathing … I’m still hyper-ventilating … and I’m barely alive.
Wish I could just let go easier … there’s flaw in my DNA, I think.