Michigan football doesn’t play this week, so it’s the perfect time to rewatch all those old highlights from some of the greatest games in history.
After winning the National Championship Game in January, the Michigan Wolverines are still looking for bowl eligibility as the 2024 football season nears its end. The team doesn’t play today, so we’re looking back on some of the best games in Michigan Football history. It’s a particularly tough task given Michigan has played football for quite some time.
#1: Michigan vs. Ohio State (2021)
With a trip to the Big Ten Championship and College Football Playoff on the line, the Wolverines defeated the Buckeyes, 42-27. The Game at the Big House was an instant classic. Hassan Haskins rushed for 169 yards and five touchdowns. Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo were dominant defensively. It’s hard to talk about the success from 2021-23 without pointing first to this monumental win in the Jim Harbaugh era.
#2: Michigan vs. Alabama (2024 Rose Bowl Game)
There’s no National Championship if Michigan doesn’t make it out of the Rose Bowl with a win. Down by a touchdown with less than five minutes to go, Michigan finally puts a drive together and ties it up at 20. Blake Corum gets the overtime touchdown, “Michigan makes a stand,” and the Wolverines advance to the National Championship.
#3: Michigan vs. Michigan State (2004)
It’s a rivalry game at the Big House. Michigan falls behind but mounts a comeback to win this one in 3OT. Braylon Edwards is the star in this one. He finishes the night with three touchdowns and 189 yards on 11 receptions. Chad Henne completes 24 passes for 273 yards and four touchdowns. Mike Hart has 224 yards on 33 carries with one touchdown, continuously showing why he’ll always be a Michigan favorite.
#4: Michigan vs. Florida (2008 Capital One Bowl)
For this game to make the top-five context is everything. Michigan opened the 2007 season 0-2 with a loss to Appalachian State followed by a loss to Oregon. It was one of the worst starts for a Michigan football program and sent the fanbase into a spiral. The only thing that redeemed this season was a win over a Tim Tebow and Urban Meyer-led Florida in the Capitol One Bowl. It sent Lloyd Carr into retirement with a win and gave us one last good memory before the Rich-Rod era.
#5: Michigan vs. Ohio State (1991)
Desmond Howard takes a punt 93 yards to the house and caps it off with a celebration in the end zone that will live on forever. It’s hard to forget the iconic Heisman pose. Michigan already had the lead, but what a way to keep the momentum for his Heisman campaign.
Honorable Mentions:
Michian vs. Washington (2024 National Championship)
Michigan defeats Washington 34-13 and wins a National Championship game as the four-team College Football Playoff era ends.
Michigan vs Notre Dame (2011)
Denard Robinson and the Wolverines score with thirty seconds left in the game. They win the first night game at the Big House against Notre Dame 35-31.
Michigan vs Penn State (2005)
Lloyd Carr argues for more time on the clock earlier in the game. Chad Henne finds Mario Manningham in the end zone as time expires. Michigan wins 27-25.
Michigan vs Ohio State (2022)
No Blake Corum, no problem with Donovan Edwards. Michigan wins 45-23 on the road in Columbus.
Michigan vs Washington State (1998 Rose Bowl)
Michigan finishes the season 11-0 after a 21-16 win over Washington State. The unforgettable Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson helped the team win the Rose Bowl and secure a National Championship.
Let us know your top five games in Michigan Football history! Share your thoughts in the comments below.