Michigan 67, Illinois 65: A comprehensive guide to Saturday's coverage
Denard Robinson (16) is at the center of the Michigan celebration after the Wolverines stopped Illinois quarterback Nathan Scheelhaase from completing a 2-point conversion in a wild 67-65, triple-overtime Saturday at Michigan Stadium.
Lon Horwedel | AnnArbor.com
Long after the dust settled on the highest-scoring game in Michigan football history, the outrageous numbers continued to swirl.
Consider: 1,237 combined offensive yards, 132 points, three overtimes. And offensive records shattered all over the field.
But here are the most important numbers for the Wolverines: The 67-65 win snapped a three-game losing streak and the six-win Michigan program is eligible for postseason play for the first time since Rich Rodriguez stepped on campus.
"You’ve gotta get to six to be bowl eligible and every win after that elevates your bowl status, so to speak. Our guys realized that, particularly our seniors," Rodriguez said in his post-game press conference. "So that was important for us, and it’s important for us now to understand that every game after this is more important.”
AnnArbor.com reporters -- and their burned out calculators -- had the game covered from every angle. Here's a roundup of what you can find on our site today:
Post-Game Coverage • Scoring summary and boxscore.
• In his main game story, beat writer Pete Bigelow recounts the game's final play through senior lineman Steve Schilling's closed eyes.
• One of the first offensive records to fall was Michigan receiver Roy Roundtree setting the single-game receiving yardage mark.
• A much-maligned Michigan defense gave up a bushel of points and yards once again, but made the play of the game when it mattered most.
• In our notebook, we touch on quarterback Denard Robinson's injury, more offensive records and other items.
• Michigan's Roy Roundtree, Illinois' Mikel Leshoure earn top honors in Bigelow's game balls.
In-Game Updates • AnnArbor.com photographers Lon Horwedel and Melanie Maxwell's have a full day's worth of images -- from pre-game to post-game -- compiled in this slideshow:
• Jim Knight kept a ridiculously fast-paced running update file during the game. Check that out here.
• Rich Rezler and Mike Rothstein hosted a live chat during the game. Read that transcript here.
Around the Big Ten (click on score for complete game recap)
Penn State 35, Northwestern 21: Matt McGloin threw four touchdown passes to help earn Joe Paterno his unprecedented 400th coaching victory in Happy Valley. Paterno, who now owns a 400-132-3 career record, is the first coach in FBS history to win 400 games. Evan Royster ran for 134 yards and added 45 yards and a touchdown for Penn State, which scored 35 unanswered points after falling behind 21-0. Dan Persa threw two touchdown passes and ran for a score in defeat for Northwestern.
Michigan State 31, Minnesota 8: Edwin Baker rushed for 179 yards and a career-high four touchdowns to lead the 16th-ranked Spartans to a home win. Kirk Cousins threw for 131 yards. Big Ten bottom feeder Minnesota struggled offensively and could only muster 267 yards. The Gophers' lone score came in the fourth quarter when MarQueis Gray made an acrobatic 9-yard catch on a pass from Adam Weber.
Iowa 18, Indiana 13: Ricky Stanzi threw a 52-yard touchdown pass to Marvin McNutt late in the fourth quarter to put Iowa ahead and the 15th-ranked Hawkeyes survived a dropped Indiana pass in the end zone in the final minute. The Hoosiers' Ben Chappell threw to a wide open Damarlo Belcher in the end zone for what appeared to be the winning score. Belcher, though, juggled the ball as he was falling to the ground and never had possession.
Wisconsin 34, Purdue 13: Montee Ball ran for a career-high 127 yards and a pair of second-half touchdowns, leading seventh-ranked Wisconsin at Ross-Ade Stadium. Scott Tolzien completed 13 of 19 passes for 130 yards with a touchdown for the Badgers, who have won four straight since opening the Big Ten schedule with a loss at Michigan State. Purdue quarterback Sean Robinson threw for 141 yards with a touchdown in his first start, but the true freshman was picked off three times. The Boilermakers held a halftime lead before being outscored 28-3 in the final 30 minutes.
Comments
Dusty
Tue, Nov 9, 2010 : 4:33 a.m.
I can spin numbers too: OSU only scored 24 on Illinois. Michigan had more than that at halftime, even with several turnovers.
Dusty
Tue, Nov 9, 2010 : 4:31 a.m.
Karen, if you don't like the football team, go root for somebody else. RR is here to stay. And maybe Michigan isn't playing Bo ball anymore, but it's still Michigan football. Don't think so? Have you ever heard of Fielding Yost? You remember him, don't you? More Michigan Man than anybody ever was. And he helmed the famous "Point-a-minute" teams of the early 19th century. He'd absolutely LOVE Rich Rod's offense, I can promise you that.
Karen
Mon, Nov 8, 2010 : 4:35 p.m.
This game was so embarrassing I was horrified to watch it. Where was the defense? How could Rich not prepare our team any better than this? Time to go, we need a new Head Coach.
timeatwork
Mon, Nov 8, 2010 : 8:26 a.m.
osu held ill to 13, msu held ill to 6. 65??? hahahaha. this is bitter sweat for me. i hate to see any success for u of m.... but i also love that this pretty much gaurantees rr will be back... hahahaha
cutty240
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 6:24 p.m.
To V8_470HP, That walkon QB won again on Sat.night.Tell me who Ohio State has beat.Rich has had this game in his sites for a long time.I know him very well,he will have his team ready for this game.He has alot of things behind now.Just don't be suprised if he pulls it off.He coaches much better when he is hunting the other team.He will get that Vest brother.
The OSU
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 3:32 p.m.
ViSHa: DR must be pretty naive if he thinks very-rich-rod would keep his word on that deal.
ViSHa
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 2:34 p.m.
i wonder if it's possible there was a "gentleman's agreement" that denard plays quarterback and only quarterback if he comes to michigan? just throwing it out there.
Ben
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 1:30 p.m.
"Just brainstorming here - Why not put Tate and DRob in at the same time. Tate as QB and DRob as a halfback. Obviously, this isn't something you'd want to do a lot of but you could try it once a while. Robinson is virtually unstoppable in the open field and would be a great threat to run or catch. Oh well, it's not like they need to beef up their offensive numbers, just thinkin'." ----------------------------------------------------------------- This has been pondered by all, well, everyone EXCEPT Rich Rod. In every game where they both play, it's proven time in and out that the TEAM reacts better to Tate, Denard is a one man show. Tate is the true leader... But to answer your question - it's too logical to run them like that.
81wolverine
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:54 a.m.
What a wild game! Our offense can be really something great next year if they eliminate most of the turnovers. To win and commit 5 TO's is pretty amazing. The defense will only get better if they shake-up the defensive coaching staff I'm afraid. RR delegates almost all the defense and the guys in charge aren't getting the job done. I did like the all-out blitz on the last play. I firmly believe they need to do that a lot more. With not being able to cover people downfield or even just past the line, what would we have to lose? On offense, Illinois did the best job stopping Denard from running of any team we've played. I think we needed to bounce him outside more because Illinois was plugging up the center too well, and Denard was taking a beating. On the other hand, he burned them through the air for over 300 yards. Go blue, beat Purdue now!
modeltim
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:36 a.m.
Just brainstorming here - Why not put Tate and DRob in at the same time. Tate as QB and DRob as a halfback. Obviously, this isn't something you'd want to do a lot of but you could try it once a while. Robinson is virtually unstoppable in the open field and would be a great threat to run or catch. Oh well, it's not like they need to beef up their offensive numbers, just thinkin'.
Yelmonian
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:34 a.m.
My how have times changes! On the MSU board, they are lamenting they only won 31-8. To run the table, they have to play better. They are happy they have (2) 9 win seasons in three years... but they were not happy with yesterday's performance. Over here....people are calling a victory over Illinois a big win, becoming bowl eligible good news, and actually trying to reason that the defense contributed to the win. I would have never dreamed this in my wildest fantasy 4 years ago.
ViSHa
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 10:05 a.m.
i am very happy for the players--they needed a boost in confidence. still doesn't wash the slime off of RR though.
Jim Nazium
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 9:45 a.m.
Man is Great to hear the Positives from most of you. My thoughts exactly. Rich Rod and his Dynamic Offense is getting or has the attention of anyone with "Football Intelligence" out there and know you can't scrap this thing no matter what. This kind of Offense will win us National Championships because it is cutting edge and can beat anybody, unlike the old 3 yards and a cloud of smoke mentality. Of course Dave Brandon will not stand for such a poor Defense under his care and if we are at least 50% better next year, we could finish in the Top Ten easy. P.S To the Sparties on 97.1 the ticket, twist and spin all you want little brother, the Big Boys here in Ann Arbor are closer then you think and your little happy streak is running out, so enjoy your "Success" now, because in the next 2-3 years We will be contending for National Championships while you guys kick the dirt and wonder why your team Probably never will.
Ben
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 9:39 a.m.
Good win, but seriously. 65 points? OT or not, 65 is 65.. I can understand keeping RR, but for the love of God, get rid of G-Rob... PLEASE
saginaw
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 9:28 a.m.
Where is Bo? Where am I -- I feel like I am on another planet. Michigan gives up 65 points to ILLINIOS, and still wins? Is this really Michigan football? It is not Bo Schembechler football. I think that we are heading down a path that leads to doom. This is just crazy. Where is our defense ranked today?
CamaroDan
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 9:13 a.m.
Sparky79 Well said. Many positives on D with the big picture perspective. After some big pass plays, finally, some adjustments. However you look at the points, the D forced the last play of the game in our favor. GO BLUE!!!!!!!!
B1
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 8:57 a.m.
Sparky79: Well said. Thank you for your comments and keeping things positive, I wish more of the Michigan "faithful" could see it the same way. I think we may be turning the corner on maintaining success...Go Blue.
heartbreakM
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 8:57 a.m.
Sparky--I agree w/you. I think the D was the key to this game, and not because of the last stop, but rather because of the first half holds when it could easily have 24-7 but M was up 7-6. Without that, it would have been likely a repeat of Iowa and PSU with big deficits. So even though it was a record breaking game, my hats off to the D. They held, and dare I say, made a few adjustments at halftime (a first under RR)
V8_470HP
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 8:52 a.m.
cutty240: "Sweater Vest better watch out." Seriously? What proof do you have that OSU needs to watch out... the 11 guys UM calls a defense, made a walk-on PSU QB look like an All-American... Illinois' QB is a freshman... OSU has a complete team, a very good defense, and a coach that has stuck to OSU tradition making the UM game a priority year in and year out... UM still needs to prove they can more than 4 or 5 offensive plays against a good defense. You're using a triple OT win against Illinois, in the Big House, as a warning to the "Sweater Vest?" I would enjoy the win, find out how to disguise the defense, and hope OSU overlooks UM before making claims like this... where were these types of comments after the PSU game?
Sparky79
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 8:20 a.m.
IMO, many folks here continue to make WAY to big a deal out of the 65 points given up, simply because the defense did NOT give up 65 points in regulation. Break it down, people... 31 first half points... this coming after the defense HELD Illinois to a field goal, turnover, field goal, and finally a TD in the first four possessions. For those who only like to look at points, why don't you look at the circumstances around those given up? Held IL to a field on their first drive. Good job! Then a Mich interception, but they cause an IL fumble. Good job! Then ANOTHER Mich interception. They hold IL to another field goal on another short field. Good job! Then Gallon fumbles the kick off and finally Illinois gets a TD. Michigan's defense was on the field for 12:48 of the first quarter. 12:48! And for a change, it wasn't their fault. You should be THANKING the defense for holding us in the game after that pitiful offensive performance (save for the first play of the game). After giving up 31 first half points, they only gave up 14 in the second half. I guess in some people's books that's not progress (after what I've watched the past three weeks, that's DEFINITELY progress!). Then 20 points come in overtime, in which the offense starts at the 25 yard line. OT is a whole different cup of tea. Who cares how many points they give up in overtime? The only thing that matters is getting the last stop, and they did. It's not a TRUE 65 points they gave up (as in, 65 points during regulation). I know they still give up too many big plays and definitely had some blown coverage, but a win's a win. It's funny...Michigan's 2000 team gave up 54 points to Northwestern WITHOUT overtime and lost the game. Total heartbreaker, yet everyone remembers how wild and fun that game was. But yesterday we WIN a thrilling 67-65 triple OT shootout and all a lot of people here do is whine and complain. We lose, you complain. We win, you complain. Thank goodness Dave Brandon is in charge and not people here! Hope they can continue the momentum against Purdue. Go Blue!
GoBucks
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 8:05 a.m.
Illinois was only able to score 13 points against OSU at home. UM can forget about scoring enough points to win because Vest will have his team ready on Nov 27. OSU has the defense to definitely stop Denard Robinson, but your backup quarterback, Tate Forcier, will give us problems. I would not be surprised if RR started Tate because he seems more disciplined under pressure.
clarklaker
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 7:31 a.m.
Regardless of how they won the game. Its moments like this that can turn around a team and a season lets hope they carry the momentum with them the rest of the season.That is the most fun i have had at a michigan game in years. Kudos to the halftime show also nothing better than to see brutus tackled by a bobcat. GO BLUE!!
GettingBluer
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 6:58 a.m.
"Just think if your(sic) the other coach,We(sic) scored 65 points,and lost the game." Yep, this rate of "progression" boggles the mind. If Richie is still around next season (and I saw no reason why he should), given a bad enough opponent, triple digits might not be enough.
cutty240
Sun, Nov 7, 2010 : 12:04 a.m.
Sweater Vest better watch out.Rich has these kids Rocking and Rolling now.Tate's head is back in the game. Rich has 2 QB'S to throw at everyone.Pay attention,this team is growing before your eyes.last year,they would of lost this game.Just think if your the other coach,We scored 65 points,and lost the game.Talk about getting in to someones head.
chiro19
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 10:54 p.m.
Good win! Horrible defense, great offense. I was wrong in thinking they would lose. The D is still getting worse every game. Great job by the offense to score on every drive. Another couple records down, most points given up in two straight games, most receiving yards in one game! I will say a win is a win and it is good to see michigan back in a bowl game. Just think if this team had a middle of the pack Defense, they would probably be undefeated or 1 loss. I think this saved RR for another season and doomed GR. How do you keep a coach that is getting worse and is already on the bottom?! Keep winning michigan! GO BLUE
BleedMazeNBlue
Sat, Nov 6, 2010 : 9:02 p.m.
Who knows what bowl game it will be, but at least it's a bowl.