Michigan football team completes turnaround season, tops Va. Tech in OT
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson threw two touchdown passes and then celebrated a 23-20 overtime victory against Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
NEW ORLEANS — A magical ending to a magical season.
A year in which everything seemed to fall into place for the Michigan football team culminated with a BCS game that was there for the taking.
And they took it, thanks to Brendan Gibbons.
The sophomore kicker, who was 1-of-5 last year and part of a Michigan field-goal kicking unit that finished last in the country, nailed a 39-yarder to help Michigan take this one to overtime.
After Virginia Tech went scoreless in the extra period, Gibbons hit from 37 yards to give Michigan a resilient 23-20 overtime victory against the Hokies.
"It was about will," coach Brady Hoke said. "When you play a game like that and both teams are getting after each other ... I can tell you down on the field, it was physical. You could hear it.
"The one thing that's great about this football team is they've continued to stay together. And they've continued to complement each other. And that's exciting. And that's why we've won 11 games."
Then the celebration started. Holder Drew Dileo, a Louisiana native, hugged and leaped on Gibbons. Michigan coach Brady Hoke was soaked in a traditional water bucket bath within seconds.
Michigan players pulled on T-shirts that read "POUR SOME SUGAR ON ME," as Michigan celebrated the 20th bowl victory in team history.
West Virginia's Danny Coale appeared to make a diving touchdown catch in overtime, but a review of the play overturned the call.
Melanie Maxwell | AnnArbor.com
The Wolverines went 11-2 in coach Hoke’s first season, just the fifth time they’ve won that many games in their modern era.
"This one cements our place in Michigan history for a long time," senior defensive lineman Ryan Van Bergen said. "Team 132 will be remembered, no doubt about it."
This team always was going to be remembered for the way it responded to a three-year run of futility, although it didn't always look like it was going to end on a positive note.
The Wolverines gave away an 11-point lead in the second half as its offense stalled and defense couldn't get off the field on third downs.
Michigan quarterback Denard Robinson was held to a career-low 13 yards rushing and was mostly ineffective in the passing game.
But he found receiver Junior Hemingway for two long touchdowns and engineered enough offense to cap Michigan's comeback season with a thrilling victory.
"I seen Denard getting ready to throw the ball (on the first one), but I didn't know who he was throwing the ball at," said Hemingway, who was named the game's MVP. "He threw it up and (I) didn't play the ball good. I caught it. I heard the safety coming over I didn't know if he was going to take me out or what. Snatched the ball in there, ran it in for six.
"On the second one, I got behind the safety, and I was thinking in my head, 'Please, Denard, throw this up, please, I want you to so bad.'
"And he threw it up. He threw it up. And I made a play on it." Michigan's defense struggled badly on third down, when it allowed Virginia Tech to convert six of 15 third-down plays, including several long attempts.
The Hokies tied the game early in the fourth quarter after converting third downs of 12, 8 and 11 yards and a fourth down of 11 yards. Quarterback Logan Thomas, who was terrific all night, finished off the drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to tie the game 17-17 with 10:22 left.
Thomas finished 19-of-28 for 214 yards and one interception. He also ran for 53 yards.
Virginia Tech had its turn first in overtime, and third-string kicker Justin Myer, who had made his first three attempts after being forced into duty because of an arrest and suspension, missed a 37-yarder to set up Gibbons' heroics. The miss came one play after Thomas appeared to find Danny Coale for a diving touchdown catch in the end zone. A review of the play overturned the call on the field.
Michigan was outplayed in every notable statistic in the first half, being outgained 185-145 in total yardage and achieving two fewer first downs.
"We were looking at the third quarter stats on the screen and they had more first downs, they had more total yards, they had more time of possession — but we were still up," tight end Kevin Koger said. "We had no idea why … it wasn’t pretty, it was definitely ugly, but we got through it."
Michigan caught enough breaks to avoid taking any body blows.
Virginia Tech drove to Michigan’s 4-yard line on its first possession, but tailback David Wilson backtracked 22 yards to set up a field goal by Myer. He made it for a 3-0 lead.
After an interception by Robinson, Myer drilled a 43-yarder — the Hokies’ longest field goal of the year — to extend Michigan’s deficit to 6-0.
The Wolverines again gave the Hokies solid field position on their next drive, thanks in part to a 24-yard punt by Will Hagerup, but senior defensive linemen Ryan Van Bergen and Mike Martin combined on a fourth-down stop to give Michigan a goal-line stand.
"We were bending but we never broke," Van Bergen said. "That was big for us, that fourth-and-one stop. Me and Mike called that play 'cause after seeing it on film. I don't remember who made the play cause we just dove down.
"People will say what they will say regardless of what the stats are. At the end of the day, we know, and I'm sure every other team that plays college football knows, is the only thing that matters is the score."
Kyle Meinke covers Michigan football for AnnArbor.com. He can be reached at 734-623-2588, by email at kylemeinke@annarbor.com and followed on Twitter @kmeinke.
Comments
genetracy
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 6:16 a.m.
Orange Bowl. West Virginia, 70 - Clemson 33. Why is this significant? Clemson humiliated VT in the ACC Championship game 38 - 10. Now Michigan had to go to OT to barely beat VT. So what does this say about the BCS and the Cotten Bowl? Was it really about two evenly matched, overrated teams? Disclaimer: I am not an MSU, Notre Dame, Or OSU fan.
David Vande Bunte
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 8:31 p.m.
Just because one team matches up with another doesn't mean jack squat. Notre Dame and Nebraska beat MSU, MSU beat Michigan, Michigan beat Notre Dame and Nebraska. You can play that circular logic game all day, it just doesn't work.
mun
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 5:54 p.m.
Or it says West Virginia had a good game in the Orange Bowl. Or Clemson had a good game against Va Tech and a bad game in the Orange Bowl. The bowl games are crapshoot.
truebluefan
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 12:55 p.m.
Evenly matched, yes. Overrated, probably not. I think the Orange Bowl got away from Clemson in a major way with dumb mistakes. And WVU was on fire. They've got a great QB in Geno Smith and a great offensive minded coach in Dana Holgorsen. But I would agree that Michigan came in under prepared for the game against VaTech. If not for luck, Michigan could've easily lost that game. The coaches need to do a much better job of preparation especially given 5 weeks to prepare. Thankfully special teams were good because the offensive game plan was a complete joke.
genetracy
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 6:29 a.m.
My bad. I meant the Sugar Bowl. Let the name calling begin.
mun
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 3:12 a.m.
U-M 10-2= 83% winning MSU 10-3= 77% winning How is that Michigan "backing into the Sugar Bowl?" Fuzzy math.
EastCoastBlue
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 10:52 p.m.
Best clip of the night: Spartan tears taste like sugar LOL.
mun
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
I see the spartan nation is out in force here. What was it you spartan fans were saying after this year's game vs U-M? Oh yeah, "WHAT A BUNCH OF WHINERS!"
truebluefan
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 9:21 p.m.
It's great that we won a BCS bowl, however, that game was a total stinker. It was almost embarrassing watching us stumble to 180 yards of total offense. How does Clemson roll up nearly 500 yards of offense and 38 points against VaTech but we cannot muster 200 yards? Did Borges watch any game tape? Again, what was with all the long vertical passes? They clearly do NOT fit Denard's skill set. Sure, he ended up with two TD passes but both of them were poor to horrendous throws/decisions that would be incomplete or picked off probably 8 times out of 10. After watching that game I am convinced Denard has not improved in his throwing ability nor his ability to read defenses. Logan Thomas looked 100 times more polished at the helm than Denard, and that is a shame! This game gave me a sick feeling about next year's murderous schedule. Bottom line is VaTech outplayed Michigan by a fairly wide margin and if they don't shoot themselves in the foot on multiple occasions, I think they win easily. To VaTech fans -- sorry, that was NOT a catch in the end zone. Possession was not maintained throughout the catch. The ball clearly hit the ground and rotated.
MassMittenz
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:13 p.m.
I admit that I saw the false start by the kicker as well but I crossed my fingers that it wouldn't be called......and it wasn't. So I'm happy with the results regardless of what happened but it makes me a little fearful of next season. I'm honest enough to know if I was a neutral or Hokie fan that I would've claimed that V Tech was robbed but they were'nt the first, and they won't be the last. Go Blue!!
bluenella
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:07 p.m.
Tenacious Team 132, you find a way to win, because you play 60+ minutes of football. Congratulations & Go Blue! 11-2, well done. I'll leave the coaching to the coaches & do what a fan is supposed to do: cheer.
genetracy
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:54 p.m.
Ok Mich fans, you won your bowl game. As for Denard Robinson, this is the first Mich game I watched from beginning to end this year. Where do people get he would be a first round NFL pick if he declared for the draft or first on the short list of next year's Heisman hopefuls? A great athelete but the guy cannot pass. Throwing the ball into the air and hoping your receivers catch is not passing. On a good day, he could not hit the ocean with a football.
mookienation
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
Are people really saying he would be a first round pick? I haven't heard that anywhere. Winning the Heisman isn't that far-fetched, though. If he can get his completion percentage above 60% and continue to put up his usual rushing numbers -- and if Michigan wins the Big Ten -- I think there's a good chance he'd make the trip to New York in December. But any realistic Michigan fan knows Denard won't be taking snaps on Sundays. Kick returns are probably his best bet.
vi4mi4
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
..nice season for the seniors.. 133= Big Ten Title Hail To The Victors! v
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
Ted Bundy: I'm not trying to hate on the Wolvies, or discredit their win. Can we at least agree that the overturned TD in OT was extremely tough to overturn? And that more obvious calls then that have been left Play Stands? UofM may very well have still won the game if the call was left Play Stands. Also, can we agree that 2 times Gibbons false started/illegal motioned when he kicked field goals? Once on the botched field goal and once in Overtime? Just last season Cal's kicker took a step forward before the ball was snapped and a flag was thrown? Again, UofM very well may have still won had they thrown a flag here. Congrats to UofM however, next year will be very excited for both schools.
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:39 p.m.
I'm sure next year when you're 9-3 and get selected to the Sugar Bowl again you will also think that you deserve to be there and had a great season too
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:34 p.m.
I guess I find it amusing to read the posts of all the Wolverine fans that some how think their team is back to being an elite program simply because they won a BCS game that they backed into due to hopes of higher revenue. Had Michigan been given the Cotton Bowl or Capital One bowl and won, then this season wouldn't had been as "perfect" or "magical" as you seem to think it is. But since BCS was added in front of the game then all of a sudden Michigan thinks it's an elite come back program.
Ted Bundy
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
You never answered my question... Why are you trolling? MSU won their bowl game, be happy. Your fanbase is always so miserable whether sparty loses or wins, I dont get it...
Paul Butler
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
This Hokie would like to congratulate Michigan on a well deserved victory. Interesting and entertaining game to say the least. Hokie381 (VT Class of '72)
MRunner73
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
Thank you...Va Tech; classy porgram and classy Head Coach. (Michigan Cross Country '73)
15crown00
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
Lucky to be there. Lucky to win Way to back into the Sugar Bowl Way to back out with a victory. NO HONOR there at ALL.
mun
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 10:08 p.m.
What was it you spartan fans were saying after this year's game vs U-M? Oh yeah, "WHAT A BUNCH OF WHINERS!"
AMaizing_Blue
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:21 p.m.
15crown00, I know you watched the game, did you happen to see the sign? Spartan tears taste like sugar! To you and your fellow trolls, you guys make this ugly victory even sweeter. Thank you! Regards, Your Big Bro
MRunner73
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:06 p.m.
Ted Bundy...good one; a big LOL!!!
MRunner73
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
You think Michigan is bad, did you watch ND lose to FSU? Brian Kelly is a loser. If you were a ND, you'd have a lot more to complain about. If you were a Va Tech fan, you'd have even more to complain about. If you're an ohio fan, you wouldn't have too much to cheer about. If your a Cornhusker fan, you be embarrassed..(where's the honor in all of that?) Is the glass still half empty?
Ted Bundy
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:56 p.m.
Spartina of East Landfill? Whats up bud? Thanks for padding the TV ratings by watching your big brother last night.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
WAH!
George Iscurious
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:19 p.m.
Seriously? What benefits the NCAA more in this game: a win by a regionally popular school from an increasingly irrelevant conference, or a win by a former powerhouse with a national following and a "feel good" story about a return to competativeness? What matters in college football is money and politics. This win (and most of the season) were gift wrapped for U of M by the Big 10 and NCAA. What an embarrassment for true maize and blue fans to have to see their team reduced to the equivalent of the special needs child who gets to play in one varsity game.
Smiley
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:04 p.m.
Translation: Still angry about always being picked last in gym class.
Ted Bundy
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:07 p.m.
Cliff- Stop trolling bud. Go to bed, get some sleep. You're the reason UM gets such good TV ratings because not only do UM fans watch, MSU fans watch as well! Ching! Ching!
A2James
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:59 p.m.
To all the Michigan State fans: We beat a very good VT team, in 1 OT. The Spartans, on the other hand, barely beat a lower-ranked Georgia team, in 3 OT's! People lie, but results don't. Looking forward to the U-M/MSU rematch next season!
genetracy
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:48 p.m.
Neither Mich or VT could beat Georgia.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:55 p.m.
lulz at all the Sparty trolls! You just won your first bowl game in a decade, in what was a really good bowl game, and what do you spend your time doing? Trolling Michigan boards because despite your success, you STILL have this massive inferiority complex when it comes to the University of Michigan. You can't even enjoy your own win, I LOVE IT!
knotch
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:17 p.m.
Sometime it's better to be lucky than good. I didn't quit understand the full-house back field, but. This and the MS WHOOO have should be a learning experience. VT's conrners crashed down over and over...line backers crased the line....VT watched one Michigan game film.....UM - MSU. Sparty crashed the line and lived by the bitz. In the end...WIN Big Blue 11-2
stunhsif
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
Pathetic when a ref wins the game for you. Looking forward to our fifth win in a row next year against michigan. Go Green Go White
mun
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 10:11 p.m.
Like the 2001 game? Spartan Bob anyone?
Mark
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5 p.m.
Sparties that live in glass porches should not throw stones. I remember several games that the refs won for MSU.
Ted Bundy
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:10 p.m.
yeah like that TD catch against Wisconsin. The ball didnt cross the line of endzone...
Richard Babler
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
Sparty never won a game based on an official's call. Ha!
MRunner73
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:01 p.m.
It wasn't the prettiest win but Va tech struggled perhaps more than Michigan. Maybe more yards in total offense but fewer points on the scoreboard. Glass half empty folks: Michigan won and as 11-2. Please, quit getting down on Denard. He will help Michigan even more in 2012.
mun
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 10:12 p.m.
Plus his teammates will step up their game. I look forward to seeing Fitz Toussant turning it up next year.
81wolverine
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:39 p.m.
Great win for Michigan last night. Yes, all you "glass is half empty" people - it was a win, not a loss. Sure, VT could easily have won that game, but they also made a big number of special teams mistakes. In the end, Michigan was a little tougher and hit the winning FG. Give Hoke and his staff a ton of credit for accomplishing more with less. For years, Michigan fans have been disappointed by under-performing teams. For at least one year, let's all enjoy a team that overachieved instead of complaining about them. No one is saying this team is one of the elite college football teams despite being 11-2. The last 3 years set the program back and it will take a few more years to build the talent levels back to where they need to be at all positions. But until then, enjoy the accomplishments of this great group of young men who achieved a great BCS bowl victory last night.
15crown00
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:30 p.m.
shouldn't have been there.shouldn't have won. No Honor At All
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:49 p.m.
"for years" michigan has been under performing? I thought this team had the most wins in college football history and competed for the Big Ten title almost every year? Unless you are referring to the past 3 seasons, in which case the team didn't under perform, they were just bad and poorly coached.
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:18 p.m.
With thousands of people watching at the stadium and millions more watching from home, how is it that the people that make the calls on the field (the refs) did not call Gibbons for false starting on the OT kick or his previous kick in regulation??? Everyone saw his take a step forward before the ball was snapped.
Richard Babler
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 12:28 p.m.
After having read "Three And Out", Rich's record should be tacked on to Lloyd's(a real Michigan man.) I agree with the previous comment of Larry. A win is a team victory and it takes more than the heralded players to succeed in the game of football.
MassMittenz
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 12:09 p.m.
We won 11 games and that is all that matters, but we have been very fortunate or very lucky this season. The ball has bounced our way, and we should thank the football gods for it. Aside from our great performance against Nebraska, we have not had enough good play to claim that "we are back". Looking back at the season, I'd say that we have been kept in games by our opponents sloppy play, pedestrian schedule and having Denard Robinson. Watching the Sugar Bowl made me nauseous at times because we couldn't stop the run nor the pass, but V Tech kept us in the game with their own ineptitude. We were so fortunate that Denard's two TD passes were caught by Hemingway because they were in fact, "hail mary's". (Hemingway should be heralded for his play....totally awesome!) On the positive, we have a coach that knows how to pick a coaching staff, recruit and develop players and our program is progressing. We have found some complexity to our offense since Hoke developed a RB and a aggressive defense. He has brought the "fight" back into our football team despite the many flaws that it has. And if given ample time, we will eventually win a "B1G" Championship. I know my earlier statements seem harsh, but I want to evaluate this team with honesty instead of being a homer. Virginia Tech suffered some tough calls and shot themselves in the foot enough to keep us in the game. We were very lucky to escape with a win against V Tech, but it was a win nonetheless! Go Blue, here's to the future!! (formerly, Sean T.)
mun
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
@15crown00 So how did that Big Ten Championship game work out for ya?
Ted Bundy
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
SPARTAN TEARS TASTE LIKE SUGAR
15crown00
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:27 p.m.
28-14 Sparty. All u gotta know.
fjord
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 11:57 a.m.
The Blue were supremely fortunate to escape with a win. Anyone with eyes could see that they weren't the better team last night — but the scoreboard doesn't always tell the story. Regardless, it was a great season ... congratulations to Brady Hoke and his team. And the good news: really, they can only get better.
mun
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 3:06 a.m.
The winner is the one who makes the plays when they count, and Michigan did just that.
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:05 p.m.
I am not sure they can only get better with Denard staying at quarterback next year and with UofM's schedule being much more difficult next year. But only time will tell
15crown00
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:28 p.m.
hate to say it but i agree on all points.
Theo's Brother
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 9:09 a.m.
Roses are red Maizes are blue SUGAR is sweet We're 11-2!!!!!! Other than Theo losing where we parked, it was a magical nigjt at the Superdome!!!! Geaux Blue from NOLA!!!!
15crown00
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:26 p.m.
Show how miswired your brain is Little Sister.
Larry Weisenthal
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:51 a.m.
Dumb announcer call of the day. Previewing the Clemson-West Virginia Orange Bowl game: And Clemson will be playing another team from the State of Virginia -- West Virginia! Michigan/Western Michigan. Yes. Kentucky/Western Kentucky. Yes. Virginia/West Virginia. Umm. No.
mookienation
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
Maybe he was referring to a Virginia "state of mind."
Mark
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:56 p.m.
Yeah, I cringed when I heard that.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
Yeah, I noticed that too, lol
Mick
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:29 a.m.
And know this, THAT WAS NOT A TD BY VT IN OT!, Ok? Ball hit the ground and even if you think he caught it, he slid out of bounds by that point, not a TD!
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:15 p.m.
Yes I do recall that. And that call was Play Stands when it was a far easier call to overturn then the one last night.
Smiley
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:58 p.m.
Cliff - You do recall a nearly identical call that cost Michigan the game against Iowa this season, no? Karma, little brother, karma.
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:38 p.m.
*Too close to overturn
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:34 p.m.
Any other team, any other game, that call would have been a Play Stands. Far too close overturn. By the favoritism and bias toward wanting to make Michigan relevant again, the play was overturned.
Shlobodon Dobodon
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:21 a.m.
This game was embarassing, especially for the bcs. After watching it, I feel like both teams lost. Umich is really dreaming if they think they are going to even come close to this kind of season next year.
Mick
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:20 a.m.
11-2 with the team the WCIMFH left over, well that is impressive, that's the same record as the vaunted 2006 team, impressive job Coach Hoke. That however was a tough game to watch, but we won and congrats to all the players on team 132, next up is team 133, I can't wait, Go Blue!!!
mun
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 5:59 p.m.
And this years team beat OSU and won the Sugar Bowl. I'm looking forward to next year when more of Hoke's recruits get in as starters.
iamcris
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:06 a.m.
Observations on Team 132. - Brendan Gibbons is a beast mode kicker. - Frank Beamer did the honorable thing and sent a kicker home due to breaking curfew, if that was tOSU (not so much) - Virginia Tech is very well coached and they have athletes all over the football field. Beamer has been their coach for 25 years. - about time a replay concerning a TD went Michigan's way. - of all the seniors and they are all special, I believe I will miss David Molk the most. - Just wait until Brady Hoke has "his" players in place before we judge size, speed, talent on Michigan's roster to harshly. - a team effort bonded this team 132 and brought them to the heights they achieved this season. - I will remember this season for a very long time to come as being special due to the players fighting through adversity we as fans will never fully grasp the depth of. Mr. Hemingway said it best in the post game awards ceremony. I look forward to Team 133 and have realistic expectations. As easy as some may consider the schedule was this year, next years schedule is equal in brutality. I hope the fan base continues to support Coach Hoke, his staff, and Team 133 with respect. Thanks and Go Blue!!!
rightmind250
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:13 p.m.
I think UM's punter is the one with the issues. Why was he with the team?
Tru2Blu76
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:48 a.m.
Sincere congratulations to Wolverines Team 132 and to Michigan's entire coaching staff. But as everyone here points out: this was a stinker of a game. If not for the bonehead mistakes of the Hokies, and some repeated Red Zone stops by Michigan's Defense, they would have devastated Michigan. So it came down to: better discipline and apparently better preparation for the Wolverines. It was apparent the Hokies have a lot of talent but were really, really not well prepared or well disciplined. Coach Beamer, I'm sure will accept some responsibility and I think he should. It may have been the way he prepared his team or his play calling - but they looked far more amateurish even while rendering Denard helpless for most of the game. In that way: this will go down as one of the strangest games ever played by a Michigan team. Denard managed two touch down passes while being held to something like 18 yards running - who would have predicted THAT??!! And though the Hokies' kicker was supposed to be their biggest weakness: it was he who provided most of the scoring. Will it become a "trademark" of this team that they make two scores in 48 seconds? Remember, they did almost exactly the same thing to win against Notre Dame in the game which was the highlight of the season until now. The most glaring shortfall of Michigan: player size. The VT QB and Receiver were both huge guys who could really move and really see over the heads of the Michigan players. Their smaller (but record setting) RB was handled easily for the most part by Michigan's D. Lets PRAY that Hoke and his recruiting staff are aware of that need.
Larry Weisenthal
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:48 a.m.
Double posting this comment (from an earlier thread): I can't believe the negativism here. Football is a team game. Offense. Defense. Special. Coaching. Va Tech had a nationally ranked defense, had a great defensive game plan, and played with great passion. You've got to remember they had another shooting on campus a month back. Then there is the long layoff for Michigan (a week longer than Va Tech's). Bowl games are never reflections of the the way things were at the end of the season. So Michigan's offense didn't look so good. They were up against a grinding, good defense. Neither LSU nor Alabama looked good on offense, when they played each other. The offense kept it together, didn't get bad penalties, and didn't cough it up, except for the long INT, which was as good as a punt. And the best center in college football was injured, missed the first series (when there were two bad snaps), and was limping for the rest of the game. The defense faced an NFL quality running back and a monster double threat QB, both playing inspired games. They bent, but didn't really break. Va Tech scored only a single touchdown. Pretty good performance. That interception, leading to our 2nd TD, was the play of the game. Clean, athletic pick. Nothing lucky about it. This was with a depleted D line. But how about the special teams? Punts weren't so hot, but the placekicking and fake FG execution were flawless. And our coaches made better in game decisions than theirs. It was a tense, evenly matched big time bowl game. Thinking back to all the Michigan bowl games I've seen since January, 1970, and this one was clearly above average. Speculation about how we would have done against BSU is so much BSU, without the U. A good, solid way to end up a year which exceeded all reasonable expectations. Go Blue!
Blu-dogg97
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:38 p.m.
Agreed Larry.. I have an idea that most of the negativism here is the sparty fans trolling the blue site,and they are green with envy of they're Big brother. That was a hard hitting football game, you could here the helmets popping on almost every play. VT came prepared,just made a few mistakes that Michigan capitalized on. 5 weeks between conference play,and bowl season is way too much idle time for these student athletes .. GO BLUE ..
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
Placekicking was flawless??? UofM's kicker false started on at least 2 of his 3 field goals. Miraculously though, the refs swallowed their whistles.
Scott
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 8:30 a.m.
Their defensive line and linebackers were incredible. Quick, fast, and athletic. Totally dominated our bigger O-line. Everyone but you seemed to miss that.
robolion
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:45 a.m.
UM, congratulations on a great season! To all the know-nothing blow hard's that claimed Rich Rod couldn't win because there was no talent at UM, Brady Hoke says: WRONG! You can become AZ fans, real Wolverines won't miss you. To all the VT fans who want to hang on the TD reversal in OT as their downfall please consider: 5 trips to the red zone with 1 TD fumbled kick off roughing the kicker INT on a screen deep in your zone 4th and 1 fake punt after a TO when you have the best 4th down conversion QB in the BCS. 2 FG kickers dismissed for lack of character leaving a 3rd string kicker to make an OT FG on Prime TIme National TV. The back corner of the end zone replay shows the catch was not made before the ball touched the ground. Live by the replay, die by the replay. You and your team lost the game. UM wins. Hail to the Victors!
7718
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:33 p.m.
RR had the talent, unfortunately most were freshmen. They have matured a few years and gained some valuable experience, resulting in today's players.
perfectlyflwed
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:32 a.m.
Everyone claiming we need a QB, looking at you Nadine Davis, forget that many of the passes were pass interference calls that did not get called. DenardX is a leader, he may be flashy one game and go none existent the next, but he leads!!!
Canabian
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:31 a.m.
Anyone else remember rocking out to that classic Def Leppard tune "Put Some Sugar On Me"? Yeah, me neither.
stunhsif
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:59 p.m.
Try , "pour some sugar on me". Go Green Go White
Nadine Davis
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:16 a.m.
We need a good, solid, QB. This was not a good win. I agree with those comments. Robinson is not a good QB.
Shlobodon Dobodon
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:27 a.m.
Dude can't really throw. He should be returning kicks or something.
azwolverine
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:37 a.m.
Bad game, good qb. Just ask Osu, Nebraska, and notre dame.
mookienation
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:14 a.m.
Well, it's a good thing we didn't play Boise State. They would have blown us out of the water. Now we can look forward to Alabama. I hope Brady Hoke and the rest of the coaches have some serious plans to improve during the off-season. I have a feeling Denard has pretty much hit his ceiling as a passer (hopefully I'm wrong) but there are still a lot of areas we need to improve in to become nationally relevant. Beating Alabama would be nothing short of a miracle. The more time a team has to prepare for Denard Robinson, the more effective they are at containing him. Especially when that team is Alabama. Sorry, I hope I don't sound like a downer. I'm glad Michigan won tonight. I wish they would have played better, but a win is always better than a loss. But we're going to have to improve drastically in order to get 11 wins next season. Let's hope Coach Hoke is up for that challenge. Go Blue!!
15crown00
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:31 p.m.
right o
robolion
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7 a.m.
It's all about TV and Bowl revenue. Nobody cares about BSU outside of Idaho and those 50,000 people can't buy enough Tostitos or Allstate insurance or fill the Superdome. There isn't a team in the Big 10 that could beat BSU or Alabama or LSU. Ignoring the inequitable rules that, for example, allow SEC teams to cut and replace scholarship players, the Big 10 is right and just to maintain their rules and press forward. Justice is slow but will be served in time. UM has the resources and now the coaching to return to national competitiveness.
Scott
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:27 a.m.
I love Michigan but you are right- BSU would have beat us soundly. There should be a playoff. Boise State has won 12.5 games per year the last 4 years and they end up in some lousy bowl beating the snot out of a middle of the road PAC team. Living in Boise and having watched Kellen Moore play out his career, it's too bad most people will never know what a great college football player this guy is.
edjasbord
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:27 a.m.
Let's just be real - from the looks of how team 132 projects to team 133, Alabama is going to slaughter us. Devin beating out Denard in the offseason is the only place to find some level of improvement that might make us competitive. You know, a passing game to open up the run.
Dave
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:05 a.m.
Ugly win, but I'll take it! Go Blue! And to all the Sparty trolls: It's great to be a Michigan Wolverine! Thanks for continuing to be the little brother and obsess about Michigan online! Look forward to seeing Michigan State win in a non-BCS bowl again next year!
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:18 p.m.
And the spartans look forward to beating UofM again next year. Since it painfully obvious how to beat Michigan. And with Denard staying at quarterback, State's recipe for stopping him will succeed again.
Goofus
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:38 a.m.
Why were Michigan fans waving Anti-State banners at their own bowl game then? Methinks the obsession runs the other way...
Nadine Davis
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6 a.m.
OK. UOFM
Regularjoey
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:51 a.m.
This team and staff seems to have really good karma!
Cliff
Thu, Jan 5, 2012 : 6:59 p.m.
I think we more then made up for it by having to play wisconsin twice. even though eastern was "competetive" this year, they are still synonomous with an FCS type of school. And you never know, Youngstown could have beat MSU this year, anything can happen. (ex. Appalachian State)
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:50 p.m.
more of a challenge than the 1-11/FCS teams that Sparty had on their schedule.
Cliff
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 4:02 p.m.
I didn't realize that 6-6 or 7-5 teams were that big of a challenge for Michigan.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:30 p.m.
If by "easy" schedule you mean playing 10 bowl eligible teams (most in NCAA history), then yes.
Shlobodon Dobodon
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 7:29 a.m.
aka luck and an easy schedule.
Scott
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:48 a.m.
I think I saw Theo and his brother in the stands. They were sitting next to rich Rodriguez.
Jojo B
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:46 a.m.
Boy, it wasn't pretty and I'm still in shock that we won. Offense was mostly ineffective, defense couldn't stop the onslaught especially on 3rd down. Virginia Tech lost the game more than we won it; their punt fake confirmed that their screws were loose. But a lucky win topping off a magical comeback season... we'll take it! Looking forward to seeing the improvements next year. GO BLUE!
Jojo B
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:08 p.m.
Blu-dogg97: I'll definitely give you that. The D in the red zone was fantastic. The interception was fantastic. But the big 3rd down conversions and a few slippery missed tackles were painful to watch. In a normal game, this would be a fine performance. In a game where our offense was stunted, we were lucky for those big VT special teams mishaps and miscalls.
Blu-dogg97
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 6:14 a.m.
"defense couldn't stop the onslaught especially on 3rd down." Were you watching the same game ? Michigan D shut them out in the red zone 4 of 5 attempts,and VT didn't score a TD till the 4th qtr !
Goofus
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:33 a.m.
No mention of Coale's controversial TD being called back in OT, I see.
Smiley
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:49 p.m.
I am new. I don't even know what that means. Anyway, MSU beat Michigan pure and simple. I'm true Blue, but with the intensity MSU brought to the Michigan game, they could compete with anyone - not necessarily beat everyone, but most definitely compete. MSU came to play that day.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:32 p.m.
Hey rightmind, did you enjoy that butt whipping a weak Florida Gator team put on your Buckeyes? I know I did.
rightmind250
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 3:08 p.m.
Smiley, You must be new. All I saw was crying. The only reason UM lost this year was because of that bad call in Iowa and the fact MSU has a bunch of thugs. Crying is a staple of the fan base.
David Vande Bunte
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 2:29 p.m.
What's to discuss? It was overturned. In order for it to have been overturned, since it was originally ruled a TD, the refs must have had indisputable evidence that he didn't maintain control. And the replays showed he didn't. End of story.
Smiley
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:51 p.m.
I agree with 81wolverine, and you don't see us crying about an identical call that cost the Wolverines the game against Iowa.
81wolverine
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 1:32 p.m.
It was close, but it was a good call. The receiver didn't have complete control of the ball. Michigan fans shouldn't apologize for any close calls going in our favor. Over the years, we've lost games because of horrible calls or non-calls. This is just things evening out.
Nick Pirce
Wed, Jan 4, 2012 : 5:27 a.m.
Congrats to the wolverines and coach Brady Hoke!!