How appropriate that ND celebrates its 125th season with its very first opponent ever–the Michigan Wolverines.
Back in 1887, an ND “club” team hosted a well-organized Wolverine team from Ann Arbor on the Wednesday before Thanksgiving as an exhibition before another game in Chicago. This was the first-ever intercollegiate sports event for ND. The entire ND student body turned out for the the start of history and tradition.
At the post-game reception and dinner, ND President Fr. Thomas Walsh, C.S.C. assured the Michigan players “of the cordial reception that will always await you at Notre Dame.”… Yeah, right, Padre.
Michigan leads the all-time series 23-15-1 (note the tie).
Most of our memories are clearer since 1978 when the series resumed regularly. That record is 14-13-1. This includes Wolverine wins in 5 of the last 6 games. Some of the moments we recall best:
* 1978–Defending National Champions ND is stunned in its opener with a 3-0 loss to Missouri. This follows the next week at home when ND is downed by the Wolverines 28-14.
* 1979– ND prevails 12-10 with 4 FG’s. A Michigan last second FG is blocked as Bob Crable climbs up the back of a defeneder and launches himself skyward. (Rule is changed the next year).
* 1980– ND 29 MICH 27. As time runs out, Harry Oliver drills a 51-yard FG to win the game.
* 1981– This is Gerry Faust’s debut in Ann Arbor. ND is outclassed 25-7. The season is downhill from there to 5-6…ND’s first losing season since 1963.
* 1982– 1st night game ever at ND Stadium. ND wins 23-17.
*1988– Ricky Watters (“For who…for what”?) takes an 81- yard punt return to the house for a TD. Reggie Ho nails 4 FG’s. ND wins 19-17.
* 1989–Rocket. Rocket. Rocket….ND is #1 and Michigan is #2. The game is in Ann Arbor. ND throw just 2 passes the entire game. The running game is solid. The Rocket returns consecutive kick-offs for TD’s. WHEW! You had to see it to believe it. After the season, The Rocket was jobbed out of the Heisman Trophy.
Can never get enough of these replays:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uA-yq-aFYz4
* 1992– Ask Reggie Brooks what he remembers of ND’s 17-17 tie…probably nothing. As he was knocked unconscious, he fell into the endzone for a TD.
1997– A coaching Dynamic Duo… This is Bob Davie’s first game as a Head Coach vs. another titan– Lloyd (“Where am I?”) Carr. Michigan wins. And trust me…it wasn’t Bo vs. Ara on the sidelines.
Speaking of Reggie Brooks, he works at the University in Athletics Development. His career stats are among the ND leaders.
Abe: “So Reggie…let me remind you of the ’92 game vs. Michigan.”