STATE COLLEGE, Pa. – The end could not have come more quickly and cruelly, or had a more devastating effect.
With time for one final play last Oct. 15, Michigan quarterback Chad Henne found Mario Manningham wide open in the back of the end zone and the Wolverines shattered Penn State’s bid for a undefeated season and possible national championship.
Michigan’s joy at that 27-25 victory was diminished by the harsh glare of a video projector. Penn State had rolled up 420 yards in total offense and converted two fourth-down situations. If Michigan coach Lloyd Carr hadn’t successfully argued for a few seconds to be added onto the clock after he called a time out, the Wolverines wouldn’t have had anything to celebrate.
“It was a great win because both teams left everything they had on the field,” Michigan defensive end LaMarr Woodley said. “Two great programs going head-to-head for 60 minutes. But after looking at the films, it was obvious our defense was not nearly as good as it should have been. That game is one of the ones we’ve watched and learned from.”
This year’s Wolverines (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) must be quick studies because they go into tonight’s game at Penn State with the nation’s No. 1-ranked rushing defense. The Nittany Lions (4-2, 2-1) are still trying to develop quarterback Anthony Morelli, and must establish a running game if they are to have any chance to win.
Michigan’s defensive success isn’t predicated on any one player. Woodley, one of the captains, said there is no shortage of leadership.
“Even as a captain there are days when you just have a little trouble getting up for practice or film study,” said Woodley. “On this team it’s fine if another player says, ‘C’mon, let’s pick it up.’ ”
Cornerback Leon Hall began to realize the cohesiveness of the Wolverines’ defense in January when voluntary workouts began.
“It was weird,” Hall said. “I’d pick up the phone to call a teammate and ask him to come lift or study film and he’d say, ‘I was just dialing your number.’ ”
The Wolverines won’t be able to dial Manningham’s number this weekend. The electric wide receiver (24 catches, 527 yards, nine touchdowns) had arthroscopic knee surgery earlier this week and will not play. Senior Steve Breaston, a Pennsylvania native who has 23 catches for 222 yards, could turn in a monster game.
The Wolverines understand the importance of tonight’s game. It’s the last major road test before the Nov. 18 game at Ohio State that probably will decide the Big Ten title and could determine which team plays in the BCS title game. The Nittany Lions are looking to snap a seven-game losing streak to Michigan.
“I never think of it that way,” Penn State coach Joe Paterno said. “I don’t even know what you are talking about, really. . . . Michigan is a fine football team and when you play them, you are going to be in a tough football game. They are well coached, have a lot of good personnel, good tradition and they play hard.”
And this year, the Wolverines play together.
