1929 Michigan Wolverines football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1929 Michigan Wolverines football 1929 Michigan Wolverines football team.jpg 285 Big Ten Conference Big Ten 5–3–1 1–3–1 Harry Kipke 1st James Simrall Joseph Truskowski Michigan Stadium 70px The 1929 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1929 Big Ten Conference football season. The team compiled a 5–3–1 record (1–3–1 against Big Ten opponents), tied for seventh place in the Big Ten, and outscored its opponents by a total of 109 to 75.1929 Football Team Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan July 3, 2018 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1929fbt.htm1929 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football July 3, 2018 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1929-schedule.html In late May 1929, Tad Wieman was removed as the team's head coach. Harry Kipke was hired as his replacement in mid-June; Kipke remained as Michigan's head football coach for nine seasons. Highlights of the season included victories over rivals Michigan State and Minnesota and the program's first victory over a Harvard Crimson football team, after losing four prior games to the Crimson dating back to 1881. The Wolverines lost in the fourth quarter to an undefeated Purdue team that won the Big Ten championship and was ranked No. 2 nationally in the final rankings under the Dickinson System. End Joseph Truskowski was the team captain, and quarterback James Simrall was selected as the most valuable player. Center Alan Bovard received first-team honors on the 1929 All-Big Ten Conference football team; Truskowski, fullback Joe Gembis, and guard Howard Poe received second-team honors. For the second consecutive season, Gembis was Michigan's leading scorer; he totaled 31 points on two touchdowns, 10 extra points, and three field goals for the 1929 season. Schedule September 29 w y 1929 Albion Britons Albion Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 39–0 16,412 September 29 w y 1929 Mount Union Purple Mount Union Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 16–6 16,412 October 5 w y Michigan State Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 17–0 30,494 October 12 l y Purdue Ross–Ade Stadium West Lafayette, IN 16–30 18,484 Boilermakers Trounce Michigan: 20,000 Watch Purdue Eleven Rally in Last Period to Hang up Glorious Victory, 30 to 16 Lafayette Journal and Courier Gordon Graham October 14, 1979 12 https://www.newspapers.com/article/journal-and-courier-boilermakers-trounce/171786988/ Newspapers.com October 19 l Ohio State Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 0–7 85,088 October 26 l y Illinois Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL rivalry 0–14 53,403 November 9 w y y Harvard Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 14–12 85,042 November 16 w y Minnesota Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN Little Brown Jug 7–6 58,160 November 23 t Iowa Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 0–0 50,619 Season summary Preseason The 1928 Michigan team compiled a disappointing 3–4–1 record under head coach Tad Wieman.1928 Football Team University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library July 6, 2015 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1928fbt.htm After months of strained relations between Wieman and athletic director Fielding H. Yost, Wieman was removed as the team's head coach in late May 1929.Tad Wieman Will Not Resign as Football Coach Muscatine Journal and News (AP wire story) 1929-05-28 Two weeks later, Harry Kipke was hired as Michigan's new head coach.Kipke Given Wieman's Job The Daily Journal-Gazette and Commercial Star (Mattoon, Illinois) June 12, 1929 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2757383/kipke_given_wiemans_job/ Kipke was an All-American halfback at Michigan in 1924 and had served as the head coach at Michigan Agricultural College in 1928. Upon being hired by Michigan, Kipke said, "Coaching Michigan is the greatest football job in America. I would be foolish to turn down such an offer. It has been one of my greatest ambitions in life."'Greatest Ambition in Life Came True,' Says Harry Kipke The News-Palladium June 13, 1929 12 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2757611/greatest_ambition_in_life_came_true/ Week 1 doubleheader Albion Week 1a: Albion at Michigan 1929 Albion Britons Albion College Albion Michigan 0 0 0 0 14 7 6 12 September 29 Michigan Stadium > 50,000 thumb|left|Jack Wheeler about to score one of his two touchdowns in the game vs. Albion On September 29, 1929, Michigan opened the Kipke era with a doubleheader at Michigan Stadium before a crowd of more than 50,000 persons. In the first game, the Wolverines defeated 1929 Albion Britons Albion College Albion, 39–0. Coach Kipke played 40 men in the doubleheader, seeking to assess the strength of his players. The Wolverines held Albion to 14 rushing yards and one first down in the game. On offense, the Wolverines scored six touchdowns, two by Jack Wheeler and one each by Omer LaJeunesse, Kirk Holland, John Widman, and Jennings McBride. Joe Gembis added three extra points.Wolves Win Doubleheader From Albion, Mt. Union The Michigan Daily October 1, 1929 9–10 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071755867/31Michigan Shows Signs of Possessing Strong Offensive in Inaugural: Passing Game Still Lacks Real Punch Detroit Free Press Charles Bang September 30, 1929 15–16 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21503135/michigan_shows_signs_of_possessing/ Newspapers.com Mount Union Week 1b: Mt. Union at Michigan 1929 Mount Union Purple Mount Union Michigan 0 0 6 0 0 3 7 6 September 29 Michigan Stadium > 50,000 In the second game of the doubleheader, Michigan defeated 1929 Mount Union Purple Mount Union, 16–6. Michigan was held to three points in the first half, as Mount Union proved to be a tougher opponent than Albion. Mount Union scored a touchdown in the third quarter when its end, Raber, intercepted a lateral pass from James Simrall to Alvin Dahlem and returned it 88 yards. Michigan's scoring came on a 37-yard field goal by Joe Gembis, touchdowns by Dahlem and Gembis, and an extra point from Gembis. Week 2: Michigan State Week 2: Michigan State at Michigan Michigan State Michigan 0 0 0 0 7 3 0 7 October 5 Michigan Stadium 30,494 On October 5, 1929, Michigan won its rivalry game against Michigan State by a 17–0 score before a crowd of 38,000 at Michigan Stadium. Harry Kipke had coached the Michigan State team in 1928 but switched to Michigan for the 1929 season. The loss was the 15th in a row for Michigan State against Michigan. Left halfback Roy Hudson gained 190 yards, including an 80-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter. Fullback Joe Gembis tallied 11 points on a touchdown run, a field goal, and two kicks for extra point.Kipke's Powerful Wolverine Eleven Defeats State Team by 17 to 0 Score: Spartan Team Proves Tough for Michigan Detroit Free Press F. J. Carveth October 6, 1929 21, 24 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21513500/kipkes_powerful_wolverine_eleven/ Newspapers.com Week 3: at Purdue Week 3: Michigan at Purdue Michigan Purdue 0 0 16 0 0 6 0 24 October 12 Ross–Ade Stadium, West Lafayette, IN 18,484 On October 12, 1929, Michigan lost to Purdue, 30–16, before a crowd of 18,484 at Ross–Ade Stadium in West Lafayette, Indiana. In a game of shifting momentum, the Boilermakers dominated the first half and took a 6-0 lead in the second quarter on a 35-yard run by "Pest" Welch. In the third quarter, Michigan had the momentum and scored 16 points to take a 16-6 lead. Michigan's scoring began with a field goal by Joe Gembis. Then Michigan tackle Eddie Hayden blocked Welch's punt, caught the ball, and ran for a touchdown. On the next drive, Welch's punt was hurried and went out of bounds at the Purdue 28-yard line. Roy Hudson ran for a touchdown, and Gembis kicked the extra point. Momentum shifted back to Purdue in the final quarter, as the Boilermakers scored 24 points, including two touchdown runs by Alex Yunevich.Michigan Stunned By Crushing Fourth Period Attack and Purdue Wins, 30-16: Third Quarter Rally Futile for Kipke Men Detroit Free Press F. J. Carveth October 13, 1929 19, 21 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21515789/michigan_stunned_by_crushing_fourth/ Newspapers.com Purdue, coached by James Phelan, went on to an undefeated season, a Big Ten championship, and a No. 2 ranking (behind Notre Dame) in the final rankings under the Dickinson System. Week 4: Ohio State Week 4: Ohio State at Michigan Ohio State Michigan 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 October 19 Michigan Stadium 85,088 On October 19, 1929, Michigan lost its rivalry game with Ohio State by a 7–0 score before an estimated crowd of 90,000 persons at Michigan Stadium. The crowd included 22,000 Ohio State students and alumni. Ohio State scored in the second quarter on a pass from quarterback Alan M. Holman to right end Wes Fesler. The Buckeyes' touchdown followed a James Simrall punt from behind the Michigan goal line that went out of bounds at the Wolverines' 30-yard line. Michigan twice drove within Ohio State's five-yard line but was unable to score.Ohio Stops Repeated Threats by Michigan and Wins, 7 to 0: Trick Pass Gives Buckeyes Victory Detroit Free Press Harry Bullion October 20, 1929 19, 23 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21519627/ohio_stops_repeated_threats_by_michigan/ Newspapers.com Week 5: at Illinois Week 5: Michigan at Illinois Michigan Illinois 0 0 0 0 0 0 14 0 October 26 Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL 53,403 On October 26, 1929, Michigan lost to Illinois by a 14–0 score before a homecoming crowd of 53,403 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. Illinois scored twice in the third quarter. Quarterback Douglas Mills scored the first touchdown on a 75-yard run. Later in the quarter, Frank Walker intercepted a pass from Joseph Truskowski and returned it 60 yards to Michigan's eight-yard line. A few plays later, Walker ran seven yards for a touchdown.Two Long Sprints Win for Illinois Over Michigan, 14 to 0: Mills Runs 75 Yards to Score Touchdown Detroit Free Press Harry Bullion October 27, 1929 15, 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21523544/two_long_sprints_win_for_illinois_over/ Newspapers.com Week 6: Harvard Week 6: Harvard at Michigan Harvard Michigan 6 0 0 6 0 7 0 7 November 16 Michigan Stadium 85,042 On November 9, 1929, Michigan defeated Harvard, 14–12, before a homecoming crowd of 85,042 persons at Michigan Stadium. The victory was Michigan's first against a Harvard team, having lost four prior games dating back to 1881. Roy Hudson and Maynard Morrison scored Michigan's touchdowns and Joe Gembis kicked the extra points.Michigan Rallies, Gains First Victory Over Harvard, 14-12: Extra Point Kicks Decide Great Game Detroit Free Press Harry Bullion November 10, 1929 17, 19 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21509595/michigan_rallies_gains_first_victory/ Newspapers.com Week 7: at Minnesota Week 7: Michigan at Minnesota Michigan Minnesota 0 0 0 7 0 6 0 0 November 16 Memorial Stadium, Minneapolis 58,160 On November 16, 1929, Michigan won the Little Brown Jug game against a Minnesota team featuring Bronko Nagurski and Biggie Munn. The Wolverines won by a 7–6 score before a homecoming crowd estimated at 60,000 at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota halfback Clint Riebeth scored a touchdown in the second quarter, but the Golden Gophers missed the kick for extra point and led, 6–0, at halftime. In the fourth quarter, Michigan blocked a punt to gain good field position. Quarterback James Simrall then took the ball, ran to the left side, tossed the ball to halfback Joe Gembis, and Gembis then passed to Donald Wilson for a long gain. Fullback Maynard Morrison ran for the touchdown, Gembis kicked the extra point, and Michigan secured its margin of victory.Michigan Comes From Behind To Defeat Minnesota, 7-6: Double Pass Opens Way for Triumph Detroit Free Press Harry Bullion November 17, 1929 Sports 17, 20 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21507730/michigan_comes_from_behind_to_defeat/ Newspapers.com Michigan out-gained Minnesota by 203 yards from scrimmage to 197.Little Brown Jug Is Gone, But Homecomers Carry On 1, 4, 6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21508897/little_brown_jug_is_gone_but/ Newspapers.com Week 8: Iowa Week 8: Iowa at Michigan Iowa Michigan 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 November 23 Michigan Stadium 50,619 On November 23, 1929, Michigan concluded its season with a scoreless tie against Iowa before a crowd of 50,619 at Michigan Stadium. Iowa twice drove past Michigan's five-yard line, once to the one-yard line, but the Michigan defense stopped both drives on downs. In the fourth quarter, Joe Gembis attempted a field goal from placement on the 25-yard line, but the ball narrowly went right of the post.Michigan and Iowa Battle to Scoreless Tie in Final Game: Joe Gembis Fails on Place Kick Try Detroit Free Press Harry Bullion November 24, 1929 15, 19 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/21519260/michigan_and_iowa_battle_to_scoreless/ Newspapers.com Post-season Personnel Varsity letter winners The following players won varsity letters for their work on the 1929 football team: Players who started at least five of Michigan's nine games are displayed in bold. Howie Auer - started 5 games at right tackle, 2 games at left tackle Alan Bovard - started 9 games at center Francis M. Cornwell - started 1 game at right end Norman J. Daniels - started 2 games at right halfback Alvin G. Dahlem - started 3 games at right halfback, 2 games at left halfback Leo Draveling - started 8 games at right end, 1 game at right tackle Joe Gembis - started 5 games at fullback, 3 games at right halfback Edward W. Hayden - started 5 games at left tackle, 1 game at right tackle William M. Heston - halfback Bill Hewitt - started 2 games at left end, 1 game at right end Martin R. "Roy" Hudson - started 6 games at left halfback Maynard Morrison - started 2 games at fullback, 1 game at left tackle Ray F. Parker - guard Howard W. Poe - guard; started 8 games at left guard, 1 game at right guard Edwin B. Poorman - tackle; started 1 game at left tackle, 1 game at right tackle Thomas G. Roach - started 1 game at right tackle James Simrall - started 8 games at quarterback, 1 game at left halfback Thorvald C. Sorenson - tackle Alfred E. Steinke - started 8 games at right guard, 1 games at left guard Joe Truskowski - end; started 7 games at left end, 1 game at quarterback, 1 game at right halfback Jack Wheeler - started 2 games at fullback Donald L. Wilson - halfback aMa letter winners The following players won aMa letters for their work on the 1929 football team:1930 Michiganesian, "Varsity Football Team," page 194. Carl J. Bauer - guard Milton Bergman - tackle Albert Berkowitz - back Max Blaine Frank P. Brown - quarterback William A. Brown - center Arthur W. Decker - guard Ira L. Grinnell - guard Nyal R. Hayes - end Kirk Holland - quarterback Thomas G. Justice - end Omer LaJeunesse - fullback Harold D. Lindsay - back Harold Miller - back R. O. Morgan - guard Murray Mosser - end S. H. Preoulman Raymond Priest - back Karl S. Richardson - guard Tom C. Samuels - guard Frederick B. Schantz - back Jay H. Sikkenga - end Ivan C. Smith - end John C. Widman - back Ralph Wills - back Awards and honors Captain: Joseph Truskowski All-Conference: Alan Bovard Most Valuable Player: James Simrall Meyer Morton Award: Roy Hudson Coaching staff Head coach: Harry Kipke Assistant coaches: Jack Blott, Franklin Cappon, Ray Courtright, Cliff Keen, Bennie Oosterbaan, George F. Veenker Trainer: Charles B. Hoyt Manager: Richard B. Fogarty, Arthur Highfield (assistant), Charles Reynolds (assistant), Herbert Grosberg (assistant), Hugh Clarke (assistant) Scoring leaders Michigan Wolverines Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals TotalJoe Gembis210331Maynard Morrison30018Roy Hudson20012Jack Wheeler20012Alvin Dahlem1006Eddie Hayden1006Kirk Holland1006Omer LaJeunesse1006Jennings McBride1006John Widman1006Total15109109 References External links 1929 Football Team -- Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History Michigan Category:Michigan Wolverines football seasons Michigan Wolverines football