1951 Michigan Wolverines football team

Wikipedia:AI noticeboard/Archive 1#yet another large swath of AI edits September 2026 American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1951 Michigan Wolverines football 1951 Michigan Football Team.jpg 285 Big Ten Conference Big Ten 4–5 4–2 Bennie Oosterbaan 4th Don Peterson Bill Putich Michigan Stadium The 1951 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan as a member of the Big Ten Conference during the 1951 Big Ten season. In their fourth year under head coach Bennie Oosterbaan, the Wolverines compiled a 4–5 record (4–2 in conference games), finished in fourth place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a total of 135 to 122.1951 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 6, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1951-schedule.html It was Michigan's first losing season since 1936 and the first since 1937 that Michigan was not ranked in the final AP poll. It was ranked at No. 29 in the final Litkenhous Ratings.Litkenhous Ratings The Chattanooga Times December 15, 1951 14 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/123187401/litkenhouse-ratings/ Newspapers.com Senior left halfback/quarterback Bill Putich was the team captain and led the team in passing (390 yards, 41.6% completion percentage). Fullback Don Peterson received the team's most valuable player award and led the team in rushing (549 yards, 3.6 yards per carry). Halfback/safety Lowell Perry led the team in receiving (16 receptions for 395 yards) and was selected by the Central Press as a second-team player on the 1951 All-America team.1951 Football Team University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library November 6, 2017 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1951fbt.htm1951 Michigan Wolverines Statistics Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 6, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1951.html Three Michigan players received first-team honors on the 1951 All-Big Ten Conference football team: Perry (AP-1, UP-1); offensive tackle Tom Johnson (AP-1, UP-1); and linebacker Roger Zatkoff (AP-1). Schedule 1951 AP September 29 l y 17 Michigan State 2 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 0–25 97,239 MSC Writes Finis to U-M Reign, 25-0 Detroit Free Press September 30, 1951 1C, 3C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35433236/msc_writes_finis_to_um_reign_250/ Newspapers.com October 6 l y Stanford Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 13–23 57,200 M Falls Again, 23-13: Wolverines Get First Touchdown Detroit Free Press Hal Middlesworth October 7, 1951 1C, 4C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35433381/m_falls_again_2313_wolverines_get/ Newspapers.com October 13 w Indiana Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 33–14 61,100 Michigan Swaggers: Wolverines Ramble Past Indiana, 33-14 Detroit Free Press Hal Middlesworth October 14, 1951 1C, 4C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35433616/michigan_swaggers_wolverines_ramble/ Newspapers.com October 20 w y Iowa Iowa Stadium Iowa City, IA 21–0 53,050 Record 53,050 See Iowa Bow, 21-0 The Des Moines Register Bert McGrane October 21, 1951 3S https://www.newspapers.com/clip/20371230/cfb102racedes_moines/ Newspapers.com October 27 w y Minnesota Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI Little Brown Jug 54–27 86,200 M Doubles Up Gophers, 54-27 Detroit Free Press Lyall Smith October 28, 1951 1C, 2C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35433755/m_doubles_up_gophers_5427/ Newspapers.com November 3 l y 15 Illinois 3 Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL rivalry 0–7 71,119 Illinois Passes Beat Michigan, 7 To 0 Chicago Tribune Wilfrid Smith November 4, 1951 II-1, II-7 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35434088/illinois_passes_beat_michigan_7_to_0/ Newspapers.com November 10 l y y Cornell Schoellkopf Field Ithaca, NY 7–20 35,300 Inspired Cornell Routs Michigan, 20-7, with 2nd Half Rally Rochester Democrat & Chronicle George Beahon November 11, 1951 1D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35434265/inspired_cornell_routs_michigan_207/ Newspapers.com November 17 l Northwestern Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 0–6 58,300 'Cats Make U-M Mighty Miserable, 6-0 Detroit Free Press Hal Middlesworth November 18, 1951 1C, 2C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35433886/cats_make_um_mighty_miserable_60/ Newspapers.com November 24 w Ohio State Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 7–0 95,000 Ending Perfect for U-M: Bennie Still Has What It Takes to Beat OSU Detroit Free Press Hal Middlesworth November 25, 1951 1C, 3C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/35433018/ending_perfect_for_um_bennie_still/ Newspapers.comOhio Toppled, 7-0: 95,000 See Putich Pace Victory Over Buckeyes The Plain Dealer Cleveland, Ohio John Dietrich November 25, 1951 1B, 7B https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-ohio-toppled-7-0-950/178776210/ Newspapers.com Game summaries Michigan State Week 1: Michigan State at Michigan Michigan St. Michigan 0 6 13 6 0 0 0 0 September 29 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 97,239 On September 29, Michigan, ranked No. 17, lost to Michigan State, ranked No. 2, by a 25-0 score before a sellout crowd of 97,239 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. To that date, it was the most decisive victory for Michigan State in the history of the Michigan–Michigan State football rivalry. The Spartans limited the Wolverines to 26 passing yards, a net loss of 23 rushing yards, and four first downs. The Detroit Free Press called it "as feeble an attack as any team in Michigan's proud football history ever displayed." The Spartans tallied 21 first downs, 249 rushing yards, 58 passing yards, and four touchdowns. Stanford Week 2: Stanford at Michigan Stanford Michigan 0 20 3 0 6 0 7 0 October 6 Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI 57,200 On October 6, Michigan lost to Stanford, 23–13, before a sparse crowd of 57,200 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.Michigan vs. Stanford — Box Score (October 6, 1951) https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbstats/1951/1951stan.pdf September 8, 2025 Bentley Historical Library University of MichiganOctober 7, 1951 M Falls Again, 23-13: Wolverines Get First Touchdown But Stanford Passes Then Rip Defenses Detroit Free Press Hal Middlesworth C1, C4 https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-falls-again-23-13-w/180689590/ Newspapers.comOctober 7, 1951 Stanford Triumphs Over Michigan with Three Second-Quarter Touchdowns Ann Arbor News 10Indian Passes Top 'M', 23-13: Michigan Reveals Running Power Jim Parker October 7, 1951 1, 6 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756303/111 Michigan scored first on a six-yard run by Lowell Perry, but Stanford seized momentum in the second quarter with three touchdowns, including a scoring reception by All-America end Bill McColl. Quarterback Bill Putich connected on a 35-yard pass to Fred Pickard to set up another Michigan touchdown, but the Wolverines were unable to overcome the second-quarter deficit. Perry was Michigan’s standout on offense, while McColl’s performance (seven receptions for 142 yards) drew national attention as a key factor in Stanford’s upset victory. The defeat marked a rare home loss for head coach Bennie Oosterbaan.1951 Football Schedule — Game Notes https://mgoblue.com/sports/football/schedule/text/1951 September 8, 2025 MGoBlue.com University of Michigan Athletic Dept.1951 Football Schedule https://gostanford.com/sports/football/schedule/season/1951 September 8, 2025 GoStanford.com Stanford Athleticshttps://bentley.mivideo.it.umich.edu/media/t/1_4tfrajql Michigan vs. Stanford (1951) — Highlights October 6, 1951 Bentley Historical Library September 8, 2025 Michigan tallied 177 rushing yards, led by Bill Putich with 79 yards. In the air, the Wolverines completed ony four of 17 passes for 77 yards. Putich completed three of 12 passes for 60 yards. Stanford rushed for 167 yards and completed 13 of 21 passes for 209 yards. The Wolverines lost the first two games of the season for the first time since 1937. Indiana Week 3: Indiana at Michigan Indiana Michigan 0 7 0 7 13 7 6 7 October 13 Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI 61,100 On October 13, Michigan defeated Indiana, 33–14, before a homecoming crowd of more than 61,100 at Michigan Stadium.Indiana vs Michigan Football Game Statistics, October 13, 1951 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbstats/1951/1951ind.pdf September 8, 2025 Bentley Historical Library University of MichiganOctober 14, 1951 Michigan Swaggers: Wolverines Ramble Past Indiana, 33–14; Varied Ground Attack Earns 26-0 Lead Before Subs Take Over Detroit Free Press Hal Middlesworth 1C, 4C https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-michigan-swaggers-wo/180691246/ Newspapers.com The Wolverines scored five touchdowns, including a six-yard run by Lowell Perry, a short plunge from Don Peterson, and passing plays set up by quarterback Bill Putich. Indiana capitalized on turnovers for both of its touchdowns but was unable to slow Michigan’s balanced attack. Perry starred as both a runner and receiver, while Peterson added steady gains on the ground. The victory, coming after back-to-back losses to Michigan State and Stanford, was described as a much-needed rebound for Oosterbaan’s team, with the Free Press noting the lively homecoming atmosphere in Ann Arbor.Opponent History – University of Michigan https://iuhoosiers.com/sports/football/opponent-history/university-of-michigan/18 September 8, 2025 Indiana University Athletics The Wolverines tallied 197 passing yards and 124 rushing yards, while holding the Hoosiers to 66 passing yards and 192 rushing yards. At Iowa Week 4: Michigan at Iowa Michigan Iowa 7 7 7 0 0 0 0 0 October 20 Iowa Stadium, Iowa City, IA 53,050 On October 20, Michigan defeated Iowa, 21–0, before a crowd of 53,050, an all-time attendance record at at Iowa Stadium in Iowa City, Iowa. Don Peterson scored two touchdowns, and Bill Putich scored one. Russ Rescoria converted all three kicks for extra point. Iowa out-gained Michigan by 310 yards (251 rushing, 59 passing) to 219 yards (145 rushing, 74 passing). Minnesota Week 5: Minnesota at Michigan Minnesota Michigan 7 13 7 0 14 14 14 12 October 27 Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI 86,200 On October 27, Michigan defeated Minnesota, 54–27, in the Little Brown Jug rivalry game before a crowd of 86,200 at Michigan Stadium. Michigan's 54 points was the most scored against Minnesota by any Big Ten team in history. Highlights of the high-scoring game included: Minnesota's Ron Engel returned the opening kickoff 94 yards for a touchdown. Michigan's Wes Bradford ran 49 yards for a touchdown to tie the score 47 seconds after the Gophers' touchdown. Michigan end Fred Picard recovered a Minnesota fumble at the Gophers' 37-yard line. Bill Putich completed five passes on the ensuing drive and ran 12 yards for a touchdown to give the Wolverines a 14-7 lead. On the first play of the second quarter, Minnesota blocked a Michigan punt and recovered the loose ball in the end zone to tie the score at 14-14. Michigan end Merritt Green recovered a Minnesota fumble at the 22-yard line, and Bradford scored his second touchdown on a three-yard run. Lowell Perry returned a punt for a touchdown to give Michigan a 28-14 lead. In the final minute of the first half, Minnesota scored as tailback Paul Giel passed to Martin Engh who lateraled to Don Swanson with Swanson scoring. Minnesota missed the extra point, and Michigan led, 28-20, at halftime. On the first series of the second half, Perry scored on a 71-yard pass play from Ted Topor. Still in the third quarter, Perry scored again on a pass from Topor, this one covering 88 yards. In the fourth quarter, Putich passed to Pickard for 55 yards and a touchdown. Michigan gained 427 yards (224 rushing, 203 passing) in the game. Minnesota gained 394 yards (249 passing, 145 rushing). At Illinois Week 6: Michigan at Illinois Michigan 0 0 0 0 Illinois 0 0 0 7 November 3 Memorial Stadium, Champaign, IL 71,119 Blizzard Big Ten Network: Michigan at Illinois, 1951 On November 3, Michigan lost to Big Ten champion Illinois, 7–0, before a crowd of 71,119 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. The game was played in a blizzard with winds gusting to 50 Miles an hour at times. Through the first 58 minutes, neither team was able to score in the difficult weather conditions. Late in the fourth quarter, Illinois drove 83 yards. With 70 seconds remaining in the game, quarterback Tommy O'Connell threw a six-yard touchdown pass to right end Rex Smith in the end zone. Wilfrid Smith of the Chicago Tribune described Illinois' fourth-quarter drive as "one of the most glorious rallies in this 50 year rivalry."Illinois Passes Beat Michigan, 7 to 0: Smith Scores on O'Connell 6 Yard Aerial; Climax Drive with 70 Seconds Left Chicago Tribune Wilfrid Smith November 4, 1951 1, 7 (section 2) https://www.newspapers.com/article/chicago-tribune-illinois-passes-beat-mic/178912368/ Newspapers.com At Cornell Week 7: Michigan at Cornell Michigan Cornell 0 7 0 0 0 0 13 7 November 10 Schoellkopf Field, Ithaca, NY 35,300 On November 10, Michigan lost to Cornell, 20–7, before a Schoellkopf Field record crowd of 35,300 in Ithaca.Beahon George November 11, 1951 Big Red Shocks the Wolverines Rochester Democrat & Chronicle 1D Newspapers.comNovember 11, 1951 Big Red Rebounds; Trailing 7–0 at the Half, Cornell Rips Michigan for 20–7 Triumph The New York Times 1S Michigan led 7–0 at halftime on a 43-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Bill Putich to end Fred Pickard, but Cornell rallied for 20 unanswered points in the second half. Backup quarterback Jack Jaeckel directed two third-quarter touchdown drives, and the Big Red added a fourth-quarter score to seal the upset. Cornell’s defense held Michigan to 39 rushing yards and intercepted three passes. Contemporary accounts praised Cornell’s comeback as one of the program’s finest moments of the decade, while Michigan head coach Bennie Oosterbaan pointed to turnovers and second-half breakdowns as decisive.November 11, 2015 Throwback Thursday: Big Red Football Shocks the Wolverines https://www.cornellbrsn.com/post/throwback-thursday-big-red-football-shocks-the-wolverines September 8, 2025 Cornell Big Red Sports Communications Northwestern Week 8: Northwestern at Michigan Northwestern Michigan 0 7 0 0 0 0 0 0 November 17 Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI 58,300 On November 17, Michigan lost to Northwestern, 6–0, before a crowd of 58,300 at Michigan Stadium. The only scoring of the game came early in the second quarter after Michigan halfback Frankie Howell fumbled on an attempted reverse. Northwestern recovered the loose ball near midfield and scored on a 17-yard run by fullback Chuck Hren. The extra point kick was blocked by Don Peterson. Michigan tallied 244 rushing yards, but the Wolverines threw as many interceptions (five) as they did complete passes. In addition to the five interceptions, Michigan also turned the ball over two times on fumbles.Northwestern Knocks Michigan Out of Title Race: Wildcats Throttle Wolverines, 6-0; Alert NU Defense, 'M' Errors Spoil Fifth Straight Big Ten Crown Hopes The Michigan Daily George Flint November 18, 1951 1, 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756303/331 Bentley Historical Library The loss eliminated Michigan from contention for the Big Ten title that they had won or shared each of the previous four seasons. It was Michigan's fifth loss of the season, the most losses suffered by a Michigan team since the 1936 team lost seven games. Ohio State Ohio St 0 0 0 0 Michigan 0 7 0 0 November 24 Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI 95,000 On November 24, Michigan and Ohio State faced off before a crowd of 95,000 at Michigan Stadium in a rare instance where neither of the rivals was ranked in the AP or UP polls. The only scoring of the game came on a 49-yard Michigan drive late in the second quarter, culminating with a six-yard touchdown run by fullback Don Peterson and a successful extra-point kick by Russ Rescoria. One play before Peterson scored, Michigan's Don Zanfagna caught a pass at the six-yard line; Zanfagna was hit hard, causing the ball to bounce from his arms with Buckeyes' guard Steve Ruzich recovering the ball, but the officials ruled that Zanfagna was down before he lost the ball.Ending Perfect for U-M: Bennie Still Has What It Takes to Beat OSU; Putich's Passes Set Up Peterson TD for 7-0 Victory over Fumbling Bucks Detroit Free Press November 25, 1951 C1, C3 https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-ending-perfect-for-u/180710193/ Newspapers.comMichigan Triumphs Over Ohio State In Defensive Battle Ann Arbor News November 25, 1951 8Wolverine Defense Trips Buckeyes, 7-0: Peterson Scores In Second Quarter; 95,000 Watch 'M' Stop Janowicz, Capture Fourth Place in Conference The Michigan Daily Ted Papes November 25, 1951 1, 6 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756303/361The Big Ten Network has published video highlights of the game. See here. Zanfagna's catch and possible fumble can be viewed at the 16:29 mark of the video. Peterson's game-winning touchdown run follows at the 16:51 mark. Ohio State turned the ball over four times on fumbles. The Buckeyes never moved the ball inside Michigan's 20-yard line and were held to 222 yards (120 rushing, 102 passing). Michigan gained only 215 yards (135 rushing, 80 passing). Michigan's senior halfback and team captain Bill Putich, an east Cleveland native playing his last game for the Wolverines, was described as a "workhorse", completing 10 of 21 passes for 64 yards and carrying the ball 14 times for 30 yards.Michigan Triumphs Over Ohio State In Defensive Battle Ann Arbor News November 25, 1951 8 After the game, Woody Hayes summed up the game: "You've got to play your best ball to beat Michigan. We didn't. That's all."1952 Makio Ohio State University 1952 137 https://archive.org/details/makio1952ohio/page/137/mode/1up?q=football&view=theater The Internet Archive Statistical leaders Michigan's individual statistical leaders for the 1951 season include those listed below.Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page University of Michigan November 6, 2017 http://statsarchive.ath.umich.edu/VS-Football/footstart.php https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151629/http://statsarchive.ath.umich.edu/VS-Football/footstart.php April 2, 2015 dead(statistics retrieved by entering "1951" in the box for "Games & Totals by Season" and then, at the next screen, choosing "Display Season Totals") Rushing 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Attempts Net yards Yards per attempt Touchdowns Don Peterson1525493.6 4 Wes Bradford643485.4 2Bill Putich1152682.33 Passing 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Attempts Completions Interceptions Comp % Yards Yds/Comp TD Long Bill Putich7732741.639012.2255Don Peterson136346.118430.7143Ted Topor269234.617119.0271 Receiving 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Receptions Yards Yds/Recp TD Long Lowell Perry1639524.7371Frederick Pickard1020420.4255Ted Topor9819.00 Kickoff returns 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Returns Yards Yds/Return TD Long Bill Putich38829.3036Ted Topor37224.0027Don Oldham35217.30 Punt returns 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Returns Yards Yds/Return TD Long Lowell Perry1719711.6175Bill Putich11716.500Merritt Green11010.0010 Personnel Letter winners right|thumb|150px|HB/QB and captain Bill Putich right|thumb|150px|OT/DT Tom Johnson right|thumb|150px|End/safety Lowell Perry right|thumb|150px|QB/LB Ted Topor right|thumb|150px|LB Roger Zatkoff The following 36 players received varsity letters for their participation on the 1951 team.36 Gridders Get Letters The Michigan Daily November 27, 1951 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756303/371 Bentley Historical Library Players who started at least four games are shown with their names in bold. James T. Balog, 6'3", 210 pounds, sophomore, Wheaton, IL - tackle Bruce A. Bartholomew, 6'3", 200 pounds, junior, Detroit - tackle Richard A. Beison, 6'0", 200 pounds, sophomore, East Chicago, IN - guard Donald C. Bennett, 6'2", 195 pounds, sophomore, Chicago - center William E. Billings, 5'11", 180 pounds, junior, Flint, MI - quarterback Wes Bradford, 5'6", 155 pounds, junior, Troy, OH – started 6 games at right halfback Robert W. Dingman, 6'0", 180 pounds, senior, Saginaw, MI - end Donald R. Dugger, 5'10", 180 pounds, junior, Charleston, WV – started 5 games at defensive left guard, 1 game at offensive left guard Merritt Green, 6'0", 180 pounds, junior, Toledo, OH – started 9 games at defensive left end Frank Howell, 5'8", 160 pounds, junior, Muskegon Heights, MI - running back Tom Johnson, 6'2", 227 pounds, Muskegon Heights, MI – started 9 games at left tackle (offense and defense) Ray Thomas Kelsey, 6'2", 195 pounds, senior, Lakewood, OH - guard Peter Kinyon, 5'11", 190 pounds, senior, Ann Arbor, MI – started 7 games at offensive left guard, 1 game at offensive right guard Eugene Knutson, 6'4", 210 pounds, sophomore, Beloit, WI - end Laurence LeClaire, 6'0", 190 pounds, junior, Anaconda, MT - fullback Robert Matheson, Detroit - guard Duncan McDonald, 6'0", 175 pounds, freshman, Flint, MI - quarterback Don Oldham, 5'9", 166 pounds, junior, Indianapolis – started 7 games at defensive back, 1 game at left halfback Dick O'Shaughnessy, 5'11", 190 pounds, sophomore, Seaford, NY – started 9 games at center Russ Osterman, 5'11", 170 pounds, senior, Baraga, MI – started 9 games at defensive right end Ben Pederson, 6'2", 215 pounds, junior, Marquette, MI – started 8 games at right tackle Lowell Perry, 6'0", 178 pounds, junior, Ypsilanti, MI – started 8 games at offensive left end, 1 game at right halfback, 3 games at safety Don Peterson, 5'11", 175 pounds, senior, Racine, MI – started 7 games at fullback Fred Pickard, 6'2", 190 pounds, senior, Grand Rapids, MI – started 8 games at offensive right end Bill Putich, 5'9", 170 pounds, senior, Cleveland, OH – started 6 games at left halfback, 2 games at quarterback, 6 games at safety Russell G. Rescorla, 6'0", 180 pounds, junior, Grand Haven, MI - fullback Leo Schlicht, 6'4", 210 pounds, freshman, Madison, WI - fullback Thad Stanford, 6'0", 170 pounds, sophomore, Midland, MI - end Ralph Stribe,Ralph C. Stribe, Jr., born on March 12, 1928, died December 24, 2010. Graduated from UM 1953 with a degree in religion and ethics. Served as pastor of the Church of Our Saviour in Birmingham, Michigan, chairman of the general council of the Presbyterian Synod of Michigan, and a member of the Board of Trustees of Alma College. 6'1", 200 pounds, junior, Detroit – started 7 games at offensive right tackle Robert Timm, 5'11", 185 pounds, junior, Toledo, OH – started 9 games at defensive right guard David Tinkham, 5'10", 170 pounds, junior, East Grand Rapids, MI – started 9 games at defensive back, 2 games at left halfback Ted Topor, 6'1", 215 pounds, junior, East Chicago, IN – started 7 games at quarterback, 8 games at linebacker Thomas Witherspoon, 5'11", 177 pounds, junior, Detroit – started 1 game at fullback Jim Wolter, 6'0", 190 pounds, senior, Ypsilanti, MI – started 8 games at offensive right guard, 1 game at offensive left guard Donald M. Zanfagna, 5'10", 175 pounds, sophomore, Providence, RI Roger Zatkoff, 6'2", 210 pounds, junior, Hamtramck, MI – started 9 games at linebacker, 1 game at fullback Coaching staff Michigan's 1951 coaching, training, and support staff included the following persons. Head coach: Bennie Oosterbaan Assistant coaches: Jack Blott - line coach George Ceithaml - backfield coach Cliff Keen - head wrestling coach and assistant football coach Ernest McCoy - head basketball coach and chief football scout Bill Orwig - end coach Don Robinson - junior varsity coach and scout Wally Weber - freshman coach J. T. White - assistant line coach Trainer: Jim Hunt Manager: Leon Stock Awards and honors right|thumb|150px|FB and MVP Don Peterson Honors and awards for the 1951 season went to the following individuals: Captain: Bill PutichPutich Will Captain 1951 Michigan '11' Niles Daily Star January 24, 1951 11 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-niles-daily-star-putich-will-captain/180725203/ Newspapers.com 1951 All-America college football team: Lowell Perry (UP third team,United Press Honors MSC's Carey, Coleman The Ann Arbor News November 28, 1951 16 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-united-press-honors-m/180725591/ Newspapers.com Central Press second team),Midwest, South Dominate Central Press All American Football Team Bangor Commercial Walter L. Johns December 4, 1951 10 https://www.newspapers.com/article/commercial-midwest-south-dominate-centr/180725740/ Newspapers.com Tom Johnson (Chicago Tribune 1st-team)Arch Ward Players Name 1951 All-America Teams Chicago Daily Tribune December 9, 1951 https://secure.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/498371282.html?dids=498371282:498371282&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+09,+1951&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=PLAYERS+NAME+1951+ALL-AMERICA+TEAMS&pqatl=google 2010-09-24 https://web.archive.org/web/20120303122401/https://secure.pqarchiver.com/chicagotribune/access/498371282.html?dids=498371282:498371282&FMT=ABS&FMTS=ABS:AI&type=historic&date=Dec+09,+1951&author=&pub=Chicago+Tribune&desc=PLAYERS+NAME+1951+ALL-AMERICA+TEAMS&pqatl=google 2012-03-03 dead All-Big Ten: Lowell Perry (AP and UP), Tom Johnson (AP and UP), Roger Zatkoff (AP)Perry And Johnson On AP All-Big Ten Team The Ann Arbor News November 26, 1951 14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-perry-and-johnson-on/180725842/Perry And Johnson Named On United Press All-Big Ten: Illinois Given Four First Team Berths; Janowicz Repeater November 20, 1951 14 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-perry-and-johnson-nam/180725952/ Newspapers.com Most Valuable Player: Don PetersonWolverines Name Peterson Team's Most Valuable Man The Ann Arbor News Dave Tefft November 28, 1951 16 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-ann-arbor-news-wolverines-name-peter/180725294/ Newspapers.com Meyer Morton Award: Merritt Greene References Michigan Category:Michigan Wolverines football seasons Michigan Wolverines football