1955 Michigan Wolverines football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1955 Michigan Wolverines football 1955 Michigan football team.jpg 285 Big Ten Conference Big Ten 13 12 7–2 5–2 Bennie Oosterbaan 8th Terry Barr Ed Meads Michigan Stadium The 1955 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1955 Big Ten Conference football season. In their eighth season under head coach Bennie Oosterbaan, the Wolverines finished in third place in the Big Ten Conference, compiled a 7–2 record (5–2 against Big Ten opponents), and were ranked No. 12 and No. 13 in the final AP and UPI Polls. In the second week of the season, the Wolverines defeated Michigan State, 14–7. The game was the only loss of the season for Michigan State which was ranked No. 2 in the final AP and UPI polls. The Wolverines were ranked No. 2 in the country after defeating the Spartans and rose to No. 1 after defeating the No. 6-ranked Army football team by a 26–2 score the following week. In late October 1955, quarterback Jim Maddock threw touchdown passes of 65 and 60 yard in the fourth quarter to lead a come-from-behind victory over Iowa in a nationally televised game. After starting the season 6–0, the team lost to Illinois on November 5. In the final game of the season, the Wolverines were favored but lost to Ohio State on November 19. Left end Ron Kramer was a consensus first-team All-American. Kramer and right end Tom Maentz were nicknamed the "touchdown twins,"John Barbour Coaches Heap Praise Upon Great Ends Council Bluffs Nonpareil October 30, 1955 became the first Michigan football players to appear on the cover of Sports Illustrated,Ernie Harwell Michigan Has Covered SI 67 Times Detroit Free Press June 7, 2004 and were both first-team selections for the All-Big Ten team. Left halfback Terry Barr was selected as the team's most valuable player.1955 Football Team University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1955fbt.htm The team's statistical leaders were Tony Branoff with 387 rushing yards, Jim Maddock with 343 passing yards, and Tom Maentz with 253 receiving yards. Schedule 1955 AP September 24 w y 4 Missouri Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 42–7 51,801 Kramer 'Shows 'Em' As M Rips Missouri Detroit Free Press Lyall Smith September 25, 1955 C1, C5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28976121/kramer_shows_em_as_m_rips_missouri/ Newspapers.com October 1 w 2 Michigan State Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 14–7 97,239 U-M Frustrates Inspired Spartans Detroit Free Press Hal Middlesworth October 2, 1955 C1, C3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28976303/um_frustrates_inspired_spartans/ Newspapers.com October 8 w y 2 Army 6 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 26–2 97,239–97,366 October 15 w 1 Northwestern rivalry Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 14–2 76,703 Michigan's Defense Beats Northwestern Detroit Free Press Tommy Devine October 16, 1955 C1, C4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28976612/michigans_defense_beats_northwestern/ Newspapers.com October 22 w y 1 Minnesota Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN Little Brown Jug 14–13 64,434 Michigan 14, Minnesota 13: Wolverines Rally from 13-0 First Quarter Deficit for Victory Minneapolis Sunday Tribune Charles Johnson October 23, 1955 Sports 1, 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28976781/michigan_14_minnesota_13/ Newspapers.com October 29 w y 3 Iowa Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 33–21 73,275 November 5 l y 3 Illinois Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL rivalry 6–25 58,968 Illinois Stuns Michigan With 25-6 Upset Victory The Pantagraph Fred Young November 6, 1955 29 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28977175/illinois_stuns_michigan_with_256_upset/ Newspapers.com November 12 w 7 Indiana Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 30–0 60,613 Wolverines Conquer Indiana Like Champs Detroit Free Press Tommy Devine November 13, 1955 D1, D4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28977415/wolverines_conquer_indiana_like_champs/ Newspapers.com November 19 l 6 Ohio State 9 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 0–17 97,369 Ohio State Humbles Michigan, 17-0: 97,369 See Contest Democrat and Chronicle November 20, 1955 D1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28977619/ohio_state_humbles_michigan_170/ Newspapers.com Season summary Preseason The 1954 Michigan Wolverines football team compiled a 6–3 record (5–2 Big Ten), finished in third place in the conference, and was ranked No. 15 in the final AP and UP polls.1954 Football Team University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library November 6, 2017 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1954fbt.htm At the end of the 1954 season, right guard Ed Meads, a junior from Oxford, Michigan, was selected by his teammates to be captain of the 1955 team.Meads To Captain Michigan Football Team in '55: Number 76' Is Key Figure in 'M' Line; Baer Honored as 'Most Valuable Player' The Michigan Daily Dave Grey November 24, 1954 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756360/423 Bentley Historical Library In May 1955, freshman quarterback Jim Van Pelt received the team's Meyer W. Morton trophy as the most improved player in spring practice.Award Goes To VanPelt The Michigan Daily May 15, 1955 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756378/567 Bentley Historical Library Missouri Week 1: Missouri at Michigan Missouri 7 0 0 0 Michigan 0 21 7 14 September 24 Ann Arbor, MI 55,607 yes 1 MIZZ Dick Stuber 12-yard pass from Jerry Hunter (Chuck Mehrer kick) MIZZ 7–0 2 MICH Ron Kramer 14-yard pass and run from Jim Van Pelt (Kramer kick) TIE 7–7 2 MICH Lou Baldacci 2-yard run (Kramer kick) MICH 14–7 2 MICH Kramer 22-yard pass from Baldacci (Kramer kiss) MICH 21–7 3 MICH Baldacci 1-yard run (Kramer kick) MICH 28–7 4 MICH Kramer 13-yard pass from Baldacci (Kramer kick) MICH 35–7 4 MICH Mike Rotunno 81-yard interception return (Van Pelt kick) MICH 42–7 yes On September 23, Michigan opened its season with a 42–7 victory over Don Faurot's Missouri Tigers. The game was played before a crowd of 55,608 at Michigan Stadium. Left end Ron Kramer scored 23 points for Michigan on three touchdowns and five extra points. The Wolverines out-gained the Tigers by 318 yards (164 rushing, 154 passing) to 115 yards (48 rushing, 67 passing).Wolverines Overpower, 42-7, in Opener: 55,607 See Attack Paced By Kramer The Michigan Daily Jack Horwitz September 25, 1955 1 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/49 Bentley Historical Library Michigan State Week 2: Michigan State at Michigan Michigan State 0 0 7 0 Michigan 7 0 7 0 October 1 Ann Arbor, MI 97,239 yes 1 MICH Tony Branoff 2-yard run (kick by Ron Kramer) MICH 7–0 3 MSU Jerry Planutis 1-yard run (kick by Planutis) TIE 7–7 3 MICH Jim Maddock 1-yard run (kick by Kramer) MICH 14–7 yes On October 1, Michigan defeated Michigan State, 14–7, before a crowd of 97,239 at Michigan Stadium. Michigan's first touchdown was set up when Michigan halfback Tony Branoff intercepted the first pass thrown by Michigan State quarterback Earl Morrall. Branoff returned the ball 38 yards to the Spartans' 20-yard line and scored the touchdown six plays later on a short run.'M' Defeats Spartans, 14-7: Interception, Blocked Punt Help in Win The Michigan Daily Jack Horwitz 1, 8 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/109 Bentley Historical Library After a poor 24-yard punt by Ron Kramer, Michigan State tied the game in the third quarter on a short run and extra-point kick by fullback Jerry Planutis. Later in the third quarter, John Morrow blocked an Earl Morrall punt, and Michigan took over at the Spartans' 21-yard line. Quarterback Jim Maddock scored on a short run, and Kramer kicked the extra point to give Michigan a 14–7 lead. The Spartans out-gained the Wolverines by totals of 215 yards to 151 yards and had twice as many first downs. Army Week 3: Army at Michigan Army 0 0 0 2 Michigan 6 6 0 14 October 8 Ann Arbor, MI 97,239 yes 1 MICH Terry Barr 1-yard run (kick by Ron Kramer failed) MICH 6–0 2 MICH Barr 82-yard punt return (kick by Jim Van Pelt failed) MICH 12–0 4 MICH Ed Shannon 1-yard run (Branoff run) MICH 19–0 4 MICH Jim Pace 4-yard run (Van Pelt kick) MICH 26–0 4 ARMY John Greenwood safety (tackled by Flay Goodwin in end zone) MICH 26–2 yes On October 8, Michigan (ranked No. 2) defeated Army (ranked No. 6) by a score of 26–2 before a crowd of 97,239 at Michigan Stadium. Junior halfback Terry Barr led Michigan's offense and also scored on an 82-yard punt return in the second quarter. Army had scored 116 points in its first two games, but stalled against the Wolverines. The Cadets fumbled the ball nine times with Michigan recovering on eight. Adding to Army's offensive woes, the Cadets completed only one of 10 passes.Even Davy Couldn't Pin This Barr: Barr's 2 Tallies Pace M; Army Suffers 26-2 Setback Detroit Free Press Tommy Devine October 9, 1955 1C, 4C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28976475/even-davy-couldnt-pin-this-barr/ Newspapers.com It was Michigan's first victory against Army after five prior losses. It was also the worst defeat for an Army football team since 1952. Michigan end Ron Kramer sustained a bruised chest in the second quarter, collapsed in the tunnel, and was rushed to University Hospital in an ambulance.'M' Breaks Army Jinx, 26-2: Barr Spearheads Win; Kramer Hurt The Michigan Daily October 9, 1955 1, 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/151 Bentley Historical Library The game was also marked by a halftime incident when Secretary of the Army Wilber M. Brucker and top military brass attempted to cross the field and became tangled with the Michigan Marching Band. The Michigan Daily reported that the band was supposed to wait for the military contingent to cross the field, but Michigan band director William Revelli said he had not been informed of the trip.Everything Goes Wrong For Cadets: Michigan Elated, Army Deflated The Michigan Daily Jim Dygert October 9, 1955 1 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/151 Northwestern Week 4: Northwestern at Michigan Northwestern 0 7 0 0 Michigan 7 0 0 7 October 15 Ann Arbor, MI 76,703 yes 1 MICH Earl Johnson 2-yard run (Tony Branoff kick) MICH 7–0 2 NW Safety, Tony Branoff fumbled the snap in the end zone attempting to punt MICH 7–2 4 MICH Terry Barr 46-yard run (Branoff kick) MICH 14–2 yes On October 15, Michigan defeated Lou Saban's Northwestern Wildcats, 14–2, before a crowd of 76,703 at Michigan Stadium. Terry Barr's 46-yard touchdown run was the highlight for Michigan. In a defensive struggle, Northwestern out-gained Michigan by 173 yards (128 rushing, 45 passing) to 168 yards (150 rushing, 18 passing). It was the third consecutive week in which the Wolverines won despite being out-gained. The Wolverines converted only six first downs and completed only two of seven passes and threw an interception.'M' Stops Northwestern 14-2: Michigan Line Bogs Down 'Cats The Michigan Daily Phil Douglis October 16, 1955 1, 2 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/191 Bentley Historical Library Tommy Devine of the Detroit Free Press wrote that the Wolverines won despite being "flat, feeble and uninspired." Minnesota Week 5: Michigan at Minnesota Michigan 0 7 7 0 Minnesota 13 0 0 0 October 22 Minneapolis 64,434 yes 1 MINN Bob Schultz 8-yard run (Mike Falls kick) MINN 7–0 1 MINN Ken Yackel 16-yard run (kick blocked by Terry Barr) MINN 13–0 2 MICH Terry Barr 5-yard run (Tony Branoff kick) MINN 13–7 3 MICH Tom Maentz 9-yard pass from Jim Van Pelt (Van Pelt kick) MICH 14–13 yes On October 22, Michigan (ranked No. 1) defeated Murray Warmath's Minnesota Golden Gophers by a 14–13 score in the annual Little Brown Jug game before a crowd of 64,434 at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis. Minnesota took a 13–0 lead with two touchdowns in the first quarter. Terry Barr closed the gap with a five-yard touchdown run near the end of the second quarter. Michigan took the lead in the third quarter on a nine-yard touchdown pass from Jim Van Pelt to Tom Maentz.M Shaken, But Proves It's a Champion: Trailing, 13-0, Wolverines Nip Gophers, 14-13 Detroit Free Press Hal Middlesworth October 23, 1955 1D, 4D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74535311/m-shaken-but-proves-its-a-champion/ Newspapers.com'M' Rallies To Edge Minnesota: Second Half Tally Brings 14-13 Win The Michigan Daily Jack Horwitz October 23, 1955 1, 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/237 Bentley Historical Library Michigan dropped to No. 3 in the AP poll after the game. Iowa Week 6: Iowa at Michigan Iowa 7 7 7 0 Michigan 0 0 13 20 October 29 Ann Arbor, MI 72,096 yes 1 IOWA Ed Vincent 24-yard run (Freeman kick) IOWA 7–0 2 IOWA Don Dobrino 1-yard run (Freeman kick) MO 14–0 3 MICH Lou Baldacci 1-yard run (kick blocked) IOWA 14–6 3 IOWA Dobrino 27-yard catch and run from Jerry Reichow (Freeman kick) IOWA 21–6 3 MICH Tom Maentz 33-yard catch from Branoff IOWA 21–13 4 MICH Ron Kramer 65-yard catch and run from Maddock (Kramer kick) IOWA 21–20 4 MICH Maentz 60-yard catch and run from Maddock (Kramer kick) MICH 27–21 4 MICH Tony Branoff 30-yard run (kick blocked) MICH 33–21 yes On October 29, Michigan defeated Forest Evashevski's Iowa Hawkeyes by a score of 33–21 before a homecoming crowd of 72,096 and a national television audience at Michigan Stadium. Iowa took a 14–0 lead at halftime and 21–13 at the start of the fourth quarter.U-M by a Miracle, 33-21! 20 Points in 9 Minutes Detroit Free Press Lyall Smith October 30, 1955 1D, 3D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/28976981/20-points-in-9-minutes-u-m-by-a/ Newspapers.comMichigan Rally Buries Iowa: Passing Humbles Hawkeyes, 33-21 The Michigan Daily Phil Douglis October 30, 1955 1, 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/277 Quarterback Jim Maddock came into the game in the fourth quarter and led the Wolverines to three touchdowns. On Maddock's first drive, Michigan was backed up to its 35-yard line after a sack. Maddock then threw a long pass to Ron Kramer; Kramer caught the ball at Iowa's 38-yard line and managed to stay in bounds as he ran along the sideline for a 65-yard touchdown. Kramer then kicked the extra point to bring the Wolverines within one point (21–20) with 8:50 remaining. After Kramer's touchdown, Iowa drove to Michigan's 28-yard line with a time-consuming ground attack. On fourth-and-one, Michigan's defense stopped Iowa's Jerry Reichow for a one-yard loss. Michigan took over with 3:37 remaining. After a pass interference penalty moved the ball to Michigan's 40-yard line, Maddock threw a long pass to Tom Maentz; Maentz caught the pass at the Iowa 25-yard line and ran into the end zone untouched. Kramer again kicked the extra point, and Michigan led, 26–21, with 3:24 remaining. After the Maentz touchdown, Iowa threw four incomplete passes, and Michigan then took over with two-and-a-half minutes remaining. Tony Branoff ran 30 yards for Michigan's final touchdown. Kramer's kick was blocked, and Michigan won by a 33–21 score. The Michigan Daily described it as "perhaps the most thrilling game ever to be played in the Michigan Stadium." The Detroit Free Press called it "one of the greatest comebacks of this, or any, football season." The victory was Michigan's sixth straight. Illinois Week 7: Michigan at Illinois Michigan 0 6 0 0 Illinois 6 0 6 13 November 5 Champaign, IL 58,968 yes 1 ILL Bob Desenfants 25-yard pass from Lindbeck ILL 6–0 2 MICH Tony Branoff 17-yard run TIE 6–6 3 ILL Abe Woodson 24-yard run ILL 12–6 4 ILL Bobby Mitchell 64-yard run (Dean Renn kick) ILL 18–6 4 ILL Rolla McMullen 4-yard run ILL 25–6 yes On November 5, Michigan (ranked No. 3) lost to Illinois by a 25–6 score before a crowd of 58,968 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. The game was tied, 6–6, at halftime, but the Illini scored three unanswered touchdowns in the second half. Sophomore halfback Bobby Mitchell gained 173 yards, including runs of 54 and 64 yards, on 10 carries for Illinois.U-M Upset Once Too Often: Illinois 25, Michigan 6 Detroit Free Press Lyall Smith November 6, 1955 1D, 4D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74539802/u-m-upset-once-too-often-illinois-25/ Newspapers.comIllinois Stuns Michigan, 25-6: 'M' Loses Lead In Big Ten Race The Michigan Daily Phil Douglis November 6, 1955 1, 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/313 Bentley Historical Library After the loss, Michigan dropped to No. 7 in the AP poll. Indiana Week 8: Indiana at Michigan Indiana 0 0 0 0 Michigan 7 9 14 0 November 12 Ann Arbor, MI 60,613 yes 1 MICH Terry Barr 4-yard run (Ron Kramer kick) MICH 7–0 2 MICH Jim Pace 20-yard run (Kramer kick) MICH 14–0 2 MICH Safety, Tom Maentz downed Gene Cichowski on a bad snap into the end zone MICH 16–0 4 MICH Lou Baldacci 1-yard run (Jim Maddock kick) MICH 23–0 4 MICH Dave Hill 2-yard run (Jim Van Pelt kick) MICH 30–0 yes On November 12, Michigan defeated Indiana, 30–0, before a crowd of 60,613 at Michigan Stadium. Michigan's defense held the Hoosiers to minus 26 rushing yards in the first half and 61 yards of total offense in the game. On offense, Michigan totaled 302 rushing yards and 71 passing yards.'M' Rips Indiana; Awaits OSU; Defense Sparkles In 30-0 Grid Win The Michigan Daily Alan Eisenberg November 13, 1955 1, 8 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/359 Bentley Historical Library Ohio State Week 9: Ohio State at Michigan Ohio State 0 3 0 14 Michigan 0 0 0 0 November 19 Ann Arbor, MI 97,369 yes 2 OHIO Freddie Kriss field goal OHIO 3–0 4 OHIO Howard Cassady run (kick by Sutherland failed) OHIO 9–0 4 OHIO Safety, Aurealius Thomas tackled Terry Barr in the end zone OHIO 9–0 4 OHIO Don Vicic run (kick failed) OHIO 17–0 yes On November 19, Michigan (ranked No. 6) lost to Ohio State (No. 9) by a 17–0 score before a record crowd of 97,369 at Michigan Stadium. Heisman Trophy winner Howard "Hopalong" Cassady, playing in his final game for the Buckeyes, rushed for 146 yards on 28 carries. The Buckeyes out-gained the Wolverines by 333 rushing yards to 95. Neither team tallied significant yardage in the air: Michigan completed three of nine passes for 14 yards and gave up two interceptions; Ohio State completed one of three passes for four yards. A Michigan victory would have given the Wolverines a conference championship and sent the team to the 1956 Rose Bowl. Instead, Ohio State won the conference championship, and Michigan State received the conference's Rose Bowl invitation. It was the Buckeyes' first victory at Michigan Stadium since 1937. The Michigan Daily called it "one of the darkest days in Michigan football history." At the end of the game, "18,000 fanatical Buckeye rooters . . . swept to the field in a thunderous display of hysteria."OSU Trips 'M' To Clinch Title: Spartans Bound For Rose Bowl The Michigan Daily Phil Douglis November 20, 1955 1, 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/399 Bentley Historical Library Postseason In the final AP Poll, Michigan was ranked No. 12. Michigan State was ranked No. 2, and Ohio State No. 5.AP Football Title Won By Sooners The Michigan Daily November 30, 1955 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/433 Bentley Historical Library At a meeting of the team's lettermen held on November 28, left halfback Terry Barr was selected by as the team's most valuable player. At the same meeting, right end Tom Maentz was selected as captain of the 1956 team.Maentz Elected Captain for '56; Team Selects Barr Most Valuable The Michigan Daily November 29, 1955 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/429 Bentley Historical Library Left end Ron Kramer received numerous honors, including: Kramer finished eighth in the balloting for the 1955 Heisman Trophy.Cassady Wins Heisman Vote: 'M's Kramer Places Eighth In Balloting The Michigan Daily November 30, 1955 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/433 Bentley Historical Library Kramer was selected as a consensus first-team end on the 1955 All-America college football team.Football Award Winners National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2016 October 21, 2017 9 http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2016/awards.pdf He received first-team honors from the All-America Board, American Football Coaches Association/Collier's Weekly, Football Writers Association of America/Look magazine, International News Service, Newspaper Enterprise Association, Sporting News, United Press, Jet magazine, and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. On November 27, he appeared on the Ed Sullivan Show as part of the Collier's All-America team.Look, UP Give Kramer Berth The Michigan Daily November 29, 1955 6 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/428 Bentley Historical Library He was ineligible for the Associated Press (AP) All-America team as a result of having missed games due to injury. Kramer was selected by the Associated Press as a first-team end on both the 1955 All-Big Ten Conference football team and the All-Midwestern football team.Kramer, Maentz Make All-Big Ten The Michigan Daily November 22, 1955 6 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/412 Bentley Historical LibraryKramer, Maentz Get Honors The Michigan Daily December 1, 1955 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/439 Bentley Historical Library End Tom Maentz also received multiple post-season honors including a second-team All-America designation from the AP,Maentz Wins All-American Recognition on AP Team The Michigan Daily December 2, 1955 3 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/445 Bentley Historical Library and a first-team All-Big Ten honors from the AP and UP, and first-team All-Midwest honors from the UP.Kramer, Maentz, Morrall Named To '55 All-Midwest Football '11' Ironwood Daily Globe November 30, 1955 12 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74510500/kramer-maentz-morrall-named-to-55/ Newspapers.com Other Michigan player receiving All-Big Ten honors were halfback Tony Branoff (UP-1), center James Bates (UP-2), guard Dick Hill (UP-3), and fullback Lou Baldacci (UP-3).Two Hawks On All-Big 10 The Des Moines Tribune November 22, 1955 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/74513777/1955-ins-all-big-ten/ Newspapers.com Statistical leaders Rushing 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Attempts Net yards Yards per attempt Touchdowns Tony Branoff863874.53 Terry Barr632453.94Lou Baldacci692183.24 Passing 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Attempts Completions Interceptions Comp % Yards Yds/Comp TD Long Jim Maddock5220338.534317.1265Jim Van Pelt219142.913915.4236Terry Barr166237.511919.8057 Receiving 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Receptions Yards Yds/Recp TD Long Tom Maentz1125323.0360Ron Kramer1222418.7465Terry Barr47418.5040 Kickoff returns 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Returns Yards Yds/Return TD Long Tony Branoff614023.3027Terry Barr48421.0025Ed Hickey36321.0028 Punt returns 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Returns Yards Yds/Return TD Long Terry Barr1421915.6182Jim Pace46917.3034Tony Branoff8587.3011 Personnel Coaching staff Head coach: Bennie Oosterbaan Assistant coaches: Jack Blott - line coach Don Dufek Robert Hollway - assistant line coach Cliff Keen Pete Kinyon Matt Patanelli Don Robinson - backfield coach Walter Weber - freshman coach Trainer: Jim Hunt Manager: Casper Grathwol Players Starting backfield The following players started at least three games in the backfield for the 1955 Michigan team: Lou Baldacci, fullback, senior, Akron, Ohio - started 7 games at fullback Terry Barr, halfback, junior, Grand Rapids, Michigan - started 9 games at left halfback Tony Branoff, halfback, senior, Flint, Michigan - started 9 games at right halfback Jim Maddock, quarterback, junior, Chicago, Illinois - started 6 games at quarterback Jim Van Pelt, quarterback, sophomore, Evanston, Illinois - started 3 games at quarterback Starting linemen The following players started at least three games in the line for the 1955 Michigan team: James V. Bates, center, senior, Farmington, Michigan - started 7 games at center Dick Hill, guard, junior, Gary, Indiana - started 9 games at left guard Ron Kramer, end, junior, East Detroit, Michigan - started 6 games at left end Tom Maentz, end, junior, Holland, Michigan - started 7 games at right end Ed Meads, guard, senior, Oxford, Michigan - started 9 games at right guard James B. Orwig, tackle, junior, Toledo, Ohio - started 9 games at left tackle Mike Rotunno, end, junior, Canton, Ohio - started 3 games at left end Lionel Albert Sigman, tackle, junior, Ann Arbor, Michigan - started 9 games at right tackle Other letter winners A total of 38 players received varsity letters for their participation on the 1955 football team. In addition to the starters referenced above, the following players also received varsity letters:Coaches Award 38 Varsity Letters The Michigan Daily November 23, 1955 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071756394/421 Bentley Historical Library James N. Bowman, center, senior, Charlevoix, Michigan - center Charles Brooks, end, junior, Marshall, Michigan - started 2 games at right end George R. Corey, halfback, senior, Baden, Pennsylvania Clement Corona, guard, junior, Berwick, Pennsylvania James H. Davies, tackle, junior, Muskegon Heights, Michigan Dale L. Eldred, guard, junior, Minneapolis, Minnesota Lawrence Faul, end, junior, River Forest, Illinois James W. Fox, guard, senior, Saginaw, Michigan Jerry P. Goebel, center, junior, Grosse Pointe, Michigan - started 2 games at center John Greenwood, quarterback, junior, Bay City, Michigan Thomas Hendricks, halfback, senior, Detroit, Michigan Richard B. Heynen, tackle, junior, Grand Rapids, Michigan Edward L. Hickey, halfback, senior, Anaconda, Montana David J. Hill, fullback, senior, Ypsilanti, Michigan Earl Johnson, Jr., fullback, senior, Muskegon Heights, Michigan Carl R. Kamhout, tackle, senior, Grand Haven, Michigan Stanley Knickerbocker, halfback, senior, Chelsea, Michigan William Kolesar, tackle, senior, Mentor, Ohio Robert L. Marion, guard, senior, Muskegon Heights, Michigan John M. Morrow, tackle, senior, Ann Arbor, Michigan Marvin R. Nyren, guard, junior, Des Plaines, Illinois Jim Pace, halfback, sophomore, Little Rock, Arkansas John Peckham, center, senior, Sioux Falls, South Dakota David F. Rentschler, end, senior, Detroit, Michigan Edward J. Shannon, halfback, junior, River Forest, Illinois - started 1 game at fullbackk Reserves The following additional players were awarded reserve letters. Peter J. Aluzzo, center, Detroit, Michigan George J. Armelagos, guard, Allen Park, Michigan Paul T. Baldwin, quarterback, senior, Escanaba, Michigan Thomas E. Berger, guard, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan Alex Bochnowski, guard, sophomore, Munster, Indiana James A. Dickey, quarterback, sophomore, Miamisburg, Ohio Jerry I. Gonser, end, senior, Saline, Michigan James P. Gray, tackle, freshman, Battle Creek, Michigan Robert L. Henderson, tackle, Evansville, Indiana Jerry Janecke, halfback, sophomore, Rock Island, Illinois Richard L. Ketteman, Toledo, Ohio Walter W. Klinge, halfback, sophomore, West Brooklyn, Illinois Charles H. Krahnke, guard, senior, Wyandotte, Michigan John C. Kreger, tackle, sophomore, Flat Rock, Michigan Frederick Krueger, end, sophomore, Allen Park, Michigan Jack Lousma, quarterback, sophomore, Ann Arbor, Michigan - Lousma became a NASA astronaut and politician. He was a member of the Skylab 3 crew in 1973 and the commander of STS-3, the third Space Shuttle mission in 1983. William MacPhee, center, sophomore, Grand Haven, Michigan Charles F. Matulis, halfback, junior, East Chicago, Indiana Ernest H. McCoy, halfback, State College, Pennsylvania Joseph H. McKoan, end, junior, Algonac, Michigan John A. Miller, end, Jackson, Michigan Gordon H. Morrow, end, sophomore, Ann Arbor, Michigan David G. Owen, tackle, junior, Milwaukee, Wisconsin Donald F. Rembiesa, center, sophomore, Dearborn, Michigan Mike Rodriguez, halfback, Ann Arbor, Michigan Richard J. Ruhuala, fullback, Flint, Michigan Michael Shatusky, halfback, junior, Menominee, Michigan Robert E. Sriver, halfback, senior, Mishawaka, Indiana William B. Steinmeyer, guard, junior, Toledo, Ohio Stephen J. Zervas, fullback, senior, Hazel Park, Michigan Freshmen John Herrnstein Gary Prahst Bob Ptacek Willie Smith Tony Rio Awards and honors Captain: Ed Meads All-Americans: Ron Kramer All-Conference: Ron Kramer (AP and UP first team), Tom Maentz (AP and UP first team), Tony Branoff (UPI first team and AP honorable mention), Jim Bates (UP second team and AP honorable mention)Ohio State Dominates Big Ten All-Conference Ed Sainsbury Warsaw Times Union (UPI story) November 22, 1955 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=zLdHAAAAIBAJ&sjid=h3wMAAAAIBAJ&pg=5721,2197912&dq=michigan+jim-bates&hl=en'55 All-Big Ten Team The Portsmouth Times (AP story) November 22, 1955 https://news.google.com/newspapers?id=A8RQAAAAIBAJ&sjid=stAMAAAAIBAJ&pg=3971,5928557&dq=ron-kramer&hl=en Most Valuable Player: Terry Barr Meyer Morton Award: Jim Van Pelt References External links 1955 Football Team -- Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History Michigan Category:Michigan Wolverines football seasons Michigan Wolverines football