1968 Michigan Wolverines football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1968 Michigan Wolverines football 1901-94 Michigan Wolverines Primary Logo.png Big Ten Conference Big Ten 15 12 8–2 6–1 Bump Elliott 10th Tony Mason Henry Fonde Ron Johnson Ron Johnson Michigan Stadium The 1968 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1968 Big Ten Conference football season. In their tenth and final season under head coach Bump Elliott, the Wolverines compiled an 8–2 record, outscored opponents 277 to 155, and finished the season in second place in the Big Ten Conference and ranked No. 12 in the final AP Poll. After losing the season opener to California, the Wolverines won their next eight games by a combined score of 256 to 84. The team rose to No. 4 in the AP poll before losing to Ohio State by a 50–14 score in the final game of the season. On November 16, 1968, Michigan running back Ron Johnson set an NCAA record with 347 rushing yards against Wisconsin.Ohio, Michigan Win; Meet on Saturday; Johnson Gets 347 Yards, Scores Five Times To Help Michigan Beat Wisconsin 34 to 9 George Langford Chicago Tribune November 17, 1968 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/11/17/page/53/article/ohio-michigan-win-meet-jon-saturdayWisconsin Defeat Summed Up in but 2 Words -- Ron Johnson Oliver E. Kuechle The Milwaukee Journal November 18, 1968 2–12 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19681118&id=WAsqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IigEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2080,4620545 May 2, 2016 November 19, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20160502225621/https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19681118&id=WAsqAAAAIBAJ&sjid=IigEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2080,4620545 dead He also finished his career with a school record 2,524 rushing yards. At the end of the year, Johnson was selected as Michigan's most valuable player and a first-team All-American. He also won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy as the most valuable player in the Big Ten. Defensive back Tom Curtis set a new Big Ten record with 10 interceptions in 1968 and was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten player. Michigan's other first-team All-Big Ten players included Johnson, quarterback Dennis Brown, and ends Jim Mandich and Phil Seymour. Schedule 1968 AP Eastern September 21 l y California Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 7–21 71,386 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-junior-fullback-is-key-to-cali/183720024/ The Shreveport Times Junior fullback is key to California win September 22, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com September 28 w y y Duke Wallace Wade Stadium Durham, NC 31–10 25,000 https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-u-m-explodes-over-duk/139285093/ Detroit Free Press U-M explodes over Duke September 29, 1968 January 21, 2024 Newspapers.com October 5 w y Navy Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 32–9 56,501 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-grand-rapids-press-m-tops-navy/183635413/ The Grand Rapids Press 'M' tops Navy October 6, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com October 12 w Michigan State 12 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 28–14 102,785 https://www.newspapers.com/article/battle-creek-enquirer-u-m-wins-2814/183726655/ Battle Creek Enquirer & News U-M wins, 28–14 October 13, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com October 19 w y 18 Indiana 19 Seventeenth Street Stadium Bloomington, IN 27–22 51,951 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-star-press-michigan-edges-iu-2722/183725686/ The Muncie Star Michigan edges IU, 27–22 October 20, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com October 26 w y 12 Minnesota Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI Little Brown Jug 33–20 69,384 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-u-m-tops-gophers/183724987/ The Kalamazoo Gazette U-M tops Gophers... October 27, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com November 2 w y 9 Northwestern rivalry Dyche Stadium Evanston, IL 35–0 40,101 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-des-moines-register-michigan-flails/183727568/ The Des Moines Register Michigan flails 'Cats, 35–0 November 3, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com November 9 w 7 Illinois Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 36–0 56,775 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-bay-city-times-wolverines-near-showd/183727203/ The Bay City Times Wolverines near showdown November 10, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com November 16 w 4 Wisconsin Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 34–9 51,117 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-superman-johnson/183727866/ The Kalamazoo Gazette 'Superman' Johnson romps November 17, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com November 23 l y 4 Ohio State 2 Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH rivalry 14–50 85,371 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-tennessean-buckeyes-roll-5014/183723976/ The Nashville Tennessean Buckeyes roll 50–14 November 24, 1968 October 26, 2025 Newspapers.com Schedule/Results (1968 Michigan) https://stats.ncaa.org/teams/130229 National Collegiate Athletic Association NCAA Statistics October 26, 2025 Season summary Preseason The 1967 Michigan team compiled a 4–6 (3–4 Big Ten) record.1967 Football Team Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1967fbt.htm After compiling a 14–16 record since 1964, Elliott became the subject of a "Dump Bump" campaign among Michigan alumni.James DeLand Football Drills Start Today: 'M' Aiming Two Big Guns The News-Palladium August 23, 1968 15 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2762703/football_drills_start_today_m_aiming/ Two key players returned to the 1968 team as senior leaders on offense. Halfback Ron Johnson rushed for over 1,000 yards in 1967 and was selected as a second-team All-American, and quarterback Dennis Brown in 1967 broke the Big Ten Conference record for total offense.'Disappointing' Season Had Bright Spots For Elliott The News-Palladium May 3, 1968 Jim DeLand 15 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2761820/disappointing_season_had_bright_spots/ In late 1967, Fritz Crisler, who had been Michigan's athletic director since 1941, announced that he would retire effective June 30, 1968. On March 15, 1968, Don Canham, who had been Michigan's track coach since 1948, was selected to replace Crisler as Michigan's athletic director.Track Coach Canham Will Replace Michigan's Crisler Des Moines Register March 16, 1968 3-S https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2761690/track_coach_canham_will_replace/ In early April 1968, Ron Johnson was selected as the captain of the 1968 team. He was the first African-American to receive the honor.Johnson Named Michigan Captain The Holland, Michigan, Evening Sentinel April 3, 1968 4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2761845/johnson_named_michigan_captain/ Recruiting In his final year as Michigan's head coach, Bump Elliott secured one of the strongest recruiting classes in Michigan football history. Michigan's 1968 recruits included:U-M Emphasis Placed on Linemen Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Michigan June 6, 1968 2–3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2761903/um_emphasis_placed_on_line/1968 Football Roster University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/rosters/search.php?data=football&year_option=equals&year=1968&sortby=lastname%2C+firstname%2C+year&find=FIND(freshman players designated "af") Guard Reggie McKenzie, who starred on Bo Schembechler's early Michigan teams and was later inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame; Tight end Paul Seymour, who became a consensus All-American under Schembechler in 1972; Linebacker Mike Taylor, who became a consensus All-American in 1971; Defensive back Thom Darden, who became a first-team All-American in 1971 and later played 10 year in the NFL; Wide receiver Glenn Doughty, who went on to play for the Baltimore Colts from 1972 to 1979; Defensive end Tom Beckman, who played three years in the NFL; Running back Billy Taylor, who broke Michigan's career rushing record; Linebacker Mike Keller, who became a first-team All-Big Ten player in 1971 and played in the NFL for two years; Offensive lineman Guy Murdock, who was an All-Big Ten player in 1970 and 1971 and played three seasons of professional football; Fullback Fritz Seyferth, who later played in the Canadian Football League; Tight end Tom Huiskens, who was Male High School Athlete of the Year for the State of Michigan for the 1967–68 academic year;Bay County Sports Hall of Fame: Tom Huiskens brought passion to football field at Bay City Central, University of Michigan Cory Butzin Mlive.com August 1, 2010 http://www.mlive.com/sports/bay-city/index.ssf/2010/08/bay_county_sports_hall_of_fame_8.html and Offensive tackle Jim Brandstatter, who later gained fame as a sports broadcaster. Week 1: California Week 1: California at Michigan California Michigan 14 0 0 7 0 7 0 0 September 21, 1968 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Michigan 71,368 Jerry Markbreit On September 21, 1968, Michigan opened its season at Michigan Stadium with a loss to California by a 21 to 7 score. The game was the sixth meeting between the two programs, including a four-game series from 1965 to 1968. Michigan had won the first four games, but had lost the 1967 game by a 10 to 9 score.Michigan vs. California David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=466 July 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150708193052/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=466 dead California halfback Gary Fowler scored twice in the opening quarter on runs of 12 and 6 yards to give California a 14 to 0 lead. Michigan scored in the second quarter on an eight-yard pass from Dennis Brown to Jim Mandich. Tim Killian kicked the point after touchdown. Fowler scored again on a 12-yard run in the fourth quarter to extend California's lead. Michigan was held to 99 rushing yards and 135 passing yards in the game. California gained 240 rushing yards and 40 passing yards.Wolverines Defeated By California John Husar Chicago Tribune September 22, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/09/22/page/57/article/wolverines-defeated-by-californiaCalifornia Tops Michigan by 21-7; Fowler Goes Over 3 Times as Bears Gain Upset With Strong Running Attack The New York Times (AP story) September 22, 1968 S1 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/09/22/archives/california-tops-michigan-by-217-fowler-goes-over-3-times-as-bears.html Michigan's starting lineup against California was Mandich (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Bob Baumgartner (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Jerry Imsland (right end), Brown (quarterback), John Gabler (left halfback), Ron Johnson (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Week 2: at Duke Week 2: Michigan at Duke Michigan Duke 7 7 3 14 0 7 3 0 September 28, 1968 Wallace Wade Stadium, Durham, North Carolina 25,000 On September 28, 1968, Michigan defeated Duke by a 31 to 10 score in front of a crowd of 25,000 spectators at Wallace Wade Stadium in Durham, North Carolina. The game was the fourth meeting between the two programs. Michigan had won the prior three games, including the 1968 game by a 10 to 7 score.Michigan vs. Duke (NC) David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=971 July 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150708182212/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=971 dead Michigan halfback Ron Johnson gained 205 rushing yards (189 yards in the first half alone) and scored two touchdowns on runs of 53 yards in the second quarter and one yard in the fourth quarter. Michigan's other two touchdowns were scored by Jerry Imsland (23-yard pass from Dennis Brown in the first quarter) and Marty Huff (44-yard interception return in the fourth quarter). Tim Killian kicked a 25-yard field goal in the third quarter and converted four points after touchdown.Michigan, Johnson Beat Duke Chicago Tribune September 29, 1968 2-2 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/09/29/page/58/article/michigan-johnson-beat-dukeMichigan Scores Over Duke, 31-10; Johnson Gains 205 Yards, Tallies Two Touchdowns The New York Times (AP story) September 29, 1968 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/09/29/archives/michigan-scores-over-duke-3110-johnson-gains-205-yards-tallies-two.html Michigan's starting lineup against Duke was Jim Mandich (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Bob Baumgartner (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Bill Harris (right end), Brown (quarterback), John Gabler (left halfback), Johnson (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Week 3: Navy Week 3: Navy at Michigan Navy Michigan 3 0 0 6 0 19 6 7 October 5, 1968 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Michigan 56,501 Robert Van Lenges On October 5, 1968, Michigan defeated Navy by a 32 to 9 score in front of a crowd of 56,501 spectators at Michigan Stadium. The game was the 11th meeting between the Michigan and Navy programs. Michigan had a record of 4-5-1 in the prior meetings and had lost the 1967 game by a 26 to 21 score.Michigan vs. Navy (MD) David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=2173 July 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150708203522/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=2173 dead Michigan's dominating performance against Navy led David Condon to write in the Chicago Tribune: "Today the Wolverines were like the old champions of the west. Today they were the glorious Wolverines of days gone by. This was Michigan." Ron Johnson gained 121 yards on 22 carries. Michigan's five touchdowns were scored as follows: two-yard run by Johnson in the second quarter; three-yard run by Dennis Brown in the second quarter; 19-yard pass from Brown to Jim Mandich in the second quarter; 39-yard run by Johnson in the third quarter; and one-yard run by Greg Harrison in the fourth quarter. George Hoey returned a punt 63 yards to set up Johnson's first touchdown and returned another punt 36 yards to set up Brown's touchdown pass to Mandich. Hoey also intercepted two Navy passes, returning one of them 48 yards. Tim Killian kicked two out of five extra point attempts and missed a field goal attempt. Navy did not score its lone touchdown until 30 seconds remained in the game, while Michigan's reserves were on the field. Michigan gained 185 rushing yard and 175 passing yards in the game. Navy gained 92 rushing yards and 247 passing yardsBig Michigan Salvos Sink Navy, 32 to 9 David Condon Chicago Tribune October 6, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/10/06/page/57/article/big-michigan-salvos-sink-navy-32-to-9Michigan Vanquishes Navy Team, 32-9; Hoey Runs Wild on Punt Returns; His Interceptions Also Help Sink Middies -- Johnson Slams Across Twice The New York Times (AP story) October 6, 1968 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/06/archives/michigan-vanquishes-navy-team-329-hoey-runs-wild-on-punt-returns.html Michigan's starting lineup against Navy was Mandich (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Dick Caldarazzo (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Jerry Imsland (right end), Brown (quarterback), Paul Staroba (left halfback), Johnson (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Week 4: Michigan State Week 4: Michigan State at Michigan Michigan State Michigan 6 0 0 8 13 0 0 15 October 12, 1968 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Michigan 103,785 Eugene Calhoun On October 12, 1968, Michigan defeated Duffy Daugherty's Michigan State Spartans by a 28 to 14 score. The game was the 61st meeting in the Michigan–Michigan State football rivalry. The Spartans had won three consecutive games from 1965 to 1967,Michigan vs. Michigan State David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=1988 May 26, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150526234935/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=1988 dead and the Wolverines came into the 1968 game as an unranked underdog facing an undefeated Spartans team that had routed Wisconsin 39-0 the prior week and was ranked #12 in the AP Poll.Michigan State Yearly Results David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan_state/1965-1969_yearly_results.php July 8, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150708172951/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan_state/1965-1969_yearly_results.php dead Michigan quarterback Dennis Brown completed 9 of 15 passes for 177 yards and two touchdowns. Jim Mandich caught four passes for 125 yards, including a 53-yard touchdown reception, and John Gabler also caught a touchdown pass. Ron Johnson carried the ball 19 times for 152 yards and a touchdown. Fullback Garvie Craw also ran 25 yards for a touchdown and caught a pass from Brown for a two-point conversion. Tim Killian also kicked two extra points for Michigan. Michigan gained 420 yards in the game, 243 rushing and 177 passing. Michigan State gained 356 yards, 295 rushing and 61 passing.Wolverines Win; Upset M.S.U. on Drives in 4th Quarter; Dennis Brown Paces Victory Robert Markus Chicago Tribune October 13, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/10/13/page/65/article/wolverines-win-irish-defeat-n-uMichigan Defeats Mich. State, 28-14; Hands Spartans First Loss Before Crowd of 103,785 The New York Times October 13, 1968 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/13/archives/michigan-defeats-mich-state-2814-hands-spartans-first-loss-before.html After defeating Michigan State, the Wolverines were ranked #17 in the weekly AP poll.Southern Cal Rises to Top in Grid Poll Ironwood Daily Globe October 15, 1968 5 https://www.newspapers.com/image/59919905/ It was the first time since early in the 1966 season that Michigan had been ranked. Michigan's starting lineup against Michigan State was Jerry Imsland (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Dick Caldarazzo (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Mandich (right end), Brown (quarterback), Johnson (left halfback), Gabler (right halfback), and Craw (fullback). Week 5: at Indiana Week 5: Michigan at Indiana Michigan Indiana 7 0 13 7 0 7 9 6 October 19, 1968 Memorial Stadium, Bloomington, Indiana 51,951 R. E. Meyer On October 19, 1968, Michigan defeated Indiana by a 27 to 22 score. The game was the 29th meeting between the two programs. Michigan lost the 1967 game by a 27 to 20 score.Michigan vs. Indiana David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=1516 July 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150709022643/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=1516 dead Michigan quarterback Dennis Brown completed 14 of 30 passes for 162 yards and two touchdowns. John Gabler and Bill Harris were on the receiving end of Brown's touchdown throws in the third and fourth quarters, respectively. Ron Johnson gained 163 rushing yards and scored one touchdown on 34 carries. Indiana mistakes on consecutive plays led to two Michigan touchdowns in the third quarter: Jerry Hartman returned an interception 62 yards for a touchdown; Indiana fumbled the kickoff following Hartman's touchdown, and Ed Moore recovered for Michigan at the Indiana 19-yard line. Gabler scored four plays later on a pass from Brown. Tim Killian kicked three points after touchdown from Michigan.Hoosiers Bow to Wolverines; Errors, Errors, Errors Make It 27 to 22 David Condon Chicago Tribune October 20, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/10/20/page/57/article/hoosiers-bow-to-wolverines-gophers-beat-spartans-14-13Michigan Capitalizes on Indiana Errors to Register 27-22 Big Ten Victory; Hoosier Mistakes Lead to 2 Scores The New York Times October 20, 1968 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/20/archives/michigan-capitalizes-on-indiana-errors-to-register-2722-big-ten.html Michigan's starting lineup against Indiana was Jim Mandich (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Dick Coldarazzo (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Jerry Imsland (right end), Brown (quarterback), Jim Betts (left halfback), Johnson (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Week 6: Minnesota Week 6: Minnesota at Michigan Minnesota Michigan 0 0 0 20 12 18 3 0 October 26, 1968 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Michigan 69,384 Jerry Markbreit On October 26, 1968, Michigan defeated Minnesota by a 33 to 20 score before a homecoming crowd of 69,384. The game was the 59th meeting in the Little Brown Jug rivalry. Michigan lost the 1967 game by a 20-15 score.Michigan vs. Minnesota David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=2030 May 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150524095939/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=2030 dead Dennis Brown completed 11 of 20 passes for 152 yards and two touchdowns. Bill Harris caught three passes for 85 yards and a touchdown, and Paul Staroba also caught a touchdown pass. Ron Johnson carried the ball 33 times for 84 yards and two touchdowns. Tim Killian also kicked three field goals (24, 32, and 31 yards) for Michigan. Michigan led 30-0 at halftime and 33-0 at the start of the fourth quarter, but Minnesota mounted a comeback with 20 points in the fourth quarter with Michigan's reserves in the game. Michigan gained 252 rushing yards and 201 passing yards in the game. Minnesota gained 149 rushing yards and 200 passing yards.Michigan Romps: Wolverines Keep Big 10 Slate Clean; Destroy Gophers Defense, 33-20 Robert Markus Chicago Tribune October 27, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/10/27/page/57/article/wolverines-keep-big-10-slate-cleanuntitled The New York Times October 27, 1968 S7 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/10/27/archives/article-19-no-title.html Michigan's starting lineup against Illinois was Jim Mandich (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Dick Caldarazzo (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Jerry Imsland (right end), Dennis Brown (quarterback), Johnson (left halfback), John Gabler (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Week 7: at Northwestern Week 7: Michigan at Northwestern Michigan Northwestern 0 28 0 7 0 0 0 0 November 2, 1968 Dyche Stadium, Evanston, Illinois 40,101 Eugene Calhoun On November 2, 1968, Michigan defeated Northwestern by a 35 to 0 score at Dyche Stadium in Evanston, Illinois. The game was the 41st meeting between the programs. Michigan had won five of the prior six meetings, including the 1967 game.Michigan vs. Northwestern (IL) David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=2330 May 5, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150505021255/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=2330 dead Michigan scored 28 points in the second quarter (21 of them within 73 second), including two touchdowns on short runs by Ron Johnson, another on a 50-yard interception return by Dan Parks, and another on a four-yard pass from Dennis Brown to Bill Harris. The Wolverines scored again in the fourth quarter on a short run by Lance Scheffler. Tim Killian kicked three points after touchdown, and Brown passed to Johnson for a two-point conversion in the second quarter. Ron Johnson rushed for 129 yards and two touchdowns on 24 carries. Tom Curtis intercepted two passes in the game.Michigan Routs N.U.: Wolverines Romp, 35 to 0, on Second Quarter Blitz Robert Markus Chicago Tribune November 3, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/11/03/page/57/article/wolverines-romp-35-to-0-on-second-quarter-blitzMichigan Triumphs, 35-0 The New York Times November 3, 1968 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/11/03/archives/michigan-triumphs-350.html Michigan's starting lineup against Northwestern was Bill Harris (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Dick Coldarazzo (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Jim Mandich (right end), Brown (quarterback), Johnson (left halfback), John Gabler (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Week 8: Illinois Week 8: Illinois at Michigan Illinois Michigan 0 0 0 0 6 14 9 7 November 9, 1968 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Michigan 56,775 Ross Dean On November 9, 1968, Michigan defeated Illinois by a 36 to 0 score at Michigan Stadium. The game was the 54th meeting between the programs and matched head coach Bump Elliott against his brother Pete Elliott, the Illinois coach. Michigan had won eight of the prior nine meetings, including the 1967 game.Michigan vs. Northwestern (IL) David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=1502 May 24, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150524023549/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=1502 dead Dennis Brown completed 13 of 27 passes for 226 yards and two touchdowns, ran for a two-point conversion, and also rushed for 45 yards. Jim Mandich led the receivers with seven catches for 84 yards, while touchdown catches were made by Billy Harris (69-yard pass from Brown), Paul Staroba (14-yard pass from Brown), and Mike Hankwitz (six-yard pass from Don Moorhead). Ron Johnson rushed for 51 yards and two touchdowns on 19 carries. Tim Killian kicked a 26-yard field goal and a point after touchdownMichigan Rolls, 36 Edward Prell Chicago Tribune November 10, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/11/10/page/65/article/wolverines-win-over-illini-7-in-rowMichigan Victor Over Illini, 36-0; Wins 5th in Row in Big Ten as Johnson Tallies Twice The New York Times November 10, 1968 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/11/10/archives/michigan-victor-over-illini-360-wins-5th-in-row-in-big-ten-as.html Michigan's starting lineup against Illinois was Jim Mandich (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Dick Caldarazzo (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Jerry Imsland (right end), Dennis Brown (quarterback), John Gabler (left halfback), Johnson (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Week 9: Wisconsin Week 9: Wisconsin at Michigan Wisconsin Michigan 6 3 0 0 7 0 20 7 November 16, 1968 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, Michigan 51,117 Howard Wirtz On November 16, 1968, Michigan defeated Wisconsin by a 34 to 9 score before a crowd of 51,117 at Michigan Stadium. The game was the 30th meeting between the programs. Michigan had won the prior three games from 1965 to 1967.Michigan vs. Wisconsin David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=3605 July 9, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150709040444/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=3605 dead Ron Johnson set a modern Big Ten Conference record with 347 rushing yards on 31 carries. Johnson also scored all five touchdowns for Michigan on runs of 35, 67, 1, 60, and 49 yards. Tim Killian kicked four points after touchdown. Tom Curtis also set a Big Ten record with his tenth interception of the game. Michigan gained 364 rushing yards and 117 passing yards. Wisconsin gained 136 rushing yards and 53 passing yards.Johnson Get 347 Yards, Scores Five Times to Help Beat Wisconsin, 34 to 9 George Langford Chicago Tribune November 17, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/11/17/page/53/article/ohio-michigan-win-meet-jon-saturday5 Johnson Scores Win for Michigan; Michigan Downs Wisconsin, 34 to 9 The New York Times November 17, 1968 S1 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/11/17/archives/5-johnson-scores-win-for-michigan-michigan-downs-wisconsin-34-to-9.html Michigan's starting lineup against Wisconsin was Jim Mandich (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Dick Caldarazzo (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Bill Harris (right end), Dennis Brown (quarterback), John Gabler (left halfback), Johnson (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Week 10: at Ohio State Week 10: Michigan at Ohio State Michigan Ohio State 7 7 0 0 7 14 6 23 November 23, 1968 Ohio Stadium Columbus, Ohio 85,371 [new stadium record] Jerry Markbreit On November 23, 1968, Michigan suffered its second loss of the season, falling to an undefeated Ohio State team. The Buckeyes won a 50 to 14 score at Ohio Stadium. The game was the 65th meeting in the Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry. Michigan lost the 1967 game by a 20-14 score.Michigan vs. Ohio State David DeLassus College Football Data Warehouse July 7, 2015 http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=2380 May 23, 2015 https://web.archive.org/web/20150523054503/http://www.cfbdatawarehouse.com/data/active/m/michigan/opponents_records.php?teamid=2380 dead The Wolverines came into the 1968 game ranked #4 in the AP poll, and the Buckeyes ranked #2. Ron Johnson gained 91 rushing yards and scored both touchdowns for Michigan, and Tim Killian kicked both points after touchdown. Jim Mandich also caught seven passes for 78 yards for Michigan. Led by Jim Otis, Ohio State gained 421 rushing yards in the game. Otis accounted for 143 yards and scored four touchdowns, while Rex Kern tallied 96 rushing yards and 41 passing yards.Ohio Routs Michigan, 50-14, for Title George Strickler Chicago Tribune November 24, 1968 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/11/24/page/53/article/ohio-routs-michigan-50-14-for-titleOhio State and U. S. C. Triumph; Michigan Routed; Buckeyes Win, 50-14, as Otis Stars -- Take Big Ten Title Ohio State Wins Big Ten Title By Trouncing Michigan, 50-14 George Vecsey The New York Times November 24, 1968 https://www.nytimes.com/1968/11/24/archives/ohio-state-and-u-s-c-triumph-michigan-routed-buckeyes-win-5014-as.html Michigan's starting lineup against Ohio State was Jim Mandich (left end), Bob Penska (left tackle), Dick Coldarazzo (left guard), Dave Denzin (center), Stan Broadnax (right guard), Dan Dierdorf (right tackle), Jerry Imsland (right end), Dennis Brown (quarterback), John Gabler (left halfback), Johnson (right halfback), and Garvie Craw (fullback). Post-season In early January 1969, the Associated Press released its final post-season college football poll for the 1968 season. The 1968 Ohio State Buckeyes football team was ranked #1 in the poll. Michigan was ranked #12.Buckeyes Rated No. 1, Penn State 2nd in AP The Lincoln Star January 4, 1969 11 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2762258/buckeyes_rated_no_1_penn_state_2nd_in/ After setting Michigan's career, season and single-game rushing records, Ron Johnson received numerous honors at the end of the 1968 season, including the following: He was selected by the Football Writers Association of America and Football News as a first-team running back on the 1968 College Football All-America Team.FWAA All-America Since 1944: The All-Time Team Ted Gangi February 8, 2015 http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/awards/allamerica/alltime.pdf March 4, 2019 https://web.archive.org/web/20190304073432/http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/awards/allamerica/alltime.pdf dead He was unanimously selected by his Michigan teammates as the team's most valuable player,Johnson Wins Player Award: Michigan Names Him Most Valuable Chicago Tribune November 29, 1968 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/11/29/page/71/article/johnson-wins-player-award winning the honor for the second consecutive year.Former Wolverine Johnson inducted into collegiate Hall The Michigan Daily January 17, 1992 12 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=2706&dat=19920117&id=cBBKAAAAIBAJ&sjid=xR4NAAAAIBAJ&pg=1296,420441 He won the Chicago Tribune Silver Football trophy as the most valuable player in the Big Ten Conference.Past Silver Football winners Chicago Tribune March 9, 2015 https://www.chicagotribune.com/chi-silver-football-awards-htmlstory.html He received the Big Ten Medal as the most outstanding scholar-athlete at the University of Michigan.Ron Johnson Member Biography National Football Foundation March 7, 2015 1889 He finished sixth in the voting for the 1968 Heisman Trophy with 12 first-place votes and 158 total points.Simpson Wins Heisman Race; Keyes Is Second Chicago Tribune November 27, 1968 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1968/11/27/page/37/article/simpson-wins-heisman-race-keyes-is-second While Johnson was the only Michigan player to receive first-team All-American honors, ten Michigan players received All-Big Ten Conference honors from either the Associated Press (AP) or United Press International (UPI). The Michigan honorees were: quarterback Dennis Brown (AP-1, UPI-1); running back Ron Johnson (AP-1, UPI-1); end Jim Mandich (AP-1, UPI-1); end Phil Seymour (AP-1, UPI-1); defensive back Tom Curtis (AP-1, UPI-1); defensive tackle Tom Goss (AP-1); linebacker Tom Stincic (UPI-1); defensive tackle Henry Hill (AP-2); offensive tackle Dan Dierdorf (AP-2); and offensive guard Stan Broadnax (AP-2).Criter All-Big Ten Again Janesville Daily Gazette (AP story) 1968-11-26Big Ten All-Conference Team Record-Eagle, Traverse City, Michigan November 30, 1968 13 https://www.newspapers.com/image/55607590/?terms=brown%2Bkeyes%2Bjohnson%2Bmayes%2Brudney On December 24, 1968, the University of Michigan announced that head coach Bump Elliott had been offered a newly created position as associate athletic director. The Detroit News reported that Elliott had resigned as head football coach.Michigan Offers Elliott New Post Progress Bulletin, Pomona, California December 25, 1968 5-1 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2762431/michigan_offers_elliott_new_post/ Two days later, on December 26, 1968, Bo Schembechler was hired to replace Elliott as Michigan's head coach.Michigan Replaces Elliott Janesville Daily Gazette (AP story) December 27, 1968 12 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2762519/michigan_replaces_elliott/ Players Roster 1968 Michigan Wolverines f 60 So Robert Baumgartner G 23 So Jim Betts Jim Betts (American football) RB y 61 Sr Stanley Broadnax G 22 Sr Dennis Brown Dennis Brown (quarterback) QB y 56 Jr Richard Caldarazzo G 48 Jr Garvie Craw FB y 52 Sr David Denzin C 72 So Dan Dierdorf T y 50 Jr Peter Drehmann T 42 Sr David Farabee HB 37 Jr Eric Federico FB 18 Jr John Gabler HB 75 Jr Werner Hall T 81 Jr Mike Hankwitz E y 71 So Jack Harpring T 80 Jr William Harris E 86 Jr Jerry Imsland E 40 Sr Ron Johnson Ron Johnson (running back) RB y 21 Sr Robert Kieta HB 68 Sr Joseph Kunsa G 88 Jr Jim Mandich TE y 27 So Don Moorhead QB y 76 Sr Bob Penska T 51 So Fred Sample C 45 So Lance Scheffler HB 33 Sr Warren Sipp FB 30 So Paul Staroba WR y 20 Sr John Thomas QB 64 Jr Frank Titas G 36 Jr Martin Washington G 95 Jr James Banar DT 25 Jr Tom Curtis Tom Curtis (American football) DB y 16 Jr Thomas Doane LB 31 Jr Alan Francis DE 54 Sr Terry Frysinger DT 65 Sr Tom Goss Tom Goss (American football) DT y 26 Sr Jerry Hartman S 24 Jr Brian Healy DB 39 So Henry Hill Henry Hill (American football) MG y 12 Sr George Hoey DB y 70 So Marty Huff LB y 35 So Timothy Killian LB 84 Sr Jon Kramer DE Fr John Lynch DB 78 So Richard McCoy Jr. DT 94 Sr Gerald Miklos DE 97 So Ed Moore LB 82 So Pete Newell Pete Newell (American football) DE y 74 So Daniel Parks DT 29 Jr Barry Pierson DB 55 Jr Cecil Pryor LB y 46 Sr Elijah Sansom DB 91 Jr Phil Seymour Phil Seymour (American football) DE y 32 Sr Dennis Sirosky LB 90 Sr Tom Stincic DE y 38 Sr Robert Wedge DB 49 Jr Mark Werner DB 92 Jr James Wilhite DE 96 Jr Edwin Woolley DE *Bump Elliott 2015-12-20 Offensive letter winners The following players won varsity letters for their participation on the 1968 Michigan football team. Players who started at least half of Michigan's games are shown in bold. Robert Baumgartner, offensive guard, sophomore, Hamilton, Ohio Jim Betts, sophomore, Cleveland, Ohio - started 1 game at right halfback Stanley Broadnax, offensive guard, senior, Cincinnati, Ohio - started 8 games at right guard Dennis Brown, quarterback, senior, Lincoln Park, Michigan - started 9 games at quarterback Richard Caldarazzo, offensive guard, junior, Melrose Park, Illinois - started 9 games at left guard Garvie Craw, fullback, junior, Montclair, New Jersey - started 9 games at fullback David Denzin, center, senior, Xenia, Ohio - started 9 games at center Dan Dierdorf, offensive tackle, sophomore, Canton, Ohio - started 9 games at right tackle Peter Drehmann, offensive tackle, junior, Abington, Pennsylvania David Farabee, halfback, senior, Holland, Michigan Eric Federico, fullback, junior, Trenton, Michigan John H. Gabler, halfback, junior, Royal Oak, Michigan - started 7 games at halfback (5 at left halfback, 2 at right halfback) Werner W. Hall, offensive tackle, junior, Sandusky, Ohio Mike Hankwitz, end, junior, Scottville, Michigan - started 1 game at left end Jack Harpring, offensive tackle, sophomore, Cincinnati, Ohio William J. Harris, end, junior, Mt. Clemens, Michigan - started 2 games at right end Jerry Imsland, end, junior, Northville, Michigan - started 7 games at right end Ron Johnson, halfback, senior, Detroit, Michigan - started 9 games at halfback (6 at right halfback, 3 at left halfback) Robert Kieta, halfback, senior, Chicago, Illinois Joseph J. Kunsa, offensive guard, senior, West Braddock, Pennsylvania Jim Mandich, end, junior, Solon, Ohio - started 8 games at left end Don Moorhead, quarterback, sophomore, South Haven, Michigan Bob Penska, offensive tackle, senior, Niles, Michigan - started 9 games at left tackle Fred Sample, center, sophomore, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Lance G. Scheffler, halfback, sophomore, Trenton, Michigan - started 1 game at right guard Warren Sipp, fullback, senior, Akron, Ohio Paul Staroba, end, sophomore, Flint, Michigan John R. Thomas, quarterback, senior, Walled Lake, Michigan Frank Titas, offensive guard, junior, Cleveland, Ohio Martin Washington, offensive guard, junior, Ecorse, Michigan Defensive letter winners The following players won varsity letters for their participation on the 1968 Michigan football team. Players who started at least half of Michigan's games are shown in bold. James Banar, defensive tackle, junior, Detroit, Michigan Tom Curtis, defensive halfback, junior, Aurora, Ohio - started all 10 games at left safety (also started 1 game at left halfback on offense) Thomas Doane, linebacker, junior, Wauseon, Ohio Alan Francis, defensive guard, junior, Euclid, Ohio Terry Frysinger, defensive tackle, senior, Ecorse, Michigan Tom Goss, defensive tackle, senior, Knoxville, Tennessee - started all 10 games at left defensive tackle (also started 1 game at left tackle on offense) Gerald "Jerry" Hartman, defensive halfback, senior, Ann Arbor, Michigan - started 4 games at left defensive halfback and 2 games at right safety Brian Healy, defensive halfback, junior, Sandusky, Ohio - started 6 games at left defensive halfback (also started 1 game at quarterback on offense) Henry Hill, defensive guard, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan - started 7 games at middle guard George Hoey, defensive halfback, senior, Flint, Michigan - started all 10 games at right defensive halfback (also started 1 game at fullback and 1 game at left halfback on offense) Marty Huff, linebacker, sophomore, Toledo, Ohio Timothy Killian, linebacker, sophomore, Lincoln Park, Michigan Jon E. Kramer, defensive end, senior, Toledo, Ohio - started 1 game at right defensive end John Lynch, defensive back, freshman, Chicago, Illinois Richard McCoy, Jr., defensive tackle, sophomore, Alliance, Ohio Gerald Miklos, defensive guard, senior, Chicago, Illinois - started 3 games at middle guard (also started 1 game at center on offense) Edward M. "Ed" Moore, linebacker, sophomore, Youngstown, Ohio - started all 10 games at linebacker (also started 1 game at right guard on offense) Pete Newell, defensive end, sophomore, Park Ridge, Illinois Daniel Parks, defensive tackle, sophomore, Birmingham, Michigan - started all 10 games at right defensive tackle (also started 1 game at right tackle on offense) Barry Pierson, defensive halfback, junior, St. Ignace, Michigan Cecil Pryor, linebacker, junior, Corpus Christi, Texas - started 8 games at right defensive end (also started 1 game at right end on offense) Elijah Sansom, defensive halfback, senior, Detroit, Michigan Phil Seymour, defensive end, junior, Berkley, Michigan - started all 10 games at left defensive end (also started 1 game at left end on offense) Dennis Sirosky, linebacker, senior, Ecorse, Michigan Tom Stincic, defensive end, senior, Cleveland, Ohio - started all 10 games at linebacker (also started 1 game at left guard on offense) Robert Wedge, defensive halfback, senior, Port Huron, Michigan - started 8 games at right safety (also started 1 game at right halfback on offense) Mark Werner, defensive halfback, junior, Cincinnati, Ohio James Wilhite, defensive guard, junior, Bay City, Michigan - started 1 game at right defensive end Edwin Woolley, defensive end, junior, Pitman, New Jersey Awards and honors Captain: Ron Johnson All-Americans: Ron Johnson All-Big Ten: Ron Johnson, Tom Stincic, Jim Mandich, Dennis Brown, Phil Seymour, Tom Goss, Tom Curtis Most Valuable Player: Ron Johnson Meyer Morton Award: Bob Baumgartner John Maulbetsch Award: Marty Huff Frederick Matthei Award: Tom Curtis Arthur Robinson Scholarship Award: John Denzin Statistical leaders Scoring 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals 2-pt. conv. Points Ron Johnson19001116 Tim Killian0215036 Rushing Michigan's rushing leaders in 1968, as reflected in the University of Michigan Statistics Archive, are as follows.Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page University of Michigan MGoBlue.com July 11, 2015 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(to retrieve 1968 season leaders, go to "Games & Totals by Season" and enter "1968") 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Attempts Net yards Yards per attempt Touchdowns Long Ron Johnson25513915.51953Garvie Craw813073.8114 Passing Michigan's passing leaders in 1968, as reflected in the University of Michigan Statistics Archive, are as follows. 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Attempts Completions Interceptions Comp % Yards Yds/Comp TD Long Dennis Brown2291091047.6156214.31233Don Moorhead2510240.012212.2 110 Receiving Michigan's receiving leaders in 1968, as reflected in the University of Michigan Statistics Archive, are as follows. 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Receptions Yards Yds/Recp TD Long Jim Mandich4256513.4312Bill Harris1636923.1469 Coaching staff Head coach: Bump Elliott1968 Football Team Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1968fbt.htm Assistant coaches Offensive assistants: Tony Mason (offensive backfield coach and coordinator), Frank Maloney (offensive linemen), George Mans (receivers) Defensive assistants: Henry Fonde (defensive backfield coach and coordinator), Dennis Fitzgerald (defensive line), Robert Shaw (defensive ends and linebackers) Freshman coach and scout: Bill DoddU-M On Road Against Duke Record-Eagle, Traverse City Mich. September 27, 1968 15 https://www.newspapers.com/image/55605408/William Dodd, born c. 1942, played fullback for Michigan in 1962 and 1963. He listed his hometown as Virden, Illinois. He coached high school football in Northlake, Illinois for two years and then became the freshman coach at Michigan in 1967 and 1968. In 1969, he became a backfield assistant at the University of Idaho, joining the staff of Y C McNease. See Spokane Daily Chronicle. Trainer: Lindsy McLean Manager: Rik Kohn References External links 1968 Football Team -- Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History Michigan Category:Michigan Wolverines football seasons Michigan Wolverines football