1991 Michigan Wolverines football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1991 Michigan Wolverines football 1901-94 Michigan Wolverines Primary Logo.png Big Ten Conference Big Ten 6 6 10–2 8–0 Gary Moeller 2nd Lloyd Carr 5th Desmond Howard Erick Anderson Greg Skrepenak Michigan Stadium Big Ten champion Rose Bowl L Lost 14–34 vs. Washington The 1991 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 1991 NCAA Division I-A football season. In their second year under head coach Gary Moeller, the Wolverines compiled a 10–2 record (8–0 in conference games), outscored opponents by a total of 406 to 169, and won their fourth of five consecutive Big Ten championships. They lost to national champion Washington in the 1992 Rose Bowl and were ranked No. 6 in the final AP and Coaches Polls.http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 10, 2010 January 5, 2009 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 68 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead Wide receiver Desmond Howard won the Heisman Trophy and the Maxwell Award and was selected as a unanimous first-team All-American after tallying 950 receiving yards, 634 return yards, and 165 rushing yards and scoring 138 points on 23 touchdowns. Other notable individual accomplishments included: Quarterback Elvis Grbac completed 66.7% of his passes, threw 24 touchdown passes, and led the nation in passing efficiency. Offensive tackle Greg Skrepenak was a unanimous first-team All-American. Linebacker Erick Anderson won the Butkus Award as the top linebacker in college football. The team played its home games at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. Schedule 1991 AP Eastern September 7 3:30 p.m. w y y 2 Boston College Alumni Stadium Chestnut Hill, MA ABC 35–13 32,071 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-atlanta-constitution-michigan-slugs/201452425/ The Atlanta Journal & Constitution Michigan slugs Boston College 35–13 September 8, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com September 14 3:30 p.m. w y 3 Notre Dame 7 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry ABC 24–14 106,138 https://www.newspapers.com/article/democrat-and-chronicle-michigan-finally/201440778/ Democrat and Chronicle Michigan finally tops Notre Dame, 24–14 September 15, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com September 28 12:00 p.m. l y 3 Florida State 1 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI ABC 31–51 106,145 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-plain-dealer-106145-see-michigan-ge/201448452/ The Plain Dealer 106,145 see Michigan get overwhelmed by Florida State September 29, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com October 5 3:30 p.m. w y 7 Iowa 9 Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA ABC 43–24 70,220 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-sioux-city-journal-wolverines-tear-u/201713087/ The Sioux City Journal Wolverines tear up Iowa defense October 6, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com October 12 3:30 p.m. w y 5 Michigan State Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI rivalry ABC 45–28 80,157 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-blade-michigan-has-no-problem-defeat/201709470/ The Blade Michigan has no problem defeating Michigan State October 13, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com October 19 12:30 p.m. w y 4 Indiana Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI ESPN 24–16 106,097 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-times-michigans-magic-burns/201711856/ The Herald-Times Michigan's magic burns IU, 24–16 October 20, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com October 25 8:00 p.m. w y 4 Minnesota Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN Little Brown Jug 52–6 32,577 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-times-herald-records-gophers-fall-t/201657266/ The Times Herald Records, Gophers fall to U-M October 26, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com November 2 12:30 p.m. w 4 Purdue Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI ESPN 42–0 105,401 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-kalamazoo-gazette-purdue-no-match-fo/201711292/ The Kalamazoo Gazette Purdue no match for Michigan in 42–0 romp November 3, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com November 9 1:00 p.m. w 4 Northwestern Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 59–14 102,087 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-flint-journal-its-quick-easy-for-u/201658606/ The Flint Journal It's quick, easy for UM November 10, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com November 16 3:30 p.m. w y 4 Illinois 25 Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL rivalry ABC 20–0 66,757 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-pantagraph-michigan-of-old-tops-illi/201710588/ The Pantagraph Michigan of old tops Illini, 20–0 November 17, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com November 23 12:00 p.m. w 4 Ohio State 18 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI The Game ABC 31–3 106,156 https://www.newspapers.com/article/springfield-news-sun-no-contest-wolveri/201712662/ Springfield News-Sun No contest: Wolverines whip Buckeyes November 24, 1991 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com January 1, 1992 4:30 p.m. l y y 4 Washington 2 Rose Bowl Pasadena, CA Rose Bowl ABC 14–34 103,566 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-los-angeles-times-huskies-make-their/201519940/ The Los Angeles Times Huskies make their case January 2, 1992 July 15, 2026 Newspapers.com 1991 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1991-schedule.html College Football at Sports-Reference.com Sports Reference July 15, 2026 Rankings 1991 NCAA Division I-A football rankings AP 0 15 2 (5) 2 (1) 3 (1) 3 (1) 3 (1) 7 5 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 4 6 Coaches 0 15 3 (6) 3 (6) 4 (3) 3 (4) 3 (4) 9 6 4 4 4 4 4 3 3 3 6 Game summaries Boston College 1991 Boston College Eagles football team Desmond Howard's 93 yard kickoff return for a touchdown to start the 2nd half sparked the Wolverines to a 35–13 victory over Boston College. The Eagles had closed to 14-13 early in the 4th quarter. BC had jumped to 10–0 lead after the 1st quarter, but the Wolverines rallied behind Howard's four touchdowns. Howard caught three touchdown passes from Elvis Grbac. Lance Dottin returned an interception 50 yards for a touchdown to close out the scoring for Michigan. Ricky Powers led the ground attack with 176 yards rushing. Notre Dame No. 7 Fighting Irish 0 7 7 0 No. 3 Wolverines 3 14 0 7 September 14 Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI yes 1 MICH Carlson 23 yard field goal MICH 3–0 2 MICH Howard 29 yard run (Carlson kick) MICH 10–0 2 MICH Powers 16 yard run (Carlson kick) MICH 17–0 2 ND Bettis 3 yard pass from Mirer (Hentrich kick) MICH 17–7 3 ND T. Smith 35 yard pass from Mirer (Hentrich kick) MICH 17–14 4 MICH Howard 25 yard pass from Grbac (Carlson kick) MICH 24–14 yes 1991 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team Michigan–Notre Dame football rivalry thumb|Desmond Howard leaping for “the Catch”. Michigan, ranked #3, jumped to a 17–0 lead late in the 2nd quarter and held on for a 24–14 win over #7 Notre Dame. Desmond Howard scored twice, on a 29-yard run and a 25-yard reception from Elvis Grbac on 4th and inches, which effectively clinched the game. The latter would become known as "The Catch" and helped propel Howard to the Heisman Trophy. Ricky Powers ran for 164 yards and a touchdown while Grbac completed 20 of 22 passes for 195 yards. Lance Dottin had an interception and John Carlson kicked a 22-yard field goal. With the win, the Wolverines ended a four-game losing streak against the Irish. Florida State Florida State at Michigan No. 1 Seminoles 19 12 6 14 No. 3 Wolverines 10 13 0 8 September 28 Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI 106,145 ABC 1991 Florida State Seminoles football team A matchup of two teams ranked in the top 3 ended in a blowout, 51–31, in favor of Florida State. It would be FSU's 10th consecutive victory, while marking the sixth time Michigan had lost to a No. 1 team in an eight-year stretch. The 51 points was the third-highest total by an opponent in Michigan history, the most ever by a visitor at Michigan Stadium and the most in any game against the Wolverines since Northwestern scored 55 in 1958. Eight Florida State touchdowns—scored by seven players—tied for the most a Michigan team has allowed. The #1 ranked Seminoles confused and pressured #3 ranked Michigan into four interceptions, three thrown by quarterback Elvis Grbac. Two were returned for touchdowns. Terrell Buckley's stunning 40-yard return on Michigan's second offensive play was the first of his two interceptions. Michigan was held to a total of 120 rushing yards. Iowa Michigan at Iowa No. 7 Wolverines No. 9 Hawkeyes 7 12 7 17 0 18 0 6 October 5 Kinnick Stadium, Iowa City, IA 2:30PM CDT 70,220 yes 1 8:26 Mich 21-yard blocked punt return (Carlson kick) Michigan 7–0 2 14:31 Iowa Montgomery 1-yard run (Skillett kick failed) Michigan 7–6 2 12:35 Iowa Matt Rodgers 8-yard run (Pass failed) Iowa 12–7 2 6:16 Iowa Danan Hughes 17-yard pass from Matt Rodgers (Run failed) Iowa 18–7 2 3:21 Mich Powers 2-yard run (Pass failed) Iowa 18–13 2 0:31 Mich J. Johnson 28-yard pass from E. Grbac (Pass failed) Michigan 19–18 3 8:25 Mich D. Howard 20-yard pass from E. Grbac (Carlson kick) Michigan 26–18 4 13:47 Mich D. Howard 2-yard pass from E. Grbac (Carlson kick) Michigan 33–18 4 9:39 Mich Carlson 25-yard field goal Michigan 36–18 4 6:52 Iowa Matt Rodgers 8-yard run (Pass failed) Michigan 36–24 4 0:34 Mich J. Johnson 17-yard run (Carlson kick) Michigan 43–24 yes 1991 Iowa Hawkeyes football team The Hawkeyes led 18–7 midway through the second quarter, but could not stop the Michigan ground game as the Wolverines rolled up 371 yards rushing on 50 attempts. Jesse Johnson led the way with 168 yards and a touchdown while Elvis Grbac completed 14 of 22 passes for 196 yards and three touchdown passes. Desmond Howard caught a 20-yard and a 2-yard TD reception. Johnson caught a 28-yard TD pass from Grbac as well. The Wolverines rolled up 567 yards of total offense on their way to a 43–24 victory. Michigan State Elvis Grbac threw three 1st half touchdowns, including two of them to Desmond Howard as they jumped to a 21–0 lead on the way to a 45-28 pasting of the Spartans. Ricky Powers rushed for 148 yards and Jesse Johnson ran for two touchdowns as the Wolverines rang up 326 yards on the ground. The Michigan defense held Michigan State to 84 yards rushing, while Dave Ritter and Cole Wallace each had interceptions. Howard had 8 catches for 101 yards. Indiana The #4 ranked Wolverines were pushed to the limit by the Hoosiers, but held on and prevailed 24–16 in a tightly contested game. The Hoosier defense held the Wolverines to 261 yards of total offense. Thanks to Desmond Howard and Elvis Grbac, the Wolverines pulled out the win on three Grbac TD passes to Howard. John Carlson added a 36-yard field goal. right 1991 Indiana at Michigan – Game highlights Minnesota Once again it was the Grbac and Howard show as the #4 ranked Wolverines stormed out to a 28–0 lead on the way to a 52–6 victory over the Golden Gophers and retained the Little Brown Jug for another year. Ricky Powers, Desmond Howard and Tyrone Wheatley each scored two touchdowns. Howard caught 6 passes for 155 yards and Elvis Grbac passed for 242 yards and three TD passes. Pat Maloney and Shonte Peoples had interceptions and the defense held Minnesota to 250 yards of total offense. Purdue The Wolverine defense was ferocious and held the Boilermakers to 188 yards of total offense while the offense scored at will as Michigan shutout Purdue, 42–0. Ricky Powers, Tyrone Wheatley and Desmond Howard each scored two touchdowns to lead the Wolverines. Powers and Wheatley on the ground and Howard on passes from Elvis Grbac. Powers finished with 118 yards rushing while Howard had 7 catches for 108 yards. Grbac finished with 175 yards on 11 of 16 completions. Northwestern The #4 ranked Wolverines raced to a 45–7 halftime lead on the way to a 59–14 victory over Northwestern. Michigan ran for 368 yards and three Wolverine quarterbacks passed for 259 yards, led by Elvis Grbac who completed 9 of 16 passes for 229 yards and a TD pass. Tyrone Wheatley ran for 141 yards and two touchdowns while Ricky Powers ran for three touchdowns and Jesse Johnson ran for two touchdowns. Illinois Desmond Howard and John Carlson provided all the Michigan points as they shutout the Fighting Illini in Champaign, 20–0. Howard caught a 1-yard TD reception and ran 15 yards for his touchdowns while Carlson kicked field goals from 36 and 43 yards. Ricky Powers ran for 151 yards and Jesse Johnson ran for 104 yards. Howard caught 7 passes for 80 yards. The Wolverine defense held the Illini to 49 yards rushing while the offense controlled the ball for over 38 minutes. Ohio State 1991 Ohio State Buckeyes football team Michigan–Ohio State football rivalry Desmond Howard put an exclamation point on his Heisman Trophy winning season with a 93-yard punt return for a touchdown as the Wolverines routed their hated rival Ohio State, 31–3. Howard also caught 3 passes for 96 yards. Tyrone Wheatley, Jesse Johnson and Burnie Legette each had touchdown runs for the Wolverines. The Michigan defense held the Buckeyes to 233 yards of total offense while Kirk Herbstreit was held to completing 8 of 11 passes for 82 yards. Lance Dottin intercepted a pass for the Wolverine defense. John Carlson added a field goal to give Michigan a 17–3 lead in the 2nd quarter. Michigan controlled the ball for nearly 34 minutes in the game. Vs. Washington (Rose Bowl) Washington vs. Michigan No. 2 Huskies No. 4 Wolverines 0 13 8 13 0 7 0 7 January 1 Rose Bowl, Pasadena, California 1:45 pm PDT 103,566 Jimmy Harper (SEC) Keith Jackson and Bob Griese ABC yes Q2 14:57 UW Billy Joe Hobert 2 yard run (Travis Hanson kick) UW 7–0 Q2 13:09 UM Walter Smith 9 yard pass from Elvis Grbac (J.D. Carlson kick) 7–7 Q2 6:52 UW Travis Hanson 24 yard field goal UW 10-7 Q2 3:29 UW Travis Hanson 23 yard field goal UW 13-7 Q3 5:27 UW Mark Bruener 5 yard pass from Billy Joe Hobert (Aaron Pierce 3 yard pass from Billy Joe Hobert) UW 21–7 Q4 14:21 UW Aaron Pierce 2 yard pass from Billy Joe Hobert (kick failed) UW 27–7 Q4 13:12 UW Mario Bailey 38 pass from Mark Brunell (Travis Hanson kick) UW 34–7 Q4 10:34 UM Tyrone Wheatley 53 yard run (J.D. Carlson kick) UW 34-14 yes 1992 Rose Bowl 1991 Washington Huskies football team After a scoreless first quarter, the Huskies went ahead as Billy Joe Hobert faked to Beno Bryant and ran off left tackle for two yards and the touchdown. Howard, an electrifying player, would then add another clip to his collegiate highlight film on Michigan's ensuing drive as he snared a leaping, 35 yard reception over eventual NFL first round selection Dana Hall. Three plays later, Elvis Grbac connected with Walter Smith on a 9-yard touchdown pass. Two Travis Hanson field goals made the score 13-7 Huskies at halftime. Washington extended its lead in the third quarter on an 80-yard touchdown drive. Hobert completed a 5-yard td toss to Mark Bruener and the two point conversion to Aaron Pierce. Facing a 21–7 deficit, the Wolverines were again unable to manage a first down and were forced to punt. Excellent field position awaited the Washington offense again, with the ball resting on the Michigan 48. On the second play of the final quarter, Hobert gave a play-action fake and found Pierce in the back of the end zone for a 2-yard touchdown. The Wolverines found themselves trailing 21–7. Michigan started the next drive at their own 29 yard line. Michigan moved the ball out to the 38 yard line before a Grbac keeper on fourth and one was stopped Washington took only six seconds to find the end zone again. Mark Brunell hit Mario Bailey streaking down the right side for the Huskies final score of the game. Tyrone Wheatley, a freshman, capped off an outstanding afternoon (68 yards on 9 carries) and closed the scoring on a 53-yard touchdown run, and J.D. Carlson's 126th consecutive PAT. Personnel Roster 1991 Michigan Wolverines f 1 Jr Derrick Alexander WR y Derrick Alexander (wide receiver) y 18 Jr Matt Brady WR 13 Fr Jason Carr QB 68 Jr Joe Cocozzo G y 10 Fr Todd Collins QB y Todd Collins (quarterback) 69 Sr Matt Elliott Matt Elliott (American football) G y 51 Sr Steve Everitt C y 15 Sr Elvis Grbac QB y 21 Sr Desmond Howard WR y 88 Jr Tony McGee TE y Tony McGee (tight end) 12 So Ricky Powers RB y 75 Sr Greg Skrepenak T y 6 Fr Tyrone Wheatley RB y 37 Sr Erick Anderson LB y 97 Sr Chris Hutchinson Chris Hutchinson (American football) DT y 20 Sr Corwin Brown S y 36 So Steve Morrison Steve Morrison (American football) LB y 99 Sr Randy Stark OLB y 51 Jr William Steuk OLB 85 So Charlie Stumb OLB 38 Sr J. D. Carlson K https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/rosters/search.php?data=football&year_option=equals&year=1991&sortby=lastname%2C+firstname%2C+year&find=FIND *Gary Moeller Darryl Bullock – Graduate assistant Lloyd Carr – Defensive coordinator Cam Cameron – Quarterbacks/Wide receivers Les Miles – Offensive line Coaching staff Head coach: Gary Moeller Assistant coaches: Darryl Bullock, Tirrel Burton, Cam Cameron, Lloyd Carr, Jerry Hanlon, Bill Harris, Jim Herrmann, Les Miles, Bobby Morrison, Tom Reed Trainer: Paul Schmidt Managers: Brian Bickner, Scott Hanel, David Henderson, Marc Jacobson, Andy Riegler, Dave Schueler, Lance Satterthwaite, Mark Vainisi, Michael Weiskopf Statistics Team statistics On offense, Michigan gained an average of 246.3 rushing yards and 192.9 passing yards per game.1991 Michigan Wolverines Stats Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football August 24, 2026 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1991.html The team led the Big Ten in rushing offense both in conference games (264.6 yards per game) and all games (231.9 yards per game).http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 55 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead They also led the Big Ten in passing efficiency for both conference games (166.5) and all games (154.7). They were the conference leader in total offense both for conference games (453.6 yards per game) and all games (419.8 yards per game).http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 56 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead They also led the Big Ten in scoring for conference games (39.5 points per game) and all games (35.0 points per game). On defense, Michigan held opponents to 103.8 rushing yards and 218.5 passing yards per game. The team earned the second of four consecutive and six 1990s Big Ten rushing defense statistical championships for all games by holding opponents to 105.4 yards per game. The team also earned the first of five consecutive and six 1990s Big Ten rushing defense statistical championships for conference games by holding opponents to 102.0 yards per game. The team led the Big Ten Conference in scoring defense for conference games (11.4 points per game), while Iowa led for all games.http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 58 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead Michigan led the Big Ten in turnover margin (+1.13) in conference games and (+0.92) in all games. They also led the conference in punt return average in conference games (16.3 yards per return) and all games (14.7).http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 59 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead Individual statistics Passing. Quarterback Elvis Grbac completed 152 of 228 passes (66.7%) for 1,955 yards, 24 touchdowns, five interceptions, and a 169.0 passer rating. Grbac won the first of his back-to-back passing efficiency NCAA Division I FBS championships.http://web1.ncaa.org/web_files/stats/football_records/DI/2009/2009FBS.pdf 2009 Division I Football Records Book: Football Bowl Subdivision (FBS) Records July 9, 2010 National Collegiate Athletic Association 43 He also won his second of three consecutive Big Ten passing statistical championships (177.8 passing efficiency in conference games and 161.7 in all games).http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 51–2 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead Grbac surpassed his standing single-season Michigan record of 21 set in 1989 with 25 touchdown passes the following year. His junior year total of 54 touchdown passes set a school record, eclipsing Rick Leach's 48 set in 1978. He also tied Jim Harbaugh's 1986 single-season completion percentage record of 65.0, surpassed the following year by Todd Collins. On September 14, his 20–22 performance against Notre Dame established the standing single-game completion percentage, eclipsing his then standing September 16, 1989 17–21 performance against Notre Dame.http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/fbl-record-100509.pdf Record Book July 10, 2010 January 5, 2009 CBS Interactive 120–123 August 7, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100807035422/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/fbl-record-100509.pdf dead Rushing. Ricky Powers led the team in rushing with 1,187 yards on 230 carries an average of 5.2 yards per carry. The team's other leaders were Jesse Johnson (604 yards, 5.9-yard average), Tyrone Wheatley (408 yards, 6-2-yard average), Burnie Legette (213 yards (5.0-yard average), and Desmond Howard (165 yards, 13.8-yard average). Receiving. Desmond Howard was the team's leading receiver with 61 catches for 950 yards and an average of 15.6 yards per reception. The team's other leading receivers were Yale Van Dyne (35 receptions for 478 yards) and Jesse Johnson (15 receptions for 175 yards). Howard surpassed Anthony Carter's 11-year-old conference single-season record of 14 touchdown receptions by totaling 19.http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 39 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead During the season, Howard extended his consecutive games with a touchdown reception streak to 13 games, surpassing Carter's streak of nine games, set in 1980.http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/fbl-record-100509.pdf Record Book July 10, 2010 January 5, 2009 CBS Interactive 124–125 August 7, 2010 https://web.archive.org/web/20100807035422/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-baskbl/auto_pdf/fbl-record-100509.pdf dead Howard repeated as Big Ten receiving yardage champion for all games with 82.1 yards per game and he won his conference games yardage championship with an average of 90.1 yards per game.http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 53 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead Scoring. The team's scoring leaders were Desmond Howard (138 points on 23 touchdowns), J.D. Carlson (78 points on 50 extra points and 10 field goals), Ricky Powers (54 points), Tyrone Wheatley (48 points), and Jesse Johnson (42 points). Howard was also the Big Ten scoring champion with an average of 11.3 points per game in conference games and 11.5 points per game overall.http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 53–4 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead Kicking J. D. Carlson established the current Big Ten record for consecutive successful point after touchdown conversions at 126.http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG Big Ten Conference Football Full Media Guide July 8, 2010 January 5, 2010 CBS Interactive/Big Ten Conference 40 https://web.archive.org/web/20100703191457/http://www.bigten.org/auto_pdf/p_hotos/s_chools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/FullFBMG 2010-07-03 dead Awards and honors Desmond Howard. Flanker/returner Desmond Howard dominated college football's 1991 major awards: Howard won the Heisman Trophy with the second largest vote total in the history of the award. He received 640 of 917 first-place votes and 2,077 points in the voting. He defeated runner-up Casey Weldon by 1,574 points. Only O.J. Simpson in 1968 won the award by a larger margin.Howard wins in landslide The Detroit News December 15, 1991 1E https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-howard-heisman/204543842/ Newspapers.com On December 7, at the College Football Awards Show, Howard was presented with the Maxwell Award as the outstnading player in the nation. He was the second Michigan player to receive the award, following Tom Harmon in 1940.Howard adds Maxwell: Anderson wins Butkus The Detroit News December 8, 1991 3E https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-maxwell/204544276/ Newspapers.com Howard was a unanimous All-American, receiving first-team honors from all five official selectors: American Football Coaches Association (AFCA), Associated Press (AP), Football Writers Association of America (FWAA), United Press International (UPI), and the Walter Camp Football Foundation (WCFF). Howard also won several other awards, inluding the Walter Camp Award (college football player of the year), Sporting News College Football Player of the Year, UPI College Football Player of the Year, Chic Harley Award (college football player of the year), Paul Warfield Trophy (nation's top college football wide receiver), Chicago Tribune Silver Football (Big Ten most valuable player), Big Ten Athlete of the Year (all sports), and Michigan's most valuable player award. Erick Anderson. Inside linebacker Erick Anderson won the 1991 Butkus Award as the nation's top linebacker. He was the first Michigan player to win the award. Anderson was also the inaugural recipient of the Jack Lambert Trophy as the top collegiate linebacker. Anderson also received first-team All-America honors from the UPI. Greg Skrepenak. Senior offensive tackle Greg Skrepenak was a unamious All-American, receiving first-team honors from all five official selectors. He was also the inaugural recipient of the Jim Parker Trophy as the top collegiate offensive lineman. He was also a finalist for the Outland Trophy as the top interior lineman, though he lost to Washington defensive tackle Steve Emtman. Skrepenak also received the Big Ten offensive lineman of the year award. Anderson and Skrepenak were also co-captains of the 1991 team.1991 Football Team University of Michigan, Bentey Historical Library August 24, 2026 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1991fbt.htm Bentley Historical Library Matt Elliott. Guard Matt Elliott also received All-America honors from the College and Pro Football News.Moeller puts U-M back to work Detroit Free Press December 12, 1991 9F https://www.newspapers.com/article/detroit-free-press-matt-elliott/204547802/ Newspapers.com Gary Moeller. Gary Moeller won the Big Ten Coach of the Year award, receiving 31 of 39 first-place votes in a poll of Midwest sportswriters and broadcasters.Moeller Claims Big Ten Award Omaha World-Herald December 10, 1991 34 https://www.newspapers.com/article/omaha-world-herald-moeller-claims-big-te/204549531/ Newspapers.com All-Big Ten. Twelve Michigan players received first- or second-team honors on the 1991 All-Big Ten Conference football team: Howard (AP-1; Coaches-1); Grbac (AP-1; Coaches-2); Skrepenak (AP-1; Coaches-1); Anderson (AP-1; Coaches-1); running back Ricky Powers (AP-1; Coaches-2); guard Matt Elliott (AP-1; Coaches-1); defensive linemen Mike Evans (AP-1; Coaches-1) and Chris Hutchinson (Coaches-1); placekicker J. D. Carlson (AP-1; Coaches-2); defensive back Corwin Brown (AP-2; Coaches-2); guard Joe Cocozzo (AP-2, Coaches-2); and center Steve Everitt (AP-2, Coaches-2).All-Big Ten: Dunbar, Howard top picks The Kokomo Tribune November 26, 1991 14 https://www.newspapers.com/image/19703299/ Newspapers.comCoaches' All-Big Ten The Herald-Times November 28, 1991 B2 https://www.newspapers.com/article/the-herald-times-coaches-all-big-ten/204550092/ Newspapers.com 1992 NFL draft The following players were claimed in the 1992 NFL draft. 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Position Round Pick NFL team Desmond Howard Wide receiver 1 4 Washington Redskins Greg Skrepenak Tackle 2 32 Los Angeles Raiders Mike Evans DT 4 101 Kansas City Chiefs Erick Anderson Linebacker 7 186 Kansas City Chiefs Brian Townsend Linebacker 11 181 Los Angeles Rams Matt Elliott Center 12 336 Washington Redskins https://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1992.htm dead https://web.archive.org/web/20071221231857/http://www.pro-football-reference.com/draft/1992.htm 2007-12-21 1992 NFL Draft Listing - Pro-Football-Reference.com Pro-Football-Reference.com References External links 1991 Football Team -- Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History Michigan Category:Michigan Wolverines football seasons Category:Big Ten Conference football champion seasons Michigan Wolverines football