1944 Michigan Wolverines football team

American college football season February 2026 August 2023 1944 Michigan Wolverines football File:1901-94 Michigan Wolverines Primary Logo.png Big Ten Conference Big Ten 8 8–2 5–2 Fritz Crisler 7th Single-wing Don Lund Bob Wiese (until November 1) Don Lund (after November 1) Joseph Ponsetto (after November 1) Michigan Stadium The 1944 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1944 Big Ten Conference football season. Under seventh-year head coach Fritz Crisler, Michigan compiled a record of 8–2 (5–2 Big Ten Conference), outscored opponents 204 to 91, finished in second place in the Big Ten Conference, and was ranked #8 in the final AP Poll.1944 Football Team University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library June 25, 2015 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1944fbt.htm The team opened the season with a victory over an Iowa-Pre-Flight team that won all of its remaining games and ended the season ranked #6 in the final AP Poll. The Wolverines then shut out four opponents: Marquette (14-0); Northwestern (27-0); Illinois (14-0); and Wisconsin (14-0). The team's two losses came against Indiana and an undefeated Ohio State team that was ranked #2 in the final AP Poll. Michigan's left tackle Milan Lazetich was selected by both the Associated Press (AP) and United Press (UP) as a first-team player on the All-Big Ten Conference team and was also selected by multiple selectors as a second-team player on the 1944 College Football All-America Team. Two other players on the 1944 Michigan team were selected as first-team All-Big Ten players: quarterback Joe Ponsetto (AP) and fullback Bob Wiese (UP). Wiese also served as the team's captain, and fullback Don Lund received the team's Most Valuable Player award. Schedule 1944 AP September 16 w y Iowa Pre-Flight Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 12–7 20,243 September 23 w y y Marquette Marquette Stadium Milwaukee, WI 14–0 18,000 Great Lakes and Michigan Triumph: Wolverines Hand Hilltops 14-0 Trimming Wisconsin State Journal September 24, 1944 27 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/121650222/great-lakes-and-michigan-triumph/ Newspapers.com September 30 l Indiana Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 0–20 18,477 October 7 w y Minnesota Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN Little Brown Jug 28–13 37,256 October 14 w 12 Northwestern Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 27–0 30,861 October 28 w Purdue 10 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 40–14 44,276 November 4 w y y 10 Penn Franklin Field Philadelphia, PA 41–19 39,557 November 11 w y 8 Illinois 10 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 14–0 43,922 November 18 w 5 Wisconsin Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 14–0 20,885 November 25 l y 6 Ohio State 3 Ohio Stadium Columbus, OH rivalry 14–18 71,958 Rankings 1944 college football rankings AP 1 9 12 15т NR 10 8 5 6 8 8 Season summary Pre-season At the end of August 1944, Michigan opened its pre-season practice with 50 candidates in attendance. While Michigan's Big Ten co-championship team of 1943 had returned 24 veteran lettermen, only eight of the 50 candidates in 1944 were returning lettermen. The vast majority of the candidates (32 of 50) were part of the university's military training programs (including the V-12 Navy College Training Program). On the line, Michigan lost All-American tackle Merv Pregulman to military service as well as All-Big Ten center Fred Negus. The team returned only three veteran linemen: Art Renner, a starter at right end in 1943; tackle Clem Bauman, a non-starter in 1943; and center Harold Watts, a non-starter in 1943. Michigan's line coach Biggie Munn's other candidates for the line in 1944 included: Milan Lazetich, a tackle from Montana; Quentin Sickels, a 17-year-old freshman guard from Benton Harbor, Michigan; George Burg, a guard from Illinois; Bruce Hilkene, an end from Indiana; George Lintol, a center from Detroit; and Dick Rifenburg, a freshman end from Saginaw, Michigan. In the backfield, Michigan lost starters Elroy Hirsch, Bill Daley, and Paul White. The team returned five lettermen to the backfield, including fullback Bob Wiese, who started all nine games in 1943 and was chosen as captain of the 1944 team, fullback Don Lund, who started one game in 1943, and quarterback Joe Ponsetto, a non-starter in 1943. Michigan backfield coach Earl Martineau's other candidates for the back positions included: Gene Derricotte, a halfback from Ohio; and Bob Nussbaumer, a halfback from Illinois.Backs To Need Versatility: Necessary to Make Lack In Michigan Backfield Reserves Ironwood Daily Globe September 1, 1944 8 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2693170/idg_preseason_article/ After a problem-filled practice drill on September 13, 1944, three days before the opening game, head coach Fritz Crisler noted that he did not harbor any illusions about his 1944 squad and added: "I'm hoping for the best, fearing the worst and expecting almost anything."Michigan's Football Coach Does Not Harbor Any Illusions Leo Fischer The Tipton (Ind.) Daily Tribune September 13, 1944 2 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2693073/preseason_ins_article/ Week 1: Iowa Pre-Flight Week 1: Iowa Pre-Flight at Michigan Iowa-Pre-Flight Michigan 0 0 7 0 0 6 0 6 September 16, 1944 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 23,400 Mike Layden (Notre Dame) On September 16, 1944, Michigan defeated Iowa-Pre-Flight by a 12 to 7 score. The Iowa Pre-Flight team won all of its remaining games and ended the season ranked #6 in the final AP Poll. Michigan scored two touchdowns, both coming on passes from Bill Culligan to freshman end, Dick Rifenburg, one gaining 48 yards and the other gaining 58 yards. The United Press described Rifenburg as a "gangling freshman end" who "twice outreached and outran desperate Iowa Pre-Flight Seahawk defenders. Joe Ponsetto missed both kicks for points after touchdown. Fullback Bob Wiese was Michigan's leading rusher in the game with 24 carries for 86 yards. The Wolverines compiled 151 rushing yards and 135 passing yards in the game, exceeding the Seahawks' totals of 99 rushing yards and 22 passing yards. In a "surprise maneuver" that foreshadowed head coach Fritz Crisler's pioneering efforts at using certain players solely on defense or offense, Don Lund was substituted for Michigan's center when the team switched to defense; the Chicago Tribune praised Lund, who intercepted to passes, for his "defensive brilliance" in the game.Michigan Topples Seahawks by 12-7: Rifenburg, Cub End, Takes 2 Passes for Victors' Scores in Opener at Ann Arbor The New York Times (UP story) September 17, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/09/17/archives/michigan-topples-seahawks-by-127-rifenburg-cub-end-takes-2-passes.htmlTwo Michigan Passes Beat Seahawks, 12-7: Bill Culligan Pitches Twice to Rifenburg; Cadets Whipped in Ground Play, Too Chicago Tribune September 17, 1944 Wilfrid Smith 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/09/17/page/27/article/two-michigan-passes-beat-seahawks-12-7 Michigan's starting lineup against Iowa Pre-Flight was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Arthur Leroux (left tackle), Quentin Sickels (left guard), Harold Watts (center), George Burg (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Gene Derricotte (left halfback), Bob Nussbaumer (right halfback), and Wiese (fullback). Week 2: at Marquette Week 2: Marquette at Michigan Michigan Marquette 0 0 7 7 0 0 0 0 September 23, 1944 Marquette Stadium, Milwaukee, WI 18,000 Rollie Barnum (Wisconsin) On September 23, 1944, Michigan defeated Marquette by a 14 to 0 score at Marquette Stadium in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The game was the first meeting between Michigan and Marquette since 1909 and the first night game played in the history of the Michigan football program. Michigan scored two touchdowns, one on a six-yard run by halfback Gene Derricotte and the other on a pass from Bill Culligan to end Dick Rifenburg covering 30 yards. Joe Ponsetto kicked both points after touchdown for Michigan. The Wolverines fumbled eight times in the game and did not score in the first half, but they out-gained the Marquette Hilltoppers 230 rushing yards to 68.Michigan Wins Over Marquette in 2d Half, 14-0 Chicago Tribune September 24, 1944 Charles Bartlett 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/09/24/page/27/article/michigan-wins-over-marquette-in-2d-half-14-0Michigan Triumphs, 14-0; Defeats Marquette on Two Long Marches in Closing Half The New York Times (UP story) September 24, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/09/24/archives/michigan-triumphs-140-defeats-marquette-on-two-long-marches-in.html After making three touchdown passes in the first two games of the season, freshman Dick Rifenburg withdrew from the football team, having enlisted in the merchant marine.Rifenburg Called By Draft Board The Pantagraph (Bloomington, Illinois) January 12, 1945 12 https://www.newspapers.com/image/69342881/ Michigan's starting lineup against Marquette was Art Renner (left end), Milan Lazetich (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), John Lintol (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Rifenburg (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Derricotte (left halfback), Bob Nussbaumer (right halfback), and Bob Wiese (fullback). Week 3: Indiana Week 3: Indiana at Michigan Indiana Michigan 0 6 7 7 0 0 0 0 September 30, 1944 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 20,500 Lyle Clarno (Bradley) On September 30, 1944, Michigan lost to Indiana by a 20 to 0 score at Michigan Stadium. The outcome was the first loss by Michigan to a conference opponent since the 1942 season and only the third victory by Indiana over Michigan since 1900. Indiana halfbacks Robert Hoernschemeyer and Abe Addams and quarterback John Cannady led an attack that accounted for 197 rushing yards and 168 passing yards.Wolverines Are Outclassed by Hoosiers, 20-0 Chicago Tribune October 1, 1944 Maurice Shevlin 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/10/01/page/27/article/wolverines-are-outclassed-by-hoosiers-20-0Indiana Surpriss Michigan by 20-0; Sundheim and Jagade Rip the Wolverines' Line in Upset on Ann Arbor Gridiron The New York Times (UP story) October 1, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/10/01/archives/indiana-suprises-michigan-by-200-sundheim-and-jagade-rip-the.html Michigan's starting lineup against Indiana was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Milan Lazetich (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), Harold Watts (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Joe Ponsetto (quarterback), Gene Derricotte (left halfback), Bob Nussbaumer (right halfback), and Bob Wiese (fullback). Week 4: at Minnesota Week 4: Michigan at Minnesota Michigan Minnesota 0 7 7 14 0 0 6 7 October 7, 1944 Memorial Stadium, Minneapolis, MN 40,052 William A. Blake (Loras) On October 7, 1944, Michigan defeated Minnesota by a 28 to 13 score at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis. The outcome was the first victory by a Michigan team playing on the road against Minnesota since 1932. Michigan fullback Bob Wiese scored three touchdowns. Bill Culligan scored Michigan's first touchdown, and Joe Ponsetto kicked all four points after touchdown. In the first quarter, Michigan stopped two Minnesota drives inside the Michigan 10-yard line. Michigan gained all of its yards from scrimmage on the ground, attempting only one pass, and finishing the game with 265 net rushing yards. Minnesota gained 119 yards rushing and 81 passing yards.Wolverines Gain First Triumph at Minnesota in 12 Years, 28-13 Chicago Tribune October 1, 1944 Arch Ward 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/10/08/page/27/article/wolverines-gain-first-triumph-at-minnesota-in-12-years-28-13Michigan Defeats Minnesota, 28 to 13; Fullback Wiese Races Across Gophers' Goal Line Thrice on Minneapolis Gridiron; 40,052 See Stirring Game; Wolverines Twice Halt Rivals on 1-Yard Stripe -- Fumbles Costly to Both Teams The New York Times (UP story) October 1, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/10/01/archives/indiana-suprises-michigan-by-200-sundheim-and-jagade-rip-the.html Michigan's starting lineup against Indiana was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Milan Lazetich (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), John Lintol (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Gene Derricotte (left halfback), Bob Nussbaumer (right halfback), and Wiese (fullback). Week 5: Northwestern Week 5: Northwestern at Michigan Northwestern Michigan 0 0 0 0 13 7 0 7 October 14, 1944 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI Wm. A. Blake (Loras) On October 14, 1944, Michigan defeated Northwestern by a 27 to 0 score at Michigan Stadium. Halfback Bob Nussbaumer scored two touchdowns (26-yard run on a lateral from Gene Derricotte in the first quarter and a 25-yard end run in the third quarter), and Michigan's other touchdowns were scored by Bob Wiese (six-yard run) and Derricotte (15-yard run in the first quarter). Joe Ponsetto kicked three of four points after touchdown. Michigan out-gained Northwestern in rushing by 450 yards to 24.Michigan Crushes Wildcats, 27 to 0; Nussbaumer Races 26 and 25 Yards to First-Half Scores Against Northwestern; Wiese Bucks Across Line; Derricotte Counts in Opening Period of Big Ten Contest on Ann Arbor Gridiron The New York Times (UP story) October 15, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/10/15/archives/michigan-crushes-wildcats-27-to-0-nussbaumer-races-26-and-25-yards.htmlMichigan Matches Feat of '24; Batters Northwestern, 27 to 0 Chicago Tribune October 14, 1944 Arch Ward 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/10/15/page/27/article/michigan-matches-feat-of-24-batters-northwestern-27-to-0 Michigan's starting lineup against Indiana was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Milan Lazetich (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), Harold Watts (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Derricotte (left halfback), Nussbaumer (right halfback), and Wiese (fullback). Week 6: Purdue Week 6: Purdue at Michigan Purdue Michigan 0 7 7 0 6 14 6 14 October 28, 1944 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 50,189 E. C. Krieger (Ohio St.) On October 28, 1944, Michigan defeated Purdue by a 40 to 14 score at Michigan Stadium. Fullback Bob Wiese scored three touchdowns, halfback Bob Nussbaumer scored two, and halfback Gene Derricotte scored one. Joe Ponsetto kicked four points after touchdown. Michigan out-gained Purdue on the ground by 354 rushing yards to 139.Wolverines Crush Purdue's Hopes, 40 to 14, Before 50,189 Chicago Tribune October 29, 1944 Charles Bartlett 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/10/29/page/25/article/wolverines-crush-purdues-hopes-40-to-14-before-50-189Michigan Crushes Purdue, 40 TO 14; Wiese Tallies 3 Touchdowns, Nussbaumer 2 in Their Last Game Before 50,000 Fans The New York Times (UP story) October 29, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/10/29/archives/michigan-crushes-purdue-40-to-14-wiese-tallies-3-touchdowns.html After the Purdue game, Michigan lost its two leading scorers, Bob Wiese and Bob Nussbaumer, both of whom were military trainees, to wartime transfer orders. Both missed the remainder of Michigan's football season.Lund Will Fill Wiese's Shoes For Wolverines: Ralph Chubb May Take Over For Departed Nussbaumer The News-Palladium October 31, 1944 6 https://www.newspapers.com/image/21130897/Rusty Wolverine Air Arm Polished for Penn Contest The Escanaba (Mich.) Daily Press November 1, 1944 8 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2696126/wiese_and_nussbaumer_transfer_article/ Wiese selected Don Lund and Joe Ponsetto to take over his responsibilities as team captain, though coach Crisler stated that Wiese would continue to be recognized as captain despite his absence. Lund was also tasked with filling in for Wiese at the fullback position, while Ralph Chubb was tasked with filling in for Nussbaumer. Michigan's starting lineup against Indiana was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Milan Lazetich (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), John Lintol (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Derricotte (left halfback), Nussbaumer (right halfback), and Wiese (fullback). Week 7: at Penn Week 7: Michigan at Penn Michigan Penn 7 27 0 7 0 0 6 13 November 4, 1944 Franklin Field, Philadelphia, PA 48,000 Wm. T. Halloran (Providence) On November 4, 1944, Michigan defeated Penn by 41 to 19 score at Franklin Field in Philadelphia. Michigan's seven touchdowns were scored by halfback Ralph Chubb (2), Gene Derricotte, Art Renner, Bruce Hilkene, and Jack Weisenburger. Joe Ponsetto kicked five points after touchdown. The Wolverines gained 376 rushing yards and 89 passing yards, while holding Penn to 161 rushing yards and 136 passing yards.Michigan Rolls Up 41-19 Margin Margin Against Penn Chicago Tribune November 5, 1944 Edward Burns 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/11/05/page/27/article/michigan-rolls-up-41-19-margin-against-pennMichigan Swamps Penn Eleven, 41-19; Leads by 34 to 0 at Half in Display of Power -- Minisi Goes 63 Yards The New York Times Louis Effrat November 5, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/11/05/archives/michigan-swamps-penn-eleven-4119-leads-by-34-to-0-at-half-in.html Michigan's starting lineup against Indiana was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Milan Lazetich (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), Harold Watts (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Gene Derricotte (left halfback), Ralph Chubb (right halfback), and Don Lund (fullback). Week 8: Illinois Week 8: Illinois at Michigan Illinois Michigan 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 November 11, 1944 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 42,200 Dr. R. W. Huegel (Marquette) On November 11, 1944, Michigan defeated Illinois by a 14 to 0 score at Michigan Stadium. Michigan's touchdowns were scored by Don Lund (four-yard run in the first quarter) and Jack Weisenburger (two-yard run in the fourth quarter after Harold Watts recovered a fumbled punt at the Illinois 31-yard line), and Joe Ponsetto kicked both points after touchdown. Michigan held Illinois' back Claude "Buddy" Young, the NCAA sprint champion, to 81 yards. Illinois threatened in the first quarter but fumbled at Michigan's one-yard line. Michigan gained 231 yards to 159 for Illinois, with Michigan's yardage divided among multiple backs, including Gene Derricotte (67 yards), Lund (56 yards), Ralph Chubb (53 yards), and Weisenburger (37 yards). Neither team completed a pass.42,200 See Michigan Down Illinois, 14-0; Wolverines Win Fifth Straight as Lund and Weisenburger Score -- Young Stopped The New York Times (AP story) November 12, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/11/12/archives/42200-see-michigan-down-illinois-140-wolverines-win-fifth-straight.htmlMichigan Whips Illini, 14-0: Hits Quickly Then Ties Up Speedy Rivals Chicago Tribune November 12, 1944 Wilfrid Smith 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/10/29/page/25/article/wolverines-crush-purdues-hopes-40-to-14-before-50-189 Michigan's starting lineup against Indiana was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Milan Lazetich (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), Harold Watts (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Derricotte (left halfback), Chubb (right halfback), and Lund (fullback). Week 9: Wisconsin Week 9: Wisconsin at Michigan Wisconsin Michigan 0 0 0 0 7 0 0 7 November 18, 1944 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI Lyle Clarno (Bradley) On November 18, 1944, Michigan defeated Wisconsin by a 14 to 0 score at Michigan Stadium. Michigan's touchdowns were scored by Bill Culligan (84-yard run on a lateral pass from Joe Ponsetto on the first play from scrimmage) and Don Lund (56-yard run on a "spinner play" in the fourth quarter), and points after touchdown were kicked by Ponsetto and Ralph Chubb. Despite the 14 to score, the ground game was close with Michigan gaining 188 rushing yards to 184 for Wisconsin.Long Runs Decide for Michigan, 14-0; Wisconsin Team Is Overcome by Two Touchdown Sprints of 84 and 56 Yards The New York Times (AP story) November 19, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/11/19/archives/long-runs-decide-for-michigan-140-wisconsin-team-is-overcome-by-two.htmlMichigan Wins Over Wisconsin Eleven, 14 to 0 Chicago Tribune November 19, 1944 Edward Burns 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/11/19/page/27/article/michigan-wins-over-wisconsin-eleven-14-to-0 Michigan's starting lineup against Wisconsin was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Milan Lazetich (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), Harold Watts (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Clem Bauman (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Bill Culligan (left halfback), Chubb (right halfback), and Lund (fullback). Week 10: Ohio State Week 10: Michigan at Ohio State Michigan Ohio State 0 7 0 7 6 0 6 6 November 25, 1944 Ohio Stadium, Columbus, OH 71,958 W. A. Blake (Loras) On November 25, 1944, Michigan faced Ohio State at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio. Michigan came into the game ranked #6 in the AP Poll with undefeated Ohio State ranked #3, and with the Big Ten Conference championship at stake. Ohio State won the game, and with it the conference championship, by an 18 to 14 score. Both of Michigan's touchdowns were scored by Bill Culligan, with both points after touchdown kicked by Joe Ponsetto. Ohio State quarterback and 1944 Heisman Trophy winner Les Horvath scored two touchdowns for the Buckeyes. Michigan led 14-12 in the fourth quarter, but a short 12-yard kickoff by Ralph Chubb gave the ball to the Buckeyes at their 48-yard line. Ohio State drove 52 yards with Horvath running for the winning touchdown with three minutes and 16 seconds remaining. Michigan's performance in the second half was handicapped by the loss of halfback Gene Derricotte to injury and by "a stomach disorder" that struck several Wolverines the night before the game.OHIO STATE DOWNS MICHIGAN, 18 TO 14, FOR BIG TEN TITLE; Lead Changes Five Times in Thrill-Packed Game Before 77,958 Spectators 52-YARD MARCH DECIDES 14 Running Plays at End Save Contest -- Bowl Acceptance Is Not Likely CLEARING THE WAY FOR A BUCKEYE BACK TO REGISTER A FIRST DOWN Ohio State Defeats Michigan, 18-14, To Capture Big Ten Championship The New York Times (AP story) Allison Danzig November 26, 1944 https://www.nytimes.com/1944/11/26/archives/ohio-state-downs-michigan-18-to-14-for-big-ten-title-lead-changes.htmlOhio Wins Title; Defeats Michigan, 18-14; Buckeyes End 9 Game Card Without a Loss; 74,000 See Horvath, Culligan Score Chicago Tribune November 26, 1944 Wilfrid Smith 2-1 http://archives.chicagotribune.com/1944/11/26/page/27/article/ohio-wins-title-defeats-michigan-18-14 Michigan's starting lineup against Ohio State was Bruce Hilkene (left end), Clem Bauman (left tackle), George Burg (left guard), Harold Watts (center), Quentin Sickels (right guard), Milan Lazetich (right tackle), Art Renner (right end), Ponsetto (quarterback), Gene Derricotte (left halfback), Ralph Chubb (right halfback), and Don Lund (fullback). Scoring summary 2 Michigan Wolverines Player Touchdowns Extra points Field goals Points Bob Wiese70042 Gene Derricotte40024 Bob Nussbaumer40024 Bill Culligan40024 Joe Ponsetto023023 Dick Rifenburg30018 Ralph Chubb21013 Don Lund20012 Jack Weisenburger20012 Bruce Hilkene1006 Art Renner1006 Totals30240204 Post-season The final AP Poll was released by the Associated Press (AP) in early December 1944. The undefeated Army Cadets team was selected as the national champion with 1,165 points and having been selected as the #1 team on 95 of the 121 ballots cast. The undefeated 1944 Ohio State Buckeyes football team, which narrowly defeated Michigan, was ranked #2 with 941 points. Iowa Pre-Flight, the team Michigan defeated in the season opener, was ranked #6 with 451 points, and Michigan was ranked #8 with 368 points.Harold Claassen Pick Army as National Collegiate Grid Champion: Buckeyes Are in 2nd Place; Randolph Field Is Third, Michigan Is In Eighth Position Ironwood Daily Globe (AP story) December 5, 1944 8 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2696420/final_ap_poll_for_1944/ No player on the 1944 Michigan team received first-team honors on the 1944 College Football All-America Team. However, Michigan tackle Milan Lazetich received second-team honors from the AP,Orlo Robertson Army, Ohio State Land 2 Players On AP All-American '44 Grid Team Wisconsin Rapids Daily Tribune 1944-12-08 Football Writers Association of America (FWAA),FWAA All America Football Writers Association of America http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/awards/allamerica/alltime.pdf 2015-06-27 2019-03-04 https://web.archive.org/web/20190304073432/http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/awards/allamerica/alltime.pdf dead International News Service (INS),INS Selects All-American Chester Times 1944-12-02 and Central Press Association (CP).Central Press, " Central Press, 1944 All-American," The Deseret News, p. 14 (December 7, 1944). Retrieved October 3, 2014. Lazetich was also selected by both the AP and United Press (UP) as a first-team tackle on the 1944 All-Big Nine Conference football team.All-Western Conference Team The Logan Daily News November 27, 1944 5 https://www.newspapers.com/image/87289320/?terms=ponsetto%2Bdugger%2BassociatedFour Ohio State Stars Named on the All-Conference Team The Milwaukee Journal (UP story) November 22, 1944 6 https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1499&dat=19441122&id=EjIdAAAAIBAJ&pg=2320,2793204 Lazetich was selected with the 16th overall pick in the 1945 NFL draft and went on to pay six years in the National Football League.Mike Lazetich NFL Statistics Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com June 25, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LazeMi20.htm Two other players from the 1944 Michigan team were selected as first-team All-Big Ten players: quarterback Joe Ponsetto (AP) and fullback Bob Wiese (UP). Wiese was also the team's leading scorer with 42 points on seven touchdowns. Don Lund, who began the season as a defensive substitute and replaced Wiese at fullback in the final four games, was selected by his teammates as the team's Most Valuable Player.Bruce Hilkene Chosen To Lead Michigan Squad The Evening News, Harrisburg, Penn November 29, 1944 18 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2696578/hilkene_captain_lund_mvp/ In the same post-season voting, members of the 1944 Michigan team selected Bruce Hilkene to serve as captain of the 1945 Michigan Wolverines football team. Players Varsity letter winners The following 30 players received varsity letters for their participation on the 1944 Michigan football team.University of Michigan Football Rosters: 1944 Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan http://141.211.39.65/allroster/FMPro?-DB=allrost.fp5&-Format=fbresult.htm&-SortField=name&-SortOrder=Ascend&year=1944&-max=170&-Find https://web.archive.org/web/20100819230444/http://141.211.39.65/allroster/FMPro?-DB=allrost.fp5&-Format=fbresult.htm&-SortField=name&-SortOrder=Ascend&year=1944&-max=170&-Find dead 2010-08-19 For players who were starters, the list also includes the number of games started by position. Players who started at least half of the team's games are designated in bold. James J. Aliber, quarterback, Detroit, Michigan Clement "Clem" L. Bauman, tackle, Dayton, OhioClement Bauman, born January 19, 1925, died April 1968, SSN issued Ohio - started 10 games at right tackle Warren W. Bentz, halfback, Washington, D.C. Gerald E. Brielmaier, tackle, Detroit, Michigan George Burg, guard, Winnetka, Illinois - started 10 games at left guard George Chiaverini, guard, Detroit, Michigan Ralph L. Chubb, fullback, Ann Arbor, MichiganRalph L. Chubb, born March 24, 1924, died February 25, 2002, SSN issued Michigan, last address Green Valley, Arizona - started 3 games at right halfback William L. Culligan, halfback, Detroit, MichiganWilliam L. Culligan, born March 11, 1924, died September 25, 2008, SSN issued Michigan, last address Jackson, Michigan - started 1 game at left halfback Gene Derricotte, halfback, Defiance, Ohio - started 9 games at left halfback Cecil Freihofer, end, Indianapolis, Indiana Edward Greer, end, Wayzata, Minnesota Bruce Hilkene, end, Indianapolis, Indiana - started 9 games at left end Milan Lazetich, tackle, Anaconda, Montana - started 8 games at left tackle Arthur N. LeRoux, tackle, Muskegon Heights, MichiganArthur N. Leroux, born September 7, 1924, died February 18, 2005, SSN issued Michigan, last address Muskegon, Michigan - started 2 games at left tackle John Lintol, center, Detroit, MichiganJohn Lintol, born December 21, 1924, died September 1973, SSN issued Michigan - started 5 games at center Don Lund, fullback, Detroit, Michigan - started 3 games at fullback Howard Mehaffey, guard, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania Bob Nussbaumer, running back, Oak Park, Illinois - started 7 games at right halfback Thomas R. Peterson, fullback, Racine, Wisconsin Joe Ponsetto, quarterback, Flint, Michigan - started 10 games at quarterback Art Renner, end, Sturgis, Michigan - started 9 games at right end, 1 game at left end Dick Rifenburg, end, Saginaw, Michigan - started 1 game at right end Quentin Sickels, guard, Benton Harbor, Michigan - started 10 games at right guard Thomas Swift, guard, Kansas City, Missouri Charles Wahl, center, Defiance, Ohio Harold Watts, center, Birmingham, Michigan - started 5 games at center Jack Weisenburger, halfback, Muskegon Heights, Michigan - halfback John Weyers, guard, Page, North Dakota Bob Wiese, fullback, Jamestown, North Dakota - started 7 games at fullback Howard Yerges, quarterback, Point Pleasant, West Virginia Non-varsity letter winners The following 36 players appeared on the roster of the 1944 Michigan football team but did not receive varsity letters. George Abbott, end, Lansing, Michigan Dave Adams, quarterback, Shawano, Michigan James M. Artley, quarterback, Savannah, Georgia George Babe, guard, Sharon Hill, Pennsylvania John Babyak, halfback, Campbell, Ohio Richard DeMark, halfback, Detroit, Michigan Donald Drake, center, Ypsilanti, Michigan Maurice Dunne, tackle, Winnetka, Illinois Roger Ely, halfback, Montpelier, Ohio Don Farrand, end, Los Angeles, California Donald Fate, tackle, Bellaire, Michigan Henry Fonde, halfback, Knoxville, Tennessee Jack Hackstadt, end, Saginaw, Michigan Claude Hessee, end, Bellward, Illinois Frank Honigsbaum, end, Troy, New York George Hutter, quarterback, Fond du Lac, Wisconsin Shelden M. Kavieff, end, Detroit, Michigan Max Kelly, end, Loda, Illinois William Kerr, guard, Melbourne, Florida John Lunenschloss, tackle, Madison, Wisconsin Robert Mann, guard, New Bern, North Carolina Henry L. Mantho, guard, Alliance, Ohio Fred Matthei, end, Ann Arbor, Michigan Henry Milczuk, tackle, Hamtramck, Michigan Frank Nakamura, guard, Ann Arbor, Michigan Joseph A. Oeming, guard, Saginaw, Michigan Robert Oren, tackle, Evart, Michigan Joseph Pullo, tackle, Cleveland, Ohio Charles Sampson, end, Wausau, Wisconsin Marvin Shebel, guard, Marshall, Michigan Richard Smith, guard, LaGrange, Illinois Edward Sohacki, guard, Detroit, Michigan Don Spink, defensive back, Rochester, New York William Wenzlau, halfback, Toledo, Ohio D.E. Williamson, tackle, Utica, New York Thomas Wright, tackle, Fairfield, Ohio Awards and honors Captain: Bob Wiese All-Conference: Bob Wiese, Milan Lazetich, Joseph Ponsetto Most Valuable Player: Don Lund NFL and AAFC drafts The following 12 players from the 1944 Michigan football team were drafted to play in either the National Football League (NFL) or the All-America Football Conference (AAFC): Ralph Chubb: Chubb was selected by the Los Angeles Rams with the 143rd pick in the 1947 NFL draft.1947 NFL Draft Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1947/draft.htm Gene Derricotte: Derricotte was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the eight pick of the AAFC's secret draft held in July 1948,1949 AAFC Draft The Pro Football Archive July 2, 2015 http://www.profootballarchives.com/1949AAFCDraft.html but he was injured during training camp with the Browns at the end of July 1949 while standing along the sidelines playing catch with a teammate.Cleveland Releases Gene Derricotte Los Angeles Times 1949-08-07 Bruce Hilkene: Hilkene was selected by the Pittsburgh Steelers with the 283rd pick in the 1948 NFL draft.1948 NFL Draft Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1948/draft.htm Milan Lazetich: Lazetich was selected by the Cleveland Rams with the 16th pick in the 1945 NFL draft and played six seasons in the National Football League (NFL) from 1945 to 1950.Milan Lazetch Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/L/LazeMi20.htm Don Lund: Lund was selected by the Chicago Bears with the seventh pick in the 1945 NFL Draft,1945 NFL Draft Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1945/draft.htm but he opted instead to play in Major League Baseball. He played for the Brooklyn Dodgers, St. Louis Browns and Detroit Tigers between 1945 and 1954.Don Lund Sports Reference LLC Baseball-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.baseball-reference.com/players/l/lunddo01.shtml Bob Nussbaumer: Nussbaumer was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 21st pick in the 1946 NFL draft and played in the NFL from 1946 to 1951.Bob Nussbaumer Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/N/NussBo20.htm Joe Ponsetto: Ponsetto was selected by the New York Giants with the 194th pick in the 1947 NFL Draft. Art Renner: Renner was selected by the Green Bay Packers with the 56th pick in the 1946 NFL Draft.1946 NFL Draft Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/years/1946/draft.htm Dick Rifenburg: Rifenburg was selected by the New York Yankees with the 24th pick in the 1949 AAFC Draft, and by Philadelphia Eagles with the 132nd pick in the 1948 NFL draft. He played for the Detroit Lions in 1950.Dick Rifenburg Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/R/RifeDi20.htm Quentin Sickels: Sickels was selected by the Detroit Lions with the 147th pick in the 1948 NFL draft. Jack Weisenburger: Weisenburger was selected by the Washington Redskins with the 38th pick in the 1948 NFL draft. He was also selected by the New York Yankees with the 64th pick in the 1948 AAFC Draft.1948 AAFC Draft The Pro Football Archive July 2, 2015 http://www.profootballarchives.com/1948AAFCDraft.html dead https://web.archive.org/web/20131207061319/http://www.profootballarchives.com/1948AAFCDraft.html December 7, 2013 Bob Wiese: Wiese was selected by the San Francisco 49ers with the 14th pick in the 1947 AAFC Draft,1947 AAFC Draft The Pro Football Archive July 2, 2015 http://www.profootballarchives.com/1947AAFCDraft.html and by the Detroit Lions with the 39th pick in the 1945 NFL Draft. He played for the Lions in 1947 and 1948.Bob Wiese Sports Reference LLC Pro-Football-Reference.com July 2, 2015 https://www.pro-football-reference.com/players/W/WiesBo20.htm Coaching staff Head coach: Fritz Crisler Assistant coaches Backfield coach: Earl Martineau50 Wolverines Open Fall Grid Practice Today The News-Palladium, Benton Harbor, Michigan August 28, 1944 5 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2692772/preseason_michigan_article/ Line coach: Biggie Munn Ends coach: Bennie Oosterbaan Reserves coach: Arthur Valpey Other assistant coaches: William C. Barclay (former Michigan back, 1936-1938), Ray Fisher (head baseball coach and asst. football coach), and Wally Weber (head wrestling coach and asst. football coach)Wally Weber Now Wolves' Mat Mentor The News-Palladium (AP story) October 20, 1944 6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/2692726/wally_weber/ Trainer: Ray Roberts Managers: William Hart and Rawland Sylvester References 30em External links 1944 Football Team -- Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History Michigan Category:Michigan Wolverines football seasons Michigan Wolverines football