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1965 Michigan Wolverines football team
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American college football season
February 2026
August 2023
1965 Michigan Wolverines football Wally Gabler.png 285 Michigan quarterback Wally Gabler (No. 29) and halfback Carl Ward (No. 19) Big Ten Conference Big Ten 4–6 2–5 Bump Elliott 7th Bill Yearby Tom Cecchini Michigan Stadium
The 1965 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1965 Big Ten Conference football season. In its seventh year under head coach Bump Elliott, Michigan compiled a 4–6 record (2–5 against conference opponents), finished in seventh place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a combined total of 185 to 161.1965 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 5, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1965-schedule.html
Ranked No. 4 in the preseason AP poll, the Wolverines were plagued by injuries throughout the season and lost close games to No. 7 Purdue (17–15, decided by two missed extra points), Minnesota (14–13, decided by a missed two-point conversion), and Ohio State (9–7, decided on a last-minute field goal after Michigan out-gained the Buckeyes).
Linebacker Tom Cecchini was the team captain, and defensive tackle Bill Yearby received the team's most valuable player award.1965 Football Team University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library November 5, 2017 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/football/fbteam/1965fbt.htm Yearby was also a consensus first-team All-American. Four Michigan players received first-team All-Big Ten honors: Yearby, running back Carl Ward, offensive tackle Tom Mack, and defensive back Rich Volk.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Wally Gabler with 825 passing yards and 42 points scored, Carl Ward with 639 rushing yards, and right end Jack Clancy with 762 receiving yards.1965 Michigan Wolverines Statistics Sports Reference LLC SR/College Football November 5, 2017 https://www.sports-reference.com/cfb/schools/michigan/1965.html
Schedule
1965 AP September 18 w y y 4 North Carolina Kenan Memorial Stadium Chapel Hill, NC 31–24 41,000 Wolverines Sputter, but Win, 31-24 Detroit Free Press Bob Pille September 19, 1965 1F, 3F https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38843155/wolverines_sputter_but_win_3124/ Newspapers.com September 25 w y 4 California Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 10–7 81,417 U-M Slips By; It's Wolverines Over Cal, 10-7 Detroit Free Press Jack Berry September 26, 1965 1D, 3D https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38843519/um_slips_by_its_wolverines_over_cal/ Newspapers.com October 2 l y 7 Georgia 10 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 7–15 59,470 U-M Upset: Wolverines Fall, 15-7, To Georgia Detroit Free Press Bob Pille October 3, 1965 1E, 3E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38843756/um_upset_wolverines_fall_157_to/ Newspapers.com October 9 l Michigan State 5 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 7–24 103,219 Spartans Rip U-M, 24-7 Detroit Free Press Bob Pille October 10, 1965 1E, 5E https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38844086/spartans_rip_um_247/ Newspapers.com October 16 l y Purdue 7 Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 15–17 85,905 Griese Lifts Purdue Past Michigan, 17-15 Detroit Free Press Jack Saylor October 17, 1965 1C, 3C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38845018/griese_lifts_purdue_past_michigan_1715/ Newspapers.com October 23 l y Minnesota Memorial Stadium Minneapolis, MN Little Brown Jug 13–14 58,519 Gophers Clip Michigan, 14-13 Minneapolis Tribune Bill McGrane October 24, 1965 Sports 1, 6 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38845301/gophers_clip_michigan_1413/ Newspapers.com October 30 w Wisconsin Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI 50–14 66,907 U-M Explodes, 50-14: It 's y First Big Ten Victory Detroit Free Press Jack Saylor October 31, 1965 1C, 8C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38845599/um_explodes_5014_its_first_big_ten/ Newspapers.com November 6 w y Illinois Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL rivalry 23–3 50,136 M Beats Illini For Bump, As Usual, 23-3 Detroit Free Press Bob Pille November 7, 1965 1C, 2C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38845799/m_beats_illini_for_bump_as_usual_233/ Newspapers.com November 13 l y Northwestern Dyche Stadium Evanston, IL rivalry 22–34 40,007 N.U. Jars Michigan: Pins 34-22 Setback On Wolverines Chicago Tribune David Condon November 14, 1965 II-1, II-4 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38846111/nu_jars_michigan_pins_3422_setback/ Newspapers.com November 20 l Ohio State Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI rivalry 7–9 77,733 Late FG Edges U-M, 9-7 Detroit Free Press Bob Pille November 22, 1965 1C, 5C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/38846440/late_fg_edges_um_97/ Newspapers.com
Season summary
Preseason
The 1964 Michigan Wolverines football team compiled a 9–1 record, won the Big Ten championship, and was ranked No. 4 in the final AP poll.
In January 1965, Michigan's players selected defensive end Tom Cecchini to be the captain of the 1965 team.Select Cecchini Grid Captain The Michigan Daily January 27, 1965 6 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754308/136 Newspapers.com
In April 1965, Bill Keating won the Meyer Morton Trophy as the player showing the greatest development in spring practice, and Rocky Rosema received the John Maulbetsch Scholarship, awarded to a freshman player "on the basis of need, scholarship, capacity, and desire for leadership and success."Keating, Rosema Win Spring Football Honors The Michigan Daily April 11, 1965 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754308/609 Bentley Historical Library
Multiple starters returned from the 1964 team, including Cecchini, Tom Mack, Carl Ward, Jim Detwiler, Dave Fisher, and Bill Yearby. In addition, Barry Dehlin, Jack Clancy, and John Rowser returned to the team after missing all or most of the 1964 season due to injury.Recovered Gridders Fill Gaps The Michigan Daily September 1, 1965 6 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/108 Bentley Historical Library
In the Associated Press' annual preseason college football poll, Michigan received five first place ballots and was ranked fourth with 282 points, trailing Nebraska (311 points), Texas (292 points), and Notre Dame (282 points).Cornhuskers Top AP Chart, Wolverines Ranked Fourth The Michigan Daily September 10, 1965 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/157 Bentley Historical Library
At North Carolina
Week 1: Michigan at North Carolina No. 4 Michigan 14 7 0 10 North Carolina 0 9 7 8 September 18 Chapel Hill, NC 41,000
yes 1 MICH Wally Gabler 31-yard run (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–0
1 MICH Jim Detwiler 6-yard run (Sygar kick) MICH 14–0
2 MICH Detwiler 2-yard run (Sygar kick) MICH 21–0
2 NC Bill Darnall 52-yard interception return (pass incomplete) MICH 21–6
2 NC Danny Talbott 21-yard field goal MICH 21–9
3 NC John Atherton 12-yard pass from Talbott (Talbott kick) MICH 21–16
4 MICH Sygar 33-yard field goal MICH 24–16
4 MICH Jack Clancy 10-yard pass from Dick Vidmer (Sygar kick) MICH 31–16
4 NC Max Chapman 19-yard pass from Talbott (pass, Jeff Beaver to Atherton) MICH 31–24 yes
Michigan was ranked No. 4 in the pre-season AP poll. On September 18, 1965, the team opened its season on the road with a 31–24 victory over North Carolina. The game was played in "brutal, suffocating heat" that reached 100 degrees on the field with humidity near 80 per cent.'M' Outlasts North Carolina, 31-24 The Michigan Daily Lloyd Graff September 19, 1965 1, 6 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/211 Bentley Historical Library Bump Elliott said after the game it felt like 186 degrees, "the hottest weather I've ever seen."
left|thumb|150px|Dick Vidmer
Michigan took a 21–0 lead after the first 18 minutes of the game, scoring on a 31-yard touchdown run by quarterback Wally Gabler and two touchdown runs by halfback Jim Detwiler. As the game progressed, the heat slowed the Wolverines, as Bill Yearby, Tom Cecchini, Paul Johnson, and Dave Fisher all left the game with heat sickness. Detwiler and Rich Volk also left the game with knee injuries. The Tar Heels scored 16 unanswered points against the depleted Wolverines – a 53-yard interception return by Bill Darnall, a 21-yard field goal, and a 12-yard touchdown pass from Danny Talbott to John Atherton.
In the fourth quarter, Dick Vidmer replaced Gabler at quarterback and revitalized the offense. He led a drive that culminated in a 33-yard field goal by Dick Sygar and later threw a 10-yard pass to Steve Smith, the ball bouncing off Smith and into the hands of Jack Clancy for the game-clinching touchdown. North Carolina concluded the scoring with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Jeff Beaver to Max Chapman.
Michigan rushed for 255 yards in the game, including 50 yards by Detwiler, 48 by Sygar, 46 by Carl Ward, and 44 by Gabler. Quarterbacks Vidmer and Gabler combined to complete 6 of 12 passes for 74 yards and one interception.
California
Week 2: California at Michigan California 0 0 7 0 No. 4 Michigan 3 7 0 0 September 25 Ann Arbor, MI 81,417
yes 1 MICH Dick Sygar 17-yard field goal MICH 3–0
2 MICH Dick Vidmer 1-yard run (Sygar kick) MICH 10–0
4 CAL Ted Parks 16-yard pass from Dan Berry (Sinclair kick) MICH 10–7 yes
On September 25, Michigan defeated California, 10–7, in its home opener before a crowd of 81,417. Jim Detwiler did not play due to a knee injury sustained in the North Carolina game.'M' Fumbles Its Way to 10-7 Win The Michigan Daily Jim Tindall September 26, 1965 1, 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/261 Newspapers.com
Michigan took a 10–0 lead at halftime on a 17-yard field goal by Dick Sygar, set up by a Frank Nunley interception, and a one-yard touchdown run by quarterback Dick Vidmer.
Turnovers allowed California to keep the game close. Michigan fumbled five times (losing three) and threw two interceptions. In the third quarter, California narrowed the lead on a 16-yard touchdown pass from Dan Berry to Ted Parks.
In the fourth first quarter, the game nearly got away from the Wolverines when Vidmer turned the ball over as he pitched the ball into an empty backfield on a sweep play. Michigan forced California to punt, but the ball caromed off Rich Volk's chest as he tried to execute a fair catch. Cal recovered the fumble at the Wolverines' 30-yard line, then fumbled at the 12-yard line with 59 second remaining in the game. Paul Johnson recovered the loose ball, allowing the Wolverines to run out the clock.
Michigan totaled 223 rushing yards led by Carl Ward (75 yards), Dick Sygar (60 yards), and Dave Fisher (58 yards). Vidmer completed 8 of 14 passes for 103 yards. Jack Clancy caught six passes for 71 yards.
Following the game, Michigan dropped from No. 4 to No. 7 in the AP poll.
Georgia
Week 3: Georgia at Michigan No. 10 Georgia 3 3 0 9 No. 7 Michigan 0 7 0 0 October 2 Ann Arbor, MI 59,470
yes 1 UGA Bobby Etter 34-yard field goal GA 3–0
2 MICH Tim Radigan 1-yard run (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–3
2 UGA Etter 44-yard field goal MICH 7–6
4 UGA Pat Hodgson 10-yard pass from Preston Ridlehuber (pass failed) GA 12–7
4 UGA Etter 31-yard field goal GA 15–7 yes
On October 2, No. 7 Michigan lost to No. 10 Georgia by a 15–7 score before a crowd of 59,470 at Michigan Stadium. The loss broke an eight-game winning streak for Michigan that dated back to October 24, 1964.
Michigan took a 7–6 halftime lead on a one-yard touchdown run by fullback Tim Radigan. Michigan's lead held until the final five minutes of the game. With 4:11 remaining, Georgia quarterback Preston Ridlehuber rolled out on an option play and threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Pat Hodgson. Georgia tried for a two-point conversion but Michigan defender Dick Wells knocked down Ridlehuber's pass, and the Bulldogs led, 12–7. On the ensuing possession, Lynn Hughes intercepted a Dick Vidmer pass and returned it to Michigan's nine-yard line. Georgia kicker Bobby Etter concluded the scoring with his third field goal.
Michigan was limited to 128 rushing yards (led by Dave Fisher with 66 yards on 13 carries) and 107 passing yards (led by Vidmer with 75 yards on four-of-nine passing). Jack Clancy led the Wolverines' offense with five catches for 90 yards.Georgia Rally Stops Wolverines The Michigan Daily October 3, 1965 1, 8 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/307 Bentley Historical Library
Michigan State
Week 4: Michigan State at Michigan No. 5 Michigan State 6 3 6 9 Michigan 0 7 0 0 October 9 Ann Arbor, MI 103,219
yes 1 MSU Steve Juday 1-yard run (kick failed) MSU 6–0
2 MICH Wally Gabler 1-yard run (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–6
2 MSU Dick Kenney 20-yard field goal MSU 9–7
3 MSU Jones 10-yard run (run failed) MSU 15–7
4 MSU Kenney 35-yard field goal MSU 18–7
4 MSU Bob Apisa 39-yard run (kick failed) MSU 24–7 yes
On October 9, Michigan lost its annual rivalry game to No. 5 Michigan State by a 24–7 score. The game was played at Michigan Stadium before a crowd of
103,219.MSU Rolls, 24-7: 'Monster' Defense Squelches Michigan Ground, Air Attacks The Michigan Daily October 10, 1965 1 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/355 Bentley Historical Library
Michigan State opened the scoring with a one-yard touchdown plunge by quarterback Steve Juday. Michigan responded with an 87-yard touchdown drive in the second quarter, capped by Wally Gabler's one-yard run. The Spartans added a 20-yard field goal by its barefoot kicker, Dick Kenney, and led 9–7 at halftime. Michigan State's first-half scores followed turnovers (a fumble recovery and an interception) by linebacker George Webster.
In the second half, Michigan played without its offensive stars, Jim Detwiler, Carl Ward, and Jack Clancy, each of whom sustained injuries in the game. The Spartans held the Wolverines scoreless, as the Michigan State offense added 15 points on two touchdowns (including a 39-yard run by Samoan fullback Bob Apisa) and a second field goal.
Michigan's running game limited to -38 rushing yards, including -50 yards by quarterback Dick Vidmer and two yards on seven carries for Carl Ward. With the run game stymied, Michigan turned to the air, completing 17 of 40 passes for 287 yards. Split end Steve Smith was the team's offensive leader with seven catches for 110 yards. Michigan gave up two interceptions and fumbled seven times, three resulting in turnovers.
Purdue
Week 5: Purdue at Michigan No. 7 Purdue 0 0 14 3 Michigan 0 6 6 3 October 16 Ann Arbor, MI 85,905
yes 2 MICH Carl Ward 17-yard run (kick failed) MICH 6–0
3 PUR Jim Finley 24-yard pass from Bob Griese (Griese kick) PUR 7–6
3 PUR Jim Beirne 6-yard pass from Griese (Griese kick) PUR 14–6
3 MICH Jack Clancy 40-yard pass from Wally Gabler (run failed) PUR 14–12
4 MICH Sygar 18-yard field goal MICH 15–14
4 PUR Griese 35-yard field goal PUR 17–15 yes
On October 16, Michigan lost to No. 7 Purdue by a 17–15 score before a homecoming crowd of 85,905 at Michigan Stadium.Griese's Passes, Kicks Beat 'M' The Michigan Daily October 17, 1965 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/417 Bentley Historical Library
Michigan took a 6–0 lead at halftime on a 17-yard touchdown run by Carl Ward. Bob Griese led Purdue's comeback in the third quarter with touchdown passes of 24 yards to Jim Finley and six yards to Jim Beirne. For the game, Griese completed 22 of 38 passes for 273 yards.
Michigan narrowed the lead on a 40-yard touchdown pass from Wally Gabler to Jack Clancy later in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, the Wolverines took a 15–14 lead on an 18-yard field goal by Dick Sygar. Griese then kicked a game-winning, 35-yard field goal.
For Michigan, Dave Fisher and Jack Clancy led the team with 89 rushing yards and 125 receiving yards, respectively.
At Minnesota
Week 6: Michigan at Minnesota Michigan 7 0 0 6 Minnesota 0 7 7 8 October 23 Minneapolis 58,519
yes 1 MICH Dave Fisher 14-yard pass from Carl Ward (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–0
3 MINN Joe Holmberg 8-yard run (Ramey kick) TIE 7–7
4 MINN John Hankinson 1-yard run (Ramey kick) MINN 14–7
4 MICH Wally Gabler 4-yard run (pass failed) MINN 14–13 yes
On October 23, Michigan lost the annual Little Brown Jug rivalry game to Minnesota by a 14–13 score before a crowd of 58,519 at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis.
Michigan took a 7–0 halftime lead on a 14-yard touchdown pass from Carl Ward to Dave Fisher. The Golden Gophers tied the game in the third quarter and took a 14–7 lead in the fourth quarter on one-yard touchdown run by quarterback John Hankinson.
With 2:46 remaining in the game, Michigan took possession at its own 48-yard line. Wally Gabler led that Wolverines on a seven-play, 52-yard drive capped by Gabler's four-yard touchdown run. Rather than kick for the extra point to tie the game, Michigan went for the two-point conversion to win. Gabler took the snap and rolled out to his left searching for an open receiver. With Minnesota defensive end Bob Bruggers rushing at him, Gabler tossed the ball in the direction of Steve Smith, but the pass fell incomplete.Gophers Win Jug: Gamble Fails; M Falls, 14-13 Detroit Free Press Bob Pille October 24, 1965 1C, 7C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55699612/gophers-win-jug-gamble-fails/ Newspapers.com'M' Loses on P.A.T. The Michigan Daily October 24, 1965 8 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/462 Bentley Historical Library
Wisconsin
Week 7: Wisconsin at Michigan Wisconsin 0 0 7 7 Michigan 14 21 15 0 October 30 Ann Arbor, MI 66,907
yes 1 MICH Jack Clancy 52-yard pass from Wally Gabler (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–0
1 MICH Gabler 1-yard run (Sygar kick) MICH 14–0
2 MICH Sygar 2-yard run (Sygar kick) MICH 21–0
2 MICH Dave Fisher 12-yard run (Sygar kick) MICH 28–0
2 MICH Gabler 5-yard run (Sygar kick) MICH 35–0
3 MICH Safety, Chuck Burt tackled in end zone MICH 37–0
3 MICH Clancy 26-yard pass from Sygar (Sygar kick) MICH 44–0
3 MICH Ernie Sharpe 1-yard run (kick failed) MICH 50–0
3 WISC Dick Schumitsch 83-yard kickoff return (Kaye kick) MICH 50–7
3 WISC John Boyajian 6-yard run (Kaye kick) MICH 50–14 yes
On October 30, Michigan defeated Wisconsin, 50–14, before a crowd of 66,907 at Michigan Stadium.'M' Wallops Wisconsin, 50-14 The Michigan Daily Lloyd Graff October 31, 1965 1, 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/503 Bentley Historical Library
Michigan began the scoring on its first offensive play, 99 seconds into the game, with a 52-yard touchdown pass from Wally Gabler to Jack Clancy. After forcing a Wisconsin punt, Carl Ward ran 53 yards on Michigan's second play from scrimmage. The scoring continued unabated, and Michigan led, 50–0, with five and a half minutes left in the third quarter. With the game well in hand, the Wolverines emptied the bench and broke an "unofficial" school record by rotating 62 players into the game.
The Wolverines totaled 360 rushing yards led by Dave Fisher (106 yards) and Carl Ward (84 yards). Wally Gabler rushed for 24 yards and two touchdowns and completed 5 of 12 passes for 121 yards and a touchdown. Jack Clancy caught four passes for 105 yards and two touchdowns.
At Illinois
Week 8: Michigan at Illinois Michigan 7 10 6 10 Illinois 3 0 0 0 November 6 Champaign, IL 50,136
yes 1 MICH Custardo 27-yard field goal ILL 3–0
1 MICH Carl Ward 6-yard run (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–3
2 MICH ward 1-yard run (Sygar kick) MICH 14–3
2 MICH Sygar 24-yard field goal MICH 17–3
3 MICH Wally Gabler 4-yard run (kick failed) MICH 23–3 yes
left|thumb|150px|Bump and Pete Elliott
On November 6, Michigan defeated Illinois, 23–3, before a crowd of 50,136 at
Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. The game was the sixth straight victory for Bump Elliott against his brother, Pete Elliott, head coach of Illinois since 1960.Wolverines Smash Illinois, 23-3; Gabler, Ward Score Touchdowns The Michigan Daily November 7, 1965 1, 7 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/549 Bentley Historical Library
The Wolverines out-gained Illinois by 423 yards to 254 yards. On the ground, the margin was 306 yards to 130 yards. Carl Ward led the way with 139 rushing yards and scored two touchdowns, the first on a one-yard run and the second on a five-yard pass from Wally Gabler. Gabler completed 7 of 12 passes for 124 yards and rushed for 68 yards and a touchdown.
At Northwestern
Week 9: Michigan at Northwestern Michigan 7 3 6 6 Northwestern 0 14 13 7 November 13 Evanston, IL 40,007
yes 1 MICH Wally Gabler 3-yard run (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–0
2 NW Denny Boothe 1-yard run (Dickie kick) TIE 7–7
2 MICH Sygar 21-yard field goal MICH 10–7
2 NW Dick Smith 45-yard pass from Boothe (Dickie kick) NW 14–10
3 NW Ron Rector 9-yard run (kick failed) NW 20–10
3 MICH Jack Clancy 19-yard pass from Gabler (pass failed, illegal) MICH 20–16
3 NW Bob McKelvey 2-yard run (Dickie kick) NW 27–16
4 NW McKelvey 2-yard run (Dickie kick) NW 34–16
4 MICH Dave Fisher 3-yard plunge (pass failed) NW 34–22 yes
On November 13, Michigan lost to Northwestern, 34–22, before a crowd of 40,007 at Dyche Stadium in Evanston, Illinois.M's Winning Streak 'Gone With Wind' Detroit Free Press Jack Saylor November 14, 1965 1C, 9C https://www.newspapers.com/clip/55703402/ms-winning-streak-gone-with-wind/ Newspapers.com
On its first possession of the game, Michigan drove 88 yards in 21 plays, ending with Wally Gabler's three-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter, Northwestern quick-kicked 57 yards to Michigan's 12-yard line. Michigan was stopped on the ensuing drive, and Stan Kemp's punt from the end zone was blocked. Northwestern recovered the ball at Michigan's one-yard line and then scored on a one-yard plunge by quarterback Denny Boothe. Michigan retook the lead on a 21-yard field goal by Rick Sygar, but Booth completed a 45-yard touchdown pass to Dick Smith, giving Northwestern a 14–10 lead at halftime.
Northwestern drove 74 yards early in the third quarter, capped by a nine-yard touchdown run by Ron Rector. Michigan responded with a 19-yard touchdown pass to Jack Clancy. Late in the third quarter and early in the fourth, Northwestern fullback Bob McKelvey rushed for two touchdowns to extend the lead to 34–16. For the game, McKelvey rushed for 136 yards and two touchdowns on 35 carries. Michigan scored a final touchdown on a three-yard run by Dave Fisher.Northwestern Levels Wolverine Defense, 34-22 The Michigan Daily Chuck Vetzner November 14, 1965 1, 8 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/599 Bentley Historical Library
Ohio State
Week 10: Ohio State at Michigan OhioState 6 0 0 3 Michigan 0 7 0 0 November 20 Ann Arbor, MI 77,733
yes 1 OSU Billy Anders 4-yard pass from Don Unverferth (kick failed) OSU 6–0
2 MICH Dave Fisher 2-yard run (Dick Sygar kick) MICH 7–6
4 OSU Bob Funk 28-yard field goal OSU 9–7 yes
On November 20, Michigan lost its annual rivalry game with Ohio State by a 9–7 score before a crowd of 77,733 at Michigan Stadium.OSU's Funk Boots Blue in Final Seconds, 9-7 The Michigan Daily Lloyd Graff November 21, 1965 1 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/651 Bentley Historical Library
In the first quarter, Ohio State took a 6–0 lead on a four-yard touchdown pass from Don Unverth to Billy Anders. Bob Funk missed the kick for extra point.
With 3:14 remaining in the first half, after an interception by Mike Bass, Michigan scored on a two-yard touchdown run by Dave Fisher. Dick Sygar's kick for extra point put Michigan ahead, 7–6. Michigan's lead held until the closing minutes.
With seven and a half minutes remaining, a punt by Stan Kemp pinned the Buckeyes at their own nine-yard line. Ohio State drove 74 yards in 15 plays, and with 75 second remaining in the game, Bob Funk kicked a 28-yard, game-winning field goal. In the final 75 seconds, Wally Gabler drove the Wolverines to the Ohio State 33-yard line. With 10 seconds remaining, Paul D'Eramo's kick for a long field goal failed.
Michigan out-gained Ohio State by 249 rushing yards 138 yards. Carl Ward and Dave Fisher led the Wolverines with 104 yards and 96 yards, respectively. In the air, the Buckeyes out-gained the Wolverines by 123 yards to 86 yards. Jack Clancy caught seven passes for 86 yards. Clancy ended the season with 52 receptions to set a single-season school record.
Post-season
All-American
Defensive tackle Bill Yearby was a consensus player on the 1965 All-America team.Football Award Winners National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) 2016 October 21, 2017 9 http://fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/2016/awards.pdf He received first-team honors from the United Press International (UPI),Nebraska's White Named UPI All-American The Lincoln Star December 3, 1965 25 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3343274/upi_1965_allamerica_team/ American Football Coaches Association,Griese, Garrett Head AFCA All-Amer. Team Raleigh Register (WV) November 26, 1965 10 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3361166/1965_afca_all_america_team/ Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA),All-America 1965 December 16, 1965 The Raleigh Register https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3343359/1965_nea_all_american_team/ Central Press Association,Big Ten Features CP All-American Walter L. Johns The Daily Independent December 24, 1965 15A https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3343437/big_ten_features_cp_allamerican/ Sporting News,Barnes Makes Sporting News All-America Lincoln Sunday Journal and Star December 5, 1965 C3 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/3343508/1965_tsn_all_america_team/ Time magazine,http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,842273,00.html https://web.archive.org/web/20120105171738/http://www.time.com/time/magazine/article/0,9171,842273,00.html dead January 5, 2012 Pick of the Pros Time 1965-12-03 and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. He received second-team honors from the Associated Press (AP).Garrett Heads All-American Squad The Michigan Daily December 2, 1965 8 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/696 Newspapers.com
The only other Michigan player to receive All-America honors was offensive tackle Tom Mack who received second-team honors from the UPI and NEA.
All-Big Ten
Seven Michigan players received recognition from the AP and/or UPI on their 1965 All-Big Ten Conference football teams.Grabowski Big Ten Choice Cape Girardeau Southeast Missourian November 24, 1965 3B https://news.google.com/newspapers?nid=1893&dat=19651121&id=LbcfAAAAIBAJ&sjid=mdcEAAAAIBAJ&pg=2758,5306529(AP)Grabbo, Hansen, Acks All-Big 10 St. Louis Post-Dispatch November 24, 1965 https://www.newspapers.com/clip/8695895/grabbo_hansen_acks_allbig_10/(UPI) They were:
Bill Yearby (AP-1, UPI-1);
Tom Mack (AP-1, UPI-1);
Rich Volk (AP-1, UPI-1);
Carl Ward (AP-1, UPI-1);
Tom Cecchini (AP-2, UPI-2);
Jack Clancy (UPI-2);
Charles Kines (UPI-2)
Team honors
At Michigan's annual football bust, held on November 29 at Cobo Hall in Detroit, varsity letters were presented to 44 players.'65 Letterwinners, '40 Squad Honored The Michigan Daily December 1, 1965 6 https://digital.bentley.umich.edu/midaily/mdp.39015071754167/688 Bentley Historical Library Team awards were presented as follows:
Bill Yearby received the Lou Hyde award, having been selected by his teammates as Michigan's most valuable player.
Pete Hollis received the Patterson Award as the team's outstanding academic senior with a 3.8 grade point average.
NFL draft
The 1965 NFL draft was held in New York City on November 27, 1965. The following Michigan players were drafted:
Tom Mack - selected by the Los Angeles Rams in the first round, second overall pick.
Steve Smith - selected by the San Francisco 49ers in the fifth round, 71st overall pick.
Jack Clancy - selected by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fifth round, 73rd overall pick.
Charles Kines - selected by the Chicago Bears in the 18th round, 272nd overall pick.
Personnel
Letter winners
The following 44 players received varsity letters for their participation on the 1965 football team. Players starting at least five games are displayed in bold.1965 Football Roster Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan January 20, 2020 https://bentley.umich.edu/athdept/rosters/search.php?data=football&year_option=equals&year=1965&sortby=lastname%2C+firstname%2C+year&find=FIND
Offense
right|125px|thumb|Jack Clancy
thumb|right|125px|Tom Mack
right|145px|thumb|Jim Detwiler and Carl Ward
Donald Bailey, 5'11", 198 pounds, junior, Greenberg, PA – started 8 games at right offensive guard
Thomas Brigstock, 6'1", 197 pounds, senior, Battle Creek, MI - halfback
Jack Clancy, 6'1", 195 pounds, junior, Detroit – started 7 games at right offensive end
Floyd A. Day, 6'2", 202 pounds, senior, Canton, MI - guard
Joseph Dayton, 6'2", 218 pounds, sophomore, Detroit – started 7 games at center
Jim Detwiler, 6'3", 215 pounds, junior, Toledo, OH - started 3 games at left halfback
Paul D'Eramo, 5'10", 212 pounds, sophomore, Youngstown, OH - started 2 games at center
Dave Fisher, 5'10", 215 pounds, junior, Kettering, OH – started 5 games at fullback
Dennis Flanagan, 6'2", 215 pounds, senior, Niles, OH - started 5 games at left offensive guard
Wally Gabler, 6'2", 195 pounds, senior, Royal Oak, MI – started 5 games at quarterback
Henry Hanna, 6'0", 220 pounds, junior, Youngstown, OH - started 1 game at left offensive guard
William Hardy, 6'1", 225 pounds, junior, Detroit - started 2 games at right offensive tackle
Peter Hollis, 6'0", 190 pounds, senior, Detroit - quarterback
Bill Keating, 6'2", 226 pounds, senior, Chicago - started 2 games at left offensive guard
Stanley Kemp, 6'1", 185 pounds, junior, Greenville, MI - started 1 game at right offensive end
Charles Kines, 6'1", 238 pounds, senior, Niles, OH - started 8 games at left offensive tackle
Craig Kirby, 6'2", 185 pounds, senior, Royal Oak, MI - end
Louis Lee, 6'2", 192 pounds, junior, Willow Grove, PA -halfback
Tom Mack, 6'3", 235 pounds, senior, Bucyrus, OH – started 7 games at right offensive tackle
Dennis Morgan, 5'11", 222 pounds, sophomore, Phoenixville, PA - started 3 games at fullback
Thomas Parkhill, 6'2", 205 pounds, senior, Ada, MI - end
Raymond Phillips, 6'3", 222 pounds, sophomore, Evanston, IL - tackle
Tim Radigan, 5'11", 206 pounds, junior, Lansing, MI - started 1 game at fullback
John Rowser, 6'0", 182 pounds, junior, Detroit - halfback
Gary Schick, 6'2", 215 pounds, senior, Grosse Pointe, MI - started 1 game at fullback
Ernie Sharpe, 5'11", 190 pounds, sophomore, Palos Heights, IL - started 1 game at quarterback
Steve Smith, 6'5", 229 pounds, senior, Park Ridge, IL – started 7 games at left offensive end
Dick Sygar, 5'11", 180 pounds, junior, Niles, OH - started 4 games at left halfback, 1 game at safety, also handled kicking
Dick Vidmer, 6'0", 184 pounds, Greensburg, PA - started 3 games at quarterback
Carl Ward, 5'9", 177 pounds, junior, Cincinnati – started 7 games at right halfback
Defense
Mike Bass, 6'0", 182 pounds, junior, Ypsilanti, MI – started 10 games at cornerback, 2 games at right offensive halfback, and 1 game at quarterback
Tom Cecchini, 6'0", 194 pounds, senior, Detroit – started 10 games at linebacker
Barry Dehlin, 5'11", 215 pounds, senior, Flushing, MI - started 1 game at defensive right guard
Jeff Hoyne, 6'1", 190 pounds, senior, Chicago – started 7 games at defensive end (3 at left; 4 at right), 3 games at offensive end
Paul Johnson, 6'0", 226 pounds, sophomore, Bay City, MI – started 7 games at right defensive tackle, 1 game at right offensive tackle
Bob Mielke, 6'1", 218 pounds, junior, Chicago – started 10 games at defensive left guard, 2 games at offensive left guard
Frank Nunley, 6'2", 222 pounds, junior, Belleville, MI – started 10 games at linebacker, 1 game at center, and 1 game at offensive right guard
Tom Pullen, 6'4", 190 pounds, sophomore, Ottawa, Canada – started 6 games at right defensive end, 2 games at offensive end
Rockey Rosema, 6'3", 208 pounds, sophomore, Grand Rapids, MI - started 2 games at defensive left end, 1 game at offensive tackle
Charles Ruzicka, 6'1", 238 pounds, senior, Skokie, IL - started 3 games at defensive right tackle
Rich Volk, 6'3", 190 pounds, junior, Wauseon, OH – started 10 games at cornerback, 4 games at offensive laeft halfback
Dick Wells, 5'9", 178 pounds, senior, Grand Rapids, MI – started 9 games at safety, 1 game at offensive right halfback
Clayton Wilhite, 6'4", 204 pounds, junior, Bay City, MI – started 5 games at left defensive end
Ken Wright, 6'1", 215 pounds, junior, Bay City, MI – started 9 games at defensive right guard
Bill Yearby, 6'3", 230 pounds, sophomore, Detroit – started 10 games at defensive left tackle, 1 game at left offensive tackle
Non-letter winners
Dennis Brown, 6'2", 195 pounds, freshman, Lincoln Park, MI - end
Tom Goss, 6'2", 217 pounds, sophomore, Knoxville, TN - tackle
George Hoey, 5'10", 168 pounds, freshman, Flint, MI - halfback
Ron Johnson, 6'0", 190 pounds, freshman, Detroit
Tom Stincic, 6'3", 210 pounds, freshman, Cleveland - end
Coaching staff
Michigan's 1965 coaching, training, and support staff included the following persons.
Head coach: Bump Elliott
Assistant coaches:
Don Dufek, Sr. - defensive backfield coach
Dennis Fitzgerald - freshman coach
Henry Fonde - offensive backfield coach
Bob Hollway - defensive line coach
Tony Mason - offensive line coach
Jack Nelson - ends coach
Trainer: Jim Hunt
Manager: David Muir
Statistical leaders
Michigan's individual statistical leaders for the 1965 season include those listed below.Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page University of Michigan November 6, 2017 http://statsarchive.ath.umich.edu/VS-Football/footstart.php https://web.archive.org/web/20150402151629/http://statsarchive.ath.umich.edu/VS-Football/footstart.php April 2, 2015 dead(statistics retrieved by entering "1965" in the box for "Games & Totals by Season" and then, at the next screen, choosing "Display Season Totals")
Rushing
2 Michigan Wolverines Player Attempts Net yards Yards per attempt Touchdowns
Carl Ward1126395.72Dave Fisher1395754.13Wally Gabler852653.17
Passing
2 Michigan Wolverines Player Attempts Completions Interceptions Comp % Yards Yds/Comp TD
Wally Gabler12558246.482514.24Dick Vidmer6631647.045414.71
Receiving
2 Michigan Wolverines Player Receptions Yards Yds/Recp TD Long
Jack Clancy5276214.75Steve C. Smith2131414.9039Ernie Sharpe46215.50
Kickoff returns
2 Michigan Wolverines Player Returns Yards Yds/Return TD Long
Carl Ward1019319.3027Rick Volk68113.5028Dick Sygar35618.7021
Punt returns
2 Michigan Wolverines Player Returns Yards Yds/Return TD Long
Dick Sygar1012112.10Richard Wells78912.7014Rick Volk10737.3016
References
Michigan
Category:Michigan Wolverines football seasons
Michigan Wolverines football