BY JOHN BORTON
A
nticipation surged through
Schembechler Hall, sweep-
ing up everyone inside in
a whirlwind of emotion on
Nov. 16, 2006. The 11-0 Wolverines,
ranked No. 2 in the nation, prepared
to invade Columbus, take down No.
1-ranked Ohio State and move on to
the national championship game.
Bo Schembechler himself stood be-
fore the Wolverines, summoning up
the passion that served as rocket fuel
for him in his long-running battle
with the Buckeyes. He talked about
seizing this opportunity, now, be-
cause it lingered there for the taking.
A day later, Schembechler departed
this earth, having delivered his last
impassioned entreaty. Two days later,
the Wolverines came up three points
shy in a Snakepit shootout amid sur-
real circumstances.
Only once since then, the very next
year, has Michigan entered the Ohio
State game with a shot at the Big Ten
State
Of
the
PrOgram
Michigan Football Labors
To Move Forward
Brady Hoke made a big impression in his
first year as U-M's head coach, posting an
11-2 record, but since the 2011 season, the
Wolverines have gone just 18-15.
PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL
