The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: http://read.uberflip.com/i/80972
ROW FIVE In A U-M's Fifth-Year Seniors Closed Out Their In 1992, Straight Big Ten Title And A Win In The Rose Bowl Careers With Their Fifth BY CHRIS BALAS L Year's Day — something special about going into that incredible setting, the Arroyo Seco, the mountains. You know you have an oppor- tunity to play in a very, very special game. It's not really hard to sell it." — Lloyd Carr "There's something special about New ike Michigan's former longtime assistant and head coach, most of those fortunate enough to have spent time in Los Angeles County's Arroyo Seco Canyon would give it a similar review. Michigan's fifth-year seniors had seen it three times before when they took the field for the 1993 Rose Bowl, their last game in what had been incredible careers. The scen- ery and the pageantry had never gotten old; nor was it lost on them that they were on the stage in one of the most storied venues in college football. When dusk fell on Jan. 1, 1993, it also marked the twilight of a special class at Michigan. Those who had redshirted and were in their fifth years had won five straight Big Ten championships, seen two bowl victories and enjoyed a record-setting 19 straight Big Ten wins along the way. Scenic views and winning streaks weren't on their minds, though, when they took the field to face Washington in Pasadena for the second straight year. This one was a business trip, a final chance to avenge an embarrass- 46 s THE WOLVERINE 2012 FOOTBALL PREVIEW ing 34-14 loss to the Huskies a year earlier and go out winners. A Quarterback In Charge The path to get there had been as wind- ing as the Arroyo Seco Canyon roads. Many thought the Wolverines had the talent to vie for an undefeated season should the bounces go their way, but nobody could have pre- dicted they'd finish with a 9-0-3 record, be- ginning with a tie at Notre Dame to start the year. Regardless, the 6-0-2 Big Ten mark was good enough for an outright title, which is where most predicted they'd be at season's end. They boasted a stout enough defense and were loaded with NFL talent on offense, even after losing Heisman Trophy-winning