TheWolverine.com - Top 10 Performances vs. OSU since 1995

November 14, 2007

Michael Spath
TheWolverine.com Senior Writer

Since becoming Michigan's head coach in 1995, Lloyd Carr is 6-6 in his career against Ohio State. In those six wins, a number of Wolverines provided memorable performances, while a few individual efforts even stood out in defeat. Here is a look at the Top 10 Individual Performances against the Buckeyes in the last 12 years, as voted on by the staff of TheWolverine.com ?

10. John Navarre in 2003: Maligned throughout his career for his lack of success against Ohio State ? he had a two-game completion percentage of 47.3 and had thrown five interceptions compared to two touchdowns -- Navarre silenced his critics with a career-defining performance in the Wolverines' 14-point win. A senior, he completed 21 of 32 attempts (65.6 percent) for 278 yards with two touchdowns and an interception, hooking up with Edwards twice for scores.

9. Jarrett Irons in 1996: A four-year starter, Irons had a career day in Michigan's 13-9 win over the Buckeyes, tying his career-best tally with 16 tackles. U-M's defensive captain, Irons did more than make stops ? he helped hold Ohio State to 147 yards rushing on 42 carries (3.5 yards per carry) while limiting OSU to three field goals..

8. Mike Hart in 2006: In going 0-2 against Ohio State in his freshman and sophomore seasons, Hart totaled just 76 yards and a touchdown on 27 carries, and he was determined to prove himself against the Buckeyes in a victory. Hart didn't get the win, with U-M losing 42-39 in a battle of the No. 1 and No. 2 teams nationally, but he did show he could get it done versus the Scarlet and Gray, rushing for 142 yards and three touchdowns on 23 carries (6.2 yards per carry).

7. Julius Curry in 2000: Early in his career, Curry appeared likely to become Michigan's next great safety. Injuries in 2001 and 2002 ravaged his career, but in his sophomore season he played superbly. In Michigan's victory over Ohio State, Curry had one of the great all-around games by a U-M defender, making eight tackles, recording a sack, breaking up a pass and picking off OSU quarterback Steve Bellisari. Curry returned his interception 50 yards for a score in providing the Wolverines a 31-12 lead.

6. Braylon Edwards in 2003: Perry's incredible performance in the same game eclipsed the day Edwards had, but it would still rank among his best in a winged helmet. The junior wideout caught two touchdown passes on receptions of 64 and 23 yards in the second quarter and had hauled in an 80-yarder too that was negated because of a holding call. Though that play was wiped away, Edwards still finished with seven receptions for 130 yards and the two scores.

5. Woodson in 1995: Woodson had, perhaps, the best career against Ohio State of any Wolverine ever. In his first matchup with the Buckeyes, the rookie cornerback would stick to defense but his play on that side of the ball was instrumental to the Wolverines' 31-23 victory. Woodson finished with seven tackles and two interceptions, including a pick in the final two minutes to end any OSU comeback attempt. More importantly, he held Biletnikoff Award winner (nation's top receiver) Terry Glenn to four receptions for 72 yards.

4. Drew Henson in 2000: In his only season as Michigan's starting quarterback, Henson saved one of his best performances for Ohio State in leading the Wolverines to a 38-26 win in Columbus. The junior signal-caller completed 14 of 25 attempts (56.0 percent) for 303 yards with three touchdowns and a lone interception. It was the second 300-yard game of his career and only the second, at the time, ever against the Buckeyes. Henson also rushed for a touchdown, sealing the win with his plunge from a yard out with 1:18 remaining.

3. Chris Perry in 2003: Every award winner needs a signature game, and in winning the Doak Walker Award (nation's top running back) Perry experienced that game against Ohio State. While quarterback John Navarre and receiver Braylon Edwards also starred, Perry drew the loudest ovations from The Big House crowd after rushing for 154 yards and two touchdowns in Michigan's 35-21 win. When the Buckeyes made it 21-7, Perry scored on a 30-yard run and with OSU within seven late, Perry went 15 yards for the game-clinching score.

To see the final two, go to The Fort .

Michigan NEWS

[More]

Latest Headlines:

Resources:

Font Size:

FEATURED PRODUCT