Postgame Notes: #15 Michigan 34, Indiana 31
10/30/1999 12:00:00 AM | Football
Carr Wins 45th Game
With today's 34-31 victory over Indiana, Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr won his 45th game. Carr has a 45-13 career record in five seasons as the Wolverines' coach and is 28-9 in Big Ten Conference play. He has not lost to Indiana in five attempts (5-0).
Wolverines Against the Hoosiers
Michigan improved to 8-0 against Indiana in the 1990s, posting five wins in Bloomington and three in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines raised their record to 45-9 all-time against the Hoosiers and won their 10th straight against Indiana. Lloyd Carr improved to 5-0 against the Hoosiers.
Thomas Ties Carries Mark, Surpasses 100 Yards
Junior tailback Anthony Thomas (Winnfield, La./Winnfield HS) finished with career highs in rushing attempts (42) and rushing yards (197) and scored three touchdowns on the ground. His 42 carries tied the school record set by Ron Johnson against Northwestern in 1967. Thomas, who gained his 10th career 100-yard rushing game, made his 10th career start in the game and rushed 24 times for 113 yards and scored two touchdowns in the first half. Thomas has five multiple-touchdown games and four 100-yard rushing efforts this season.
Brady Throws Fifth Straight 200-Yard Game
Senior quarterback Tom Brady (San Mateo, Calif./Serra HS) led the Michigan offense the entire way, completing 17-of-29 passing attempts for 226 yards and one touchdown. Brady has thrown for 200 or more yards in five straight games and has thrown a touchdown pass in 13 consecutive Big Ten Conference games (all five this season). He has completed 134-of-209 passing attempts this season for 1,623 yards and nine TDs.
Joppru Catches First TD
Redshirt freshman tight end Bennie Joppru (Wayzata, Minn./Minnetonka HS) hauled in his first career touchdown in the Indiana game. Joppru caught a seven-yard pass from senior quarterback Tom Brady to tie the game at 24-24 with 10:54 remaining in the fourth quarter. Joppru has two career receptions for 16 yards.
Epstein Does Triple Duty
Sophomore kicker Hayden Epstein (Cardiff, Calif./Torrey Pines HS) performed all three kicking duties for the Wolverines against Indiana. Epstein scored a career-high 10 points (two field goals and four extra points), including the game-winning 20-yard field goal with 18 seconds remaining. Epstein punted six times for a 35.3-yard average, including a 50-yarder, and he notched two punts inside the 20-yard line.
Hobson and Williams Make First Career Defensive Starts
Redshirt freshman outside linebacker Victor Hobson (Mt. Laurel, N.J/St. Joseph's Prep) and true freshman cornerback Brandon Williams (Omaha, Neb./Central HS) made their first career starts in the Indiana game. Hobson recorded a career-high seven tackles (all solo) in the game, including two tackles for loss.
Whitley Forces and Recovers Fumble
Junior cornerback James Whitley (Norfolk, Va./Norview HS) made his 20th career start in the Indiana game and came through with a key play that led to a 22-yard field by Hayden Epstein. Whitley stripped tight end Craig Osika on the Hoosiers' first possession of the game and recovered the fumble at IU's 35-yard line. Whitley finished the game with two solo tackles and one pass break-up.
Games Played and Started Notes
-- Senior wide receiver and special teams performer Kevin Bryant (Farmington Hills, Mich./Harrison HS) played in his team-leading 45th consecutive game against Indiana.
-- Sophomore fullback Evan Coleman (Houston, Texas/Alief-Elsik HS) and linebacker Larry Foote (Detroit, Mich./Pershing HS) played in their 20th career games for the Wolverines. Coleman rushed once for four yards, while Foote made two solo tackles and tallied one PBU.
-- Senior fullback Aaron Shea (Ottawa, Ill./Ottawa HS) made his 15th career starting assignment in the Indiana game. Shea hauled in two passes for 10 yards and assisted in tailback Anthony Thomas' career-high rushing day.
-- Senior defensive end Josh Williams (Houston, Texas/Cypress Creek HS) made his 30th career starting assignment in the Indiana game. Williams has started all eight games this season and 17 consecutive contests along the defensive line. He registered four tackles (two solo) in the game.
