Weekly Release #11
11/5/2000 12:00:00 AM | Football
at
#20/#21 Michigan (6-3, 4-2 Big Ten)
Saturday, November 11, 2000 (12:10 p.m. EST)
Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, Mich.
• Complete Release in PDF (16 pages, 167 KB)
Projected Attendance: 111,000-plus
Radio Coverage: WJR (760 AM Detroit) will originate the game on the Michigan Football Network. Frank Beckmann handles play-by-play, Jim Brandstatter is the analyst and Steve Courtney provides sideline reports and analysis. WUOM (91.7 FM) has Tom Hemingway doing play-by-play and Tom Slade as analyst.
TV Coverage: ESPN will broadcast the game to a national audience.
Series History: This will be the eighth meeting between the two schools, with Michigan holding a 4-3 series advantage. The Nittany Lions have a 2-1 record at Michigan Stadium, with the Wolverines claiming their only home victory in the last game played at the "Big House" (27-0 on Nov. 17, 1998). U-M has won the last three meetings and claimed victory in the initial meeting in the series.
Last Meeting: (No. 16 Michigan 31, No. 6 Penn State 27 -- Beaver Stadium, November 13, 1999) With 1:46 left to go, Marcus Knight grabbed an 11-yard TD pass from Tom Brady to give Michigan a 31-27 comeback win. A forced fumble by Ian Gold, recovered by Larry Foote, sealed the victory. Anthony Thomas led the offense, rushing for 127 yards on 34 carries and one touchdown. Brady (17-of-36 for 256 yards) threw a pair of touchdown passes to Knight, while David Terrell added six receptions for 133 yards. The Wolverines' defense held Penn State to just seven rushing yards on 20 attempts, forcing three fumbles that U-M recovered. Gold recorded 11 tackles, 3 TFL's, 2 sacks, one forced fumble and one fumble recovery.
QUICKLY ON COACH CARR ...
Lloyd Carr (Northern Michigan, 1968)
Sixth season as Michigan Head Coach
55-16 overall record at Michigan; 35-11 Big Ten Conference Record
Lloyd Carr has a 6-3 record in his sixth year as Michigan's head coach. Carr posted a 32-5 record over the last three seasons (1997-1999) and led the Wolverines to three consecutive bowl victories (Rose, Citrus and Orange bowls). He was named the 1997 national coach of the year after guiding the program to a perfect 12-0 record and the Associated Press national championship. Carr led the Wolverines to back-to-back Big Ten Conference titles (1997-98), and his teams have finished in the top 20 nationally each of his first five years. Carr, previously a Michigan assistant coach for 15 years, began his college coaching career as a defensive backs coach at Eastern Michigan (1976-77) before joining Gary Moeller's staff at Illinois in the same role (1978-79). Carr came to Michigan in 1980 as Bo Schembechler's secondary coach. Carr served as defensive coordinator (1987-94) and was assistant head coach (1990-94).
2000 TOP STATISTICAL LEADERS ...
Rushing: Anthony Thomas (223 attempts, 1,320 yards, 15 TDs)
Passing: Drew Henson (103 completions, 163 attempts, 1,337 yards, 11 TDs)
Receiving: David Terrell (55 receptions, 850 yards, 11 TDs)
Punt Returns: Ronald Bellamy (23 returns for 298 yards, 48-yard long)
Kickoff Returns: Walter Cross (10 returns for 188 yards, 28-yard long)
Punting: Hayden Epstein (39 punts, 1,627 yards, 41.7 avg., 14 inside 20-yard line)
Tackles: DeWayne Patmon (60 -- 44 solo)
Sacks: Eric Brackins (2 for 17 yards), Victor Hobson (2 for 11), Larry Stevens (2 for 5)
Tackles for Loss: Larry Foote (9 for 21 yards), Eric Brackins (9 for 31 yards)
Interceptions: Todd Howard (4 for no yards)
Pass Break-ups: Todd Howard (9)
MICHIGAN TEAM AND PLAYER NOTES ...
Michigan Drops in National Polls
After suffering a tough 54-51 loss at No. 21-ranked Northwestern, the Michigan football team dropped from 12th in both national polls to No. 20 in the Associated Press poll and No. 21 in the USA Today/ESPN Coaches' poll. This is the lowest that the Wolverines have been ranked in the AP poll since listing 22nd on Nov. 7, 1998, a 27-0 victory over No. 9 Penn State at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan When Ranked 20th
This will be the 13th time that Michigan enters a football game ranked No. 20 in the Associated Press national poll. The Wolverines have compiled an impressive 10-2 record when 20th in the media poll, and have won five straight heading into the Penn State game. U-M has a 4-0 record in November games when ranked No. 20 by the AP, has a 6-0 mark against unranked teams and is 6-1 at Michigan Stadium.
| Date | Rank | Opponent | Site | Result |
| Nov. 15, 1952 | 20/10 | Purdue | H | W, 21-10 |
| Oct. 26, 1957 | 20/14 | Minnesota | A | W, 24-7 |
| Sept. 27, 1969 | 20/- | Washington | H | W, 45-7 |
| Nov. 1, 1969 | 20/- | Wisconsin | H | W, 35-7 |
| Sept. 25, 1982 | 20/12 | UCLA | H | L, 27-31 |
| Oct. 30, 1982 | 20/- | Minnesota | H | W, 52-14 |
| Oct. 24, 1987 | 20/15 | Indiana | A | L, 10-14 |
| Oct. 22, 1988 | 20/14 | Indiana | H | W, 31-6 |
| Oct. 27, 1990 | 20/- | Indiana | A | W, 45-19 |
| Nov. 3, 1990 | 20/- | Purdue | A | W, 38-13 |
| Nov. 5, 1994 | 20/- | Minnesota | H | W, 38-22 |
| Dec. 30, 1994 | 20/10 | Colorado State | 1 | W, 24-14 |
1 -- Holiday Bowl, San Diego, Calif. | ||||
Playing the Rankings Game
This will be the first time in the eight-game series that either school enters unranked nationally. Michigan enters this week's game (Nov. 11) ranked 20th in the media poll and 21st in coaches poll, while Penn State is not ranked.
Michigan Against Unranked Teams
The Wolverines have compiled an impressive 33-3 record against unranked opponents during Lloyd Carr's six seasons as head coach. Michigan has won seven straight games against unranked opponents and claimed victories in 21 of its last 22 contests versus unranked squads (only loss during that string was a 35-29 game against Illinois on Oct. 23, 1999, at Michigan Stadium). The Wolverines are 4-0 this season against unranked schools.
Michigan in November
The Michigan football program has compiled an impressive 282-108-20 (.714) all-time record in November. The Wolverines have a 15-5 mark in the 11th month of the year under head coach Lloyd Carr, and have won 11 of their last 13 November contests.
Final Home Game for Seniors
Saturday's game will be the final home contest for 14 Wolverines who will have exhausted their eligibility after this season. This group of players has compiled a 38-5 four-year record and is the last link to Michigan's 1997 national championship squad. They earned back-to-back Big Ten Conference titles (1997 and 1998). Following is an alphabetical list of seniors playing their last home game (* denotes fifth-year seniors):
| Name | Pos. | Hometown (High School) |
| Jeff Backus* | LT | Norcross, Ga. (Norcross) |
| David Brandt* | C | Jenison, Mich. (Jenison) |
| Jeff Del Verne* | PK | Sylvania, Ohio (Toledo--St. John's) |
| Steve Hutchinson* | LG | Coral Springs, Fla. (Coral Springs) |
| Tommy Jones | WR | Lansing, Mich. (Sexton) |
| DeWayne Patmon | FS | San Diego, Calif. (Patrick Henry) |
| Cory Sargent* | P | South Lyon, Mich. (South Lyon) |
| Andy Sechler* | LB | Union City, Mich. (Union City) |
| Anthony Thomas | TB | Winnfield, La. (Winnfield) |
| Eric Warner* | C | Brighton, Mich. (Brighton) |
| James Whitley | CB | Norfolk, Va. (Norview) |
| Dan Williams* | DB | Temperance, Mich. (Bedford) |
| Maurice Williams | RT | Detroit, Mich. (Pershing) |
| Eric Wilson* | DL | Monroe, Mich. (Monroe) |
Hutchinson Named Finalist for Lombardi Award
Senior left guard and All-America Steve Hutchinson (Coral Springs, Fla./Coral Springs HS) enters the Penn State game after being named one of four finalists for the 2000 Rotary Lombardi Award, presented annually to the nation's premier college lineman (offense or defense). A three-time All-Big Ten Conference first team performer, Hutchinson joins fellow Big Ten player Ben Hamilton of Minnesota, Nebraska's Dominic Raiola and Florida State's Jamal Reynolds as finalists for the 31st annual honor. Hutchinson has started 42 career games and looks to break a tie for 10th place on Michigan's all-time career starts list (with Butkus Award winner Erick Anderson). He currently lists sixth on the school's career starts list by an offensive lineman.
Backus Continues Starts Streak
Senior left tackle Jeff Backus (Norcross, Ga./Norcross HS) heads into his final home game looking to secure sole possession of third place on Michigan's career starts list for an offensive lineman. Backus has started 46 consecutive games (every game of his career) and is currently tied with John Vitale (1985-88) in third place among offensive linemen, and could tie former Wolverine quarterback Rick Leach (1975-78) for fifth place on the school's all-time career starts lists. An All-America candidate, Backus has helped pave the way for Anthony Thomas' run toward the school's career rushing record.
• Michigan's Career Starts by an Offensive Linemen
| | Player | Starts | Years |
| 1. | Jon Jansen | 50 | 1995-98 |
| 2. | Greg Skrepenak | 48 | 1988-91 |
| 3. | Jeff Backus | 46 | 1997-2000 |
| | John Vitale | 46 | 1985-88 |
| 4. | Jumbo Elliott | 45 | 1984-87 |
| 6. | Steve Hutchinson | 42 | 1997-2000 |
• Michigan's All-Time Career Starts Lists
| | Player | Starts | Years |
| 1. | Jon Jansen | 50 | 1995-98 |
| 2. | Mark Messner | 49 | 1985-88 |
| 3. | Greg Skrepenak | 48 | 1988-91 |
| | Vince Bean | 48 | 1981-84 |
| 5. | Rick Leach | 47 | 1975-78 |
| 6. | Jeff Backus | 46 | 1997-2000 |
| | John Vitale | 46 | 1985-88 |
| | Jarrett Irons | 46 | 1985-88 |
| 9. | Jumbo Elliott | 45 | 1984-87 |
| 10. | Steve Hutchinson | 42 | 1997-2000 |
| | Erick Anderson | 42 | 1988-91 |
Thomas Sets Rushing Attempt Record, Nears Yardage Marks
Senior tailback Anthony Thomas (Winnfield, La./Winnfield HS) has set two Michigan career rushing records and heads into his final home game near the yardage record. Thomas holds the career rushing touchdown (52) and career rushing attempt (828) marks, and needs 336 rushing yards to overtake Jamie Morris (1984-87) for the yardage record. Thomas lists third all-time in career rushing yards with 4,057 yards. He is tied with Tyrone Wheatley (1991-94) for the school record with 20 career 100-yard or better rushing games, and has gained over 100 rushing yards in 12 of his last 15 contests.
• Michigan's Career Rushing Yards
| | Player | Yards | Years |
| 1. | Jamie Morris | 4,393 | 1984-87 |
| 2. | Tyrone Wheatley | 4,178 | 1991-94 |
| 3. | Anthony Thomas | 4,057 | 1997-2000 |
Thomas Having Terrific Senior Campaign
A Doak Walker Award and All-America candidate, Anthony Thomas is having a terrific senior year for the Wolverines. Thomas has rushed for a career-best 1,320 yards on 223 carries (5.9 avg.) and has scored 15 rushing touchdowns. He gained 199 rushing yards on 37 carries at Northwestern, and scored three one-yard touchdown runs in the game. Thomas has gained 100 or more rushing yards in seven of the nine games this season, and his 146.7 yards per game average is currently the best season rushing average in school history (ranks fifth nationally in rushing offense and third in the Big Ten Conference). He needs five rushing touchdowns to break Ron Johnson's 32-year old school record for rushing touchdowns in a season, and currently lists 11th in rushing yards in a season. Thomas needs 89 rushing yards to break into the top five and is 498 yards away from Tshimanga Biakabutuka's single-season rushing record of 1,818 yards in 1995.
• Michigan's Season Rushing Yards
| | Player | Yards | Years |
| 1. | Tim Biakabutuka | 1,818 | 1995 |
| 2. | Jamie Morris | 1,703 | 1987 |
| 3. | Rob Lytle | 1,469 | 1976 |
| 4. | Butch Woolfolk | 1,459 | 1981 |
| 5. | Tony Boles | 1,408 | 1988 |
| 6. | Ron Johnson | 1,391 | 1968 |
| 7. | Gordon Bell | 1,388 | 1975 |
| | Lawrence Ricks | 1,388 | 1982 |
| 9. | Jon Vaughn | 1,364 | 1990 |
| 10. | Tyrone Wheatley | 1,357 | 1992 |
| 11. | Anthony Thomas | 1,320 | 2000 |
• Michigan's Season Rushing Touchdowns
| | Player | TDs | Years |
| 1. | Ron Johnson | 19 | 1968 |
| 2. | Anthony Thomas | 17 | 1999 |
| 3. | Anthony Thomas | 15 | 2000 |
| | Anthony Thomas | 15 | 1998 |
Thomas Eyes Scoring Record
Anthony Thomas heads into the Penn State game within two scores of equaling Tyrone Wheatley (1991-94) for the modern era record for scoring and overall touchdowns scored. Thomas lists second with 312 career points and is two touchdowns shy of equaling Wheatley's overall touchdown record (54). Thomas ranks tied for 11th in the nation in scoring (10.00 avg.) and is second in the Big Ten Conference.
Dynamic Duo
Junior wide receivers David Terrell (Richmond, Va./Huguenot HS) and Marquise Walker (Syracuse, N.Y./Henninger HS) have combined to form one of the most prolific receiving duos all-time at Michigan. They have combined to make 93 receptions for 1,358 yards and 15 touchdowns. Terrell and Walker are currently the seventh-best receiving combination in Michigan school history, and need 474 receiving yards to surpass last year's record-setting tandem of Terrell and Marcus Knight (1,832 yards on 110 receptions).
• Michigan's Top Receiving Tandems in a Season
| | Players | Year | Rec. | Yards |
| 1. | Marcus Knight and David Terrell | 1999 | 110 | 1,832 |
| 2. | Mercury Hayes and Amani Toomer | 1994 | 90 | 1,685 |
| 3. | Mercury Hayes and Amani Toomer | 1995 | 92 | 1,681 |
| 4. | Tai Streets and Marcus Knight | 1998 | 109 | 1,638 |
| 5. | Desmond Howard and Yale Van Dyne | 1991 | 101 | 1,485 |
| 6. | Desmond Howard and Derrick Alexander | 1990 | 94 | 1,475 |
| 7. | David Terrell and Marquise Walker | 2000 | 93 | 1,358 |
| 8. | Anthony Carter and Craig Dunaway | 1982 | 78 | 1,332 |
| 9. | Anthony Carter and Vince Bean | 1981 | 66 | 1,288 |
| 10. | Paul Jokisch and Eric Kattus | 1985 | 75 | 1,263 |
Walker Sets Career Highs
A consistent performer at wide receiver for the Wolverines, Marquise Walker enters the Penn State game playing his best football at Michigan. Walker has set career highs in receptions (38), receiving yards (508) and touchdowns (four) this season, while topping the 100-yard mark in receiving yards twice this season. He equaled his career high with nine receptions for a career-best 134 yards at Northwestern, bettering his previous high performance set earlier this season (seven catches for 130 yards vs. Wisconsin and nine catches for 63 yards at Purdue). Walker has caught 32 of his 38 receptions and gained 462 of his 508 receiving yards this year during the Big Ten Conference season. He lists 10th in the conference in receptions (4.22 avg.) and receiving yards (56.4 avg.).
Walker Eyes 1,000 Career Receiving Yards
With his 134-yard receiving day against Northwestern, Marquise Walker needs 65 receiving yards against the Nittany Lions to surpass the 1,000-yard mark in his career. Walker lists 17th on Michigan's career reception list with 79 catches for 935 yards and six touchdowns. He has caught at least one pass in 21 consecutive games.
Terrell Looks to Reach 1,000 Yards ... Again
David Terrell heads into the Penn State game within 150 yards of 1,000 receiving yards for the second straight year. He is looking to become the first player in Michigan history to achieve this milestone twice in his career. A Biletnikoff Award semfinalist, Terrell has a team-leading 55 receptions for 850 yards (15.5 avg.) and 11 touchdowns. Terrell has set a school record with at least 75 receiving yards in all nine games this season, including two 100-yard receiving games (101 yards vs. Indiana and 117 at Northwestern). An All-America candidate, Terrell has been named a semifinalist for the Football News Player of the Year award. He ranks third in both receptions (6.11 avg.) and receiving yards (94.4 avg.) in the Big Ten Conference, and is eighth in scoring (7.3 avg.).
• Terrell in the Season Records
Receptions: 55 (6th)
Receiving Yards: 850 (9th)
Touchdowns: 11 (T3rd)
Most Games, 75-Plus Receiving Yards: 9 (1st)
Terrell Nears Career Records
With his nine-catch and 117-yard receiving game at Northwestern, David Terrell became the seventh Wolverine to surpass 2,000 career receiving yards. Terrell lists fourth in receptions (140) and receiving touchdowns (20) in his career, while ranking seventh with 2,037 receiving yards. He needs five catches to surpass Tai Streets (1995-98) for second place all-time at Michigan and is 21 catches away from Anthony Carter's (1979-82) school record of 161 receptions. Terrell has made at least one reception in 22 consecutive games and looks to make his 20th career start in the Penn State game.
• Michigan's Career Receptions List
| | Player | Rec. | Years |
| 1. | Anthony Carter | 161 | 1979-82 |
| 2. | Tai Streets | 144 | 1995-98 |
| 3. | Amani Toomer | 143 | 1992-95 |
| 4. | David Terrell | 140 | 1998-2000 |
• Michigan's Career Receiving Yards List
| | Player | Yards | Years |
| 1. | Anthony Carter | 3,076 | 1979-82 |
| 2. | Amani Toomer | 2,657 | 1992-95 |
| 3. | Tai Streets | 2,284 | 1995-98 |
| 4. | Greg McMurtry | 2,163 | 1986-89 |
| 5. | Desmond Howard | 2,146 | 1989-91 |
| 6. | Mercury Hayes | 2,144 | 1992-95 |
| 7. | David Terrell | 2,037 | 1998-2000 |
• Michigan's Career Touchdown Receptions
| | Player | TD | Years |
| 1. | Anthony Carter | 37 | 1979-82 |
| 2. | Desmond Howard | 32 | 1989-91 |
| 3. | Derrick Alexander | 22 | 1989-93 |
| 4. | David Terrell | 20 | 1998-2000 |
Bellamy Shows Versatility
Sophomore wide receiver and punt returner Ronald Bellamy (New Orleans, La./Archbishop Shaw HS) heads into the Penn State game averaging 13.0 yards per punt return this season (ranked 19th nationally and fourth in the Big Ten Conference). Bellamy has returned 23 punts for 298 yards, including 12 returns that have been for more than 10 yards and four that have gone for better than 20 yards (career-best 48-yard long came against Rice). He ranks 13th at Michigan in punt returns in a season and his 298 yards lists as the seventh most return yards. Bellamy has caught seven passes for 106 yards and two touchdowns, while gaining 68 yards on five reverses this year.
• Bellamy's 2000 Double-Digit Punt Returns (12): Bowling Green (14, 13), Rice (48), at UCLA (11, 35), Wisconsin (14), at Purdue (23), Indiana (12, 13), Michigan State (15, 18), at Northwestern (20)
Henson Sets Career Highs
Junior quarterback Drew Henson (Brighton, Mich./Brighton HS) heads into the Penn State with career highs in every passing category this season. Henson has completed 103-of-163 passing attempts (63.2 pct.) for 1,337 yards and 11 touchdowns. He is second in the Big Ten with a 222.8 passing yards per game average and leads the group of starting signal callers in the conference with a 154.36 pass efficiency rating. Henson has not thrown an interception yet this season and has attempted 180 passes dating back to last season without tossing an interception (last interception came at Michigan State on Oct. 9, 1999). He set single-game career highs at Northwestern, completing 23-of-35 passing attempts for 312 yards and four touchdowns. His four TD passes tied the school record, while his 312-yard passing performance lists sixth in single-game records and his 23 pass completions are tied for the ninth-best mark in school history. He has thrown for over 200 yards in four games this season.
Henson Among Career Leaders
With his outstanding performance at Northwestern, Drew Henson has moved into the career passing charts at Michigan. Henson became the 17th Wolverine quarterback to thrown for more than 2,000 career yards. He enters the Penn State game with 2,137 yards on 171-of-300 passing (57.0 pct.) and has tossed 17 career touchdowns. Henson needs one touchdown pass to tie for 10th all-time on Michigan's career chart, while he ranks 13th in completions (171) and 14th in attempts (300). He is Michigan's career leader in lowest career interception percentage (three interceptions in 300 career attempts-1 percent).
Patmon Leads Team in Tackles
Senior free safety DeWayne Patmon (San Diego, Calif./Patrick Henry HS) enters his final home game leading the squad in tackles this season. Patmon has recorded a career-best 60 stops (44 solo) this season and is coming off a career-high 16-tackle game at Northwestern. In addition to his 60 tackles, Patmon has added one tackle for loss, four pass break-ups and two interceptions. He lists tied for eighth all-time at Michigan with 10 career interceptions, and needs one pick to move into a tie for fifth place with Rick Volk (1964-66), Thom Darden (1969-71) and Vada Murray (1988-90). Patmon has started 25 career games and played in 42 games, making 160 tackles, two TFLs, 11 PBUs, 10 interceptions and one fumble recovery.
Foote Surpasses 100 Career Tackles
Junior inside linebacker Larry Foote (Detroit, Mich./Pershing HS) heads into the Penn State game after recording back-to-back career-high 14-tackle contests against Michigan State and Northwestern. Foote is second on the team with a career-high 59 tackles this season, and he moved over the 100-tackle mark for his career during the game against the Wildcats. He is tied for the team lead with nine TFLs, while adding one sack, five PBUs and one fumble recovery. Foote has 105 career tackles in 33 career games, including 17 tackles for loss, five sacks, seven PBUs, two fumble recoveries and one interception.
Brackins Consistent
Junior inside linebacker Eric Brackins (Pigeon Forge, Tenn./Gatlinburg-Pittman HS) continues to play consistent football for the Wolverines in Big Ten play. Brackins has recorded all but five of his 44 tackles on the season during conference action, tallying season-best eight-tackle games at Illinois and Northwestern and seven-tackle performances against Michigan State and Wisconsin. Brackins ranks fifth on the team with 44 stops (26 solo) and is tied for the lead in tackles for loss (nine) and sacks (two). He has recorded 82 tackles, 10 TFLs, three sacks and four PBUs during 32 career games of action and eight starts.
Whitley Second in Career Pass Break-ups
Senior three-year starting cornerback James Whitley (Norfolk, Va./Norview HS) heads into his final home game tied for second all-time at Michigan with 26 career pass break-ups. He is tied with Marion Body (1979-82) and is four PBUs away from 1997 Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson's (1995-97) school record of 30 break-ups. Whitley is tied for third on the team with 45 tackles this season, and has added seven PBUs, two TFLs and one sack. He needs five tackles to surpass the 50-tackle mark for the third consecutive season, and is nearing the 200-tackle mark for a career. Whitley leads the entire team with 183 career tackles, while adding 13 TFLs, five sacks, five interceptions, one fumble recovery and the 26 pass break-ups.
• Michigan's Career Pass Break-ups List
| | Player | PBUs | Years |
| 1. | Charles Woodson | 30 | 1995-97 |
| 2. | James Whitley | 26 | 1997-2000 |
| | Marion Body | 26 | 1979-82 |
| 4. | Todd Howard | 24 | 1998-2000 |
| | Jarrett Irons | 24 | 1993-96 |
Howard Leads Team in PBUs and Interceptions
Junior cornerback Todd Howard (Bolingbrook, Ill./Bolingbrook HS) heads into the Penn State game looking to lead the team in pass break-ups for the second straight season. Howard's nine break-ups this season are tied for ninth in the season record books, with his 14 last season listing tied for second all-time. His 24 career PBUs are tied for fourth place all-time at Michigan with Jarrett Irons (1993-96). Howard has recorded 33 tackles this season and a team-best four interceptions. He looks to make his 20th career start in the home finale and play in his 34th career game.
Epstein Pounds Punts
Junior punter/placekicker Hayden Epstein (Cardiff, Calif./Torrey Pines HS) heads into the Penn State with a career-high 41.7 yards per punt average and has been accurate placing punts inside the opposition's 20-yard line. Epstein has punted 39 times for 1,627 yards this season and has knocked a career-high 14 punts inside the 20-yard line. His 41.7-yard average this season ranks sixth-best all-time at Michigan, with his 40.8-yard career average listing second only to Monte Robbin's (1984-87) school-record 42.8-yard career average. Epstein punted twice for a 40-yard average and connected on a 52-yard field goal at Northwestern. He has punted 80 times for a 40.8-yard average (3,266 yards), booted nine for 50-plus yards and pinned the opposition inside its 20-yard line on 28 occasions.
First-Quarter Success
The Wolverines have been a dominant first-quarter team this season, outscoring the opposition by an 86-13 margin. Michigan has allowed field goals by Wisconsin and Purdue and gave up a touchdown during the first series to Northwestern. U-M has been a dominant force during the first quarter under Lloyd Carr, outscoring the opposition by a 405-185 margin in six seasons.
• First-Quarter Scoring Under Carr
| Year | U-M | Opp. |
| 1995 | 89 | 16 |
| 1996 | 44 | 22 |
| 1997 | 37 | 30 |
| 1998 | 78 | 80 |
| 1999 | 70 | 24 |
| 2000 | 86 | 13 |
Offense Clicking on All Cylinders
The Wolverines are one of just eight teams in the nation averaging over 200 yards per game both rushing and passing (Boston College, Clemson, Miami-Fla., Northern Illinois, Northwestern, Oregon State and San Jose State are the others). Michigan is averaging 233.6 rushing yards per game, and is gaining 218.1 passing yardage per contest. The Wolverines are in the top three in every offensive statistical category in the Big Ten Conference and list in the top 11 nationally in three areas. U-M leads the conference in pass efficiency rating (151.5) and rates sixth in the nation, while it is tied for the lead nationally with just one interception thrown this season.
• Michigan in the Rankings
| Category (Avg.) | Big Ten | NCAA |
| Rushing Offense (233.6) | 3rd | 11th |
| Passing Offense (218.1) | 4th | 52nd |
| Total Offense (451.7) | 3rd | 9th |
| Pass Efficiency (151.5) | 1st | 6th |
| Scoring Offense (33.6) | 3rd | 23rd |
Contact: David Ablauf, Jim Schneider (734) 763-4423
