Wolverines Score Homecoming Victory Over Illinois

Saturday, October 18

Ann Arbor, Mich.

12:10 PM

Michigan

6-2 , 3-1

Illinois

1-7 , 0-4

1st

2nd

3rd

4th

Illinois

Michigan

10/18/2003 12:00:00 AM | Football

Box Score Photo Gallery

By Donald C. Cunningham, Sportswriter for a Day

On any given fall Saturday you can find a gathering of spectators in Ann Arbor to watch their Michigan Wolverines take the field against the opposition. As game time nears people file into the stadium through the gates and make their way to their seats and fill the 107,501 capacity. Upon entering the stadium the spectators make their way to their seats and to visit the familiar faces that surround them every game day.

This Saturday was extra special, as it was homecoming in Ann Arbor. From the time of kickoff to the postgame concert performed by the Michigan Marching Band, the air was filled with even more excitement than usual. Upon entering the stadium I had the chance to meet a Michigan fan that resides in South Carolina. This was he and his friend's first trip to the Big House. I can only imagine the excitement that the two of them could have experienced, to be able to see a great game and during homecoming.

As the Wolverines took to the field against Illinois, a sense of energy seemed to flow through the team that carried from the previous comeback win against Minnesota. On the first drive the Wolverines moved the ball down the field true to Michigan tradition, using a strong passing and running display. The Wolverines drove 71 yards in eight plays capped off by a 25-yard run that put Michigan up by 6 with Rivas knocking the extra point through to give the Wolverines a 7-0 advantage. The defense started off in true Michigan fashion by keeping Minnesota to a three-and-out drive.

The final numbers show big advantages for the Wolverines in every category.

The Wolverines started their second drive on their own 39 and continued to dominate. The offensive line opened many holes for Perry to rush through and defended the rush for Navarre, who completed two more passes and ran for a two-yard gain on third and one to give the Wolverines a first and goal on the Illinois four-yard line. On second and 2, Perry leaped over the right guard and gave the Wolverines another touchdown. Rivas added another extra point to make the score 14-0.

On Illinois' next possession, the offense began to move the ball. Hayden on an end around gained 11 yards for a first down. After a four-yard gain Illinois went to the air for an incomplete pass, but a flag was thrown giving Illinois a first and 10 on the Wolverines' 28-yard line. After three attempts Illinois tried for a 45-yard field goal but was wide left. Michigan regained control of the ball but stalled after five plays, forcing a Finley punt. Again the Wolverine defense proved itself, forcing Illinois to punt when it failed to recover after a 10-yard holding penalty.

Illinois punted the ball away to the dangerous freshman Breaston. After catching the ball on the east sideline 26, Breaston eluded tacklers and headed west before making cut after cut and weaving his way up for a 74-yard punt return. This put the Wolverines up by 21 with 7:39 still to play in the first half.

On Michigan's next drive, Navarre was able to pick and chose receivers, ending up with a touchdown pass to Mignery to increase the lead to 28 in favor of Michigan. The Michigan defense stepped up and forced another three and out, giving the Wolverine offense the ball again. After three incomplete passes, Navarre found Bell open for a 43-yard pass that added another five yards for a face mask penalty, giving the Wolverines another first and goal. After three unsuccessful attempts by the offense to score, Perry from one yard out dove over defenders for another touchdown on fourth and goal. Rivas added the extra point to end the half with Michigan leading 35-0.

To open the third quarter, Michigan kicked off to Illinois, which was yet again unsuccessful, forcing another punt to Breaston. The Wolverine offense started its drive on its own 45 but was unable to sustain a drive and was forced to punt. This gave the Illinois offense possession on its own 19. The Illinois offense was able to put together a drive that was completed with a one-yard touchdown run by Thomas. This cut the Wolverines' lead to 28.

The Michigan offense answered back by starting on its own 26 and driving down to the Illinois 27-yard line. On the next play Navarre passed to Bracken, who eluded tacklers and went 27 yards for yet another Michigan touchdown. With Rivas tacking on another extra point, Michigan was again up by five touchdowns. With Michigan leading 42-7, it was time for Illinois to take turn on offense. The Wolverine defense forced another three and out, forcing Illinois to punt. The Michigan offense was sent out to take over on downs with Underwood in the tailback position. With some success, Michigan was still forced to punt the ball away to Illinois.

The Illinois drive was stopped on its third play by a fumbled ball which Michigan's own McClintock recovered, giving the Wolverine offense the ball on its own 49 to end the third quarter. The fourth quarter started with Gutierrez commanding the Wolverine offense. The offense drove to the Illinois 34-yard line in nine plays but was forced to punt the ball off to Illinois. After a touchback the Illinois offense started on its own 20-yard line.

On the third play of the drive, Pazan threw an interception to Shazor, who returned the ball to the Illinois 23-yard line. Two plays later, Gutierrez connected with Massaquoi for 21 yards, giving Michigan another touchdown. With Rivas adding the extra point, Michigan led 49-7.

Illinois put together its second successful drive and scored another rushing touchdown by Thomas, capping off a 10-play, 76-yard drive. With the score 49-14, the Wolverine offense went back out and controlled the clock with Jackson running the ball. On the 10th play of the drive, Jackson scored on a one-yard run to the end zone, making the game 56-14. Illinois had one more drive, but it was ended by an interception to Burgress that ended the game.

The Wolverines came out and showed that they are still a contender in the Big Ten. After watching this game and listening to the press conference with Coach Carr, I was assured that even with two losses in the season the Wolverine spirit was not broken and that they can still earn the Big Ten championship. The Wolverines will be home hosting a strong Purdue team next week. With a week of preparation and the support of the fans, I believe the Wolverines can keep the winning streak alive and come out with a win next week.

Note: Donald C. Cunningham's "Sportswriter for a Day" package is one of the "once in a lifetime" type items that are up for bid on MGoBlueAuction.com. All funds raised from the official Michigan Athletics auction site support the Michigan Athletic Scholarship Fund.