Road to the Victors: The Story of the 1997 Michigan Wolverines

Detroit Free Press
  • 4.8 (15)
  • FOOTBALL
  • DAILY SERIES

Twenty-five years ago, the Michigan Wolverines surprised and then dominated the college football world with a season for the ages. Led by Charles Woodson, Brian Griese and Lloyd Carr, U-M answered every challenge on their way to the 1997 national championship. Relive that unforgettable season, game-by-game, with interviews and insights from the people who witnessed every play first-hand.

  1. EPISODE 1

    Before the championship run: How Lloyd Carr, Michigan football entered 1997 season

    In the first episode of this limited series, Free Press assistant sports editor Andrew Hammond sets the stage for the 1997 Michigan football team, going deep on the state of the Wolverines program. To do that, we get the insights of NHL.com columnist Nick Cotsonika, a former Free Press sports writer and editor who covered that '97 team for the Michigan Daily.

    24 min

  2. EPISODE 2

    Week 1 vs. Colorado: Michigan's defense makes the first of a lasting impression

    Former longtime U-M broadcaster Jim Brandstatter joins Andrew Hammond to discuss just how dominating the Wolverines' defense is to start this 1997 championship season. Michigan football takes on a familiar foe in Colorado in the season opener.

    25 min

  3. EPISODE 3

    Week 2 vs. Baylor: Michigan rolls; Heisman Trophy, national title pictures begin to take shape

    Former Free Press sports editor Gene Myers joins Andrew Hammond to describe the first wild weekend of the 1997 season, including how one national title contender fell and another Heisman Trophy candidate began to stake his clam. Michigan dominates Baylor to improve to 2-0.

    27 min

  4. EPISODE 4

    Week 3: Michigan passes first big test with comeback victory over Notre Dame

    Former Free Press sports editor Gene Myers joins Andrew Hammond to break down the first major test for the 1997 Michigan Wolverines, a visit by Notre Dame. How did U-M handle adversity and a halftime deficit? We look back at the first major win in that championship season.

    22 min

  5. EPISODE 5

    Week 4: Michigan steps right over trap game, aces first road test at Indiana

    This week, former Free Press sports editor Gene Myers joins Andrew Hammond to break down the beatdown in Bloomington, Indiana. The Wolverines had no problem with the Hoosiers, and the guys dig into a couple of elements of the matchup, including the sterling play of wide receiver Amani Toomer.

    15 min

  6. EPISODE 6

    Week 5: Michigan gets revenge vs. Northwestern led by ... the offense?

    This week, Andrew Hammond is joined by former Free Press sports writer Keith Gave, who covered the 1997 Michigan football team, including the game against Northwestern. Gave looks back at the development of QB Brian Griese and TE Jerame Tuman, who had a few big plays against the Wildcats.

    18 min

  7. EPISODE 7

    Week 6: Brian Griese carries Michigan in comeback victory over Iowa

    This week, Andrew Hammond is joined by former Free Press sports editor Gene Myers to look back at perhaps the biggest crossroads in the 1997 Wolverines' season. Michigan faced a big halftime deficit against Tim Dwight and Iowa, the heroics of QB Brian Griese led U-M to a dramatic victory at Michigan Stadium.

    28 min

  8. EPISODE 8

    Week 7: Charles Woodson gets THAT interception vs. Nick Saban, Michigan State

    This week, Andrew Hammond is joined by Terry Foster, longtime Detroit sports media fixture, as they reflect on the top-15 matchup with Michigan State in East Lansing. They also look back at the amazing Charles Woodson interception that put his Heisman Trophy candidacy in hyperdrive.

    24 min
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Twenty-five years ago, the Michigan Wolverines surprised and then dominated the college football world with a season for the ages. Led by Charles Woodson, Brian Griese and Lloyd Carr, U-M answered every challenge on their way to the 1997 national championship. Relive that unforgettable season, game-by-game, with interviews and insights from the people who witnessed every play first-hand.

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