University of Michigan - Michiganensian Yearbook (Ann Arbor, MI)

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nnthall Sophomore quarterback John Navarre drops back while searching for an open receiver in the game against Michigan State in East Lansing. Navarre threw for 2, 195 yards and 17 touchdowns on the season, photo by Abby Johnson Wide receiver Marquise Walker stiff- arms a Boilermaker defender to the ground after catching one of his 176 career receptions. Walker broke the Wolverine reception record, which had stood for nearly twenty years. photo by Ben Hayes keephgthe traditionalive Wolverine football brought its tradition of national prominence into the fall season. Players and coaches had high expectations, but the highest hopes of all belonged to the team ' s superlative fan base, hungry for another national title. Coach Lloyd Carr and offensive coordinator Stan Parrish faced a tough task in rebuilding the Wolverines ' offensive roster seemingly from scratch, as five starters from the previous season joined the NFL. Starting quarterback Drew Henson also left the team early to pursue a professional baseball career with the New York Yankees. In addition to replacing these key contributors, the Wolverines needed to solve the problems of a porous defense from the year before. The task ahead was a formidable one. To the anticipated contentment of the staff and the joy of Michigan fans, the Wolverines burst out of the gates in strong fashion. A comfortable win against Miami of Ohio left quitea positive impression on theaudience, as sophomore quarterback John Navarre stretched the opposing second- ary and senior wide receiver standout Marquis Walker began his season- long bedazzlement of cornerbacks. An integral game against highly- touted Washington followed. Though the game was very much in the hands of the Wolverines, successive fluke plays caused their downfall. A blocked field goal was returned by the Huskies for a touchdown; the blocked field goal was immediately followed by an interception ran back for a score. The Wolverines left viewers in deep suspense with a noble rally attempt, but ultimately fell short, losing to the Pac 1 power, 23-1 8. The loss stung, but it left the team with confidence. Michigan had proved to be a quality adversary, certainly capable of beating a ranked team. Also, Navarre and Walker exploded for a school-record 15 connections, a sign of lofty achievements still to come. Another blowout win over in-state foe Western Michigan recovered some of the Wolverines ' swagger, and they looked forward to Big Ten rival Illinois. Ranked 1 7 in the country at this point, the Wolverines were forced to regard theiropponent cautiously. As well as a ranking of 22, the Fighting Illini still danced devilishly in the minds of all Michigan followers, who remembered the trauma of the Wolverines ' narrow defeat at home two seasons ago. In what appeared to be an epiphany for the offense, Michi- gan established itself as the Big Ten Conference favorite with a sparkling performance. Lloyd Carr reached deep into his bag of tricks, using two keepingSCOre story continued on page 149 31 Miami (Ohio) 13 ||| 18 Washington 23 ||| 38 Western Michigan 21 ||| 45 Illinois 20 ||| 20 Penn State ||| 24 Purdue 10 ||| 32 Iowa 26 ||| 24 Michigan State 26 ||| 31 Minnesota 10 ||| 20 Wisconsin 17 ||| 20 Ohio State 26 Sports | 147

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v. I V ' v . ' . ' ' 4 4 ' f I t ( l rback Marlin Jack- ters after rdue. Jackson efense with three the season. ;, -. ' , ' i !

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I I As John Navarre calls out the cadence, the Michigan offense lines up against the Minnesota Golden Gophers. The Wolver- ines continued their 13-year reign over the Little Brown Jug, the oldest trophy game in col- lege football history, with a win over the Golden Golphers. photo by Ben Hayes Senior wide out Marquise Walker and teammates celebrate a touchdown en route to a 45-20 romp over Illinois. The Wolver- ines handed the Fighting Illini, the eventual Big Ten Champi- ons, their only loss of the sea- son, photo by Lauren Proux 148 I Football stay con frompaj inconfa estaH Then Though! foracon liwbad lions. W Nat another; Hie --; Then