Road to the Victors: The Story of the 1997 Michigan Wolverines
Road to the Victors: The Story of the 1997 Michigan Wolverines
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.Social links:
COMING SOON: Hail Yes! A Detroit Free Press Podcast About University of Michigan Sports
Hosted by Free Press sports writers Tony Garcia and Rainer Sabin, “Hail, Yes!” can be found a couple of times a week, including every Thursday, wherever you listen to podcasts. Tune in for engaging conversations and unique perspectives on your Michigan Wolverines. Tony, the U-M sports beat writer, …
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End of the Road: The Heisman Trophy, Rose Bowl and split national championship
In this final episode, Andrew Hammond breaks down how competing bowl organizations led to a split championship. Later, we revisit Charles Woodson's unprecedented Heisman Trophy win. Lastly, former Free Press sports writer Keith Gave joins us one more time to help explain how Michigan's Rose Bowl pe…
34:03
Mitch Albom remembers 1997 Michigan vs. Ohio State, Charles Woodson's Heisman moments
Mitch Albom, who was one of the 100,000-plus in attendance for the 1997 Michigan-Ohio State game at the Big House, joins Andrew Hammond this week. Albom remembers the Wolverines' dominate defense and Charles Woodson's signature moment that sent U-M to the Rose Bowl.
28:12
Week 10: How 1997 Michigan team avoided trap game vs. Wisconsin
This week, Andrew Hammond is joined by former Free Press sports writer Keith Gave, who covered the 1997 Michigan football team in their game at Wisconsin. The setting and spot on the schedule may have been the biggest hurdle for the Wolverines, especially once Charles Woodson and Brian Griese got o…
23:48
Week 9: 1997 Michigan's huge win at Penn State tells the world they're for real
Andrew Hammond and former Free Press sports editor Gene Myers look back at the Michigan-Penn State game from 1997, a highly anticipated matchup at Happy Valley. We look at how the Wolverines were able to roll over Joe Pa's Nittany Lions and become a clear-cut national title favorite.
31:17
Week 8: Charles Woodson, 1997 Michigan defense continue to stake claims for history
This week, Andrew Hammond is joined by former Free Press sports editor Gene Myers to look back at the game for the Little Brown Jug, Michigan vs. Minnesota in 1997. The difference in this one is what people mostly remember this historic team for: Charles Woodson and that U-M defense.
28:55
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.
24:23
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 Michiga…
28:15
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.
17:38
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.
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