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 performance encapsulated their entire 1997 season. 

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 performance encapsulated their entire 1997 season.

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.

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.

Relive that unforgettable 1997 season, game-by-game, with interviews and insights from the people who witnessed every play first-hand.

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

End of the Road: The Heisman Trophy, Rose Bowl and split national championship

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, and Rainer, the Big Ten insider, get a chance to talk to the main characters in Ann Arbor weekly and provide their insights and analysis for all the big games, news and events. “Hail, Yes!” is your go-to Wolverines podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.

First episode debuts 8/24/23 

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, and Rainer, the Big Ten insider, get a chance to talk to the main characters in Ann Arbor weekly and provide their insights and analysis for all the big games, news and events. “Hail, Yes!” is your go-to Wolverines podcast for all the best news, analysis, insights and opinions on the team.
First episode debuts 8/24/23

COMING SOON: Hail Yes! A Detroit Free Press Podcast About University of Michigan Sports

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. 

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.

Mitch Albom remembers 1997 Michigan vs. Ohio State, Charles Woodson's Heisman moments

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 on the field.

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 on the field.

End of the Road: The Heisman Trophy, Rose Bowl and split national championship

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

In 1 playlist(s)

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

Social links

Follow podcast

Recent clips