ESPN put together a list of 50 ‘instant-classics’ involving the new-look conferences. So for example, if the Wolverines made the list they would’ve needed to have an instant-classic game against either USC, UCLA, Washington, or Oregon since those four teams are now coming over to the Big Ten in 2024.
In fact, Michigan did make the list three times, but the Wolverines were on the wrong side of things twice.
At No. 39, Michigan lost a close one to Oregon back in 2003. The Ducks beat the Wolverines, 31-27, in Oregon.
Michigan came into the game ranked No. 3 in the nation, but got off to a shaky start. Oregon led 21-6 after two quarters, but Michigan battled back to take a 24-21 lead early in the fourth quarter. But even after scoring a late TD in the fourth quarter, the Wolverines weren’t able to overcome some mistakes. The Ducks scored TDs on a punt return and a blocked punt — 14 points that Michigan potentially could’ve gotten back. QB John Navarre threw for 360 yards and three TDs and Braylon Edwards caught for 160 yards in the loss.
No. 29, back in 1993 in the Rose Bowl, Michigan beat Washington 38-31.
The year prior, Washington beat the Wolverines by 20, so Michigan got its revenge in ’93. There were six lead changes during this game, but the Wolverines scored the final 14 points to come out victorious. Running back Tyrone Wheatly had a monster game rushing for 235 yards and three scores on the ground. Quarterback Elvis Grbac threw two TDs en route to a win.
At No. 25, Michigan fell to USC in 1977 during the Rose Bowl, 14-6.
It was Michigan’s first Rose Bowl birth since 1971, but it didn’t end well for the Wolverines. It took almost two quarters of play for a team to score points and Michigan was the first team to capitalize. Rob Lytle rushed for a score, but the extra point was blocked and Michigan wouldn’t score any more points. USC marched down for an 80-yard TD drive to end the first half and go up 7-6. The Trojans scored another touchdown with three minutes to play in the game. Michigan took the ball down to USC’s red zone, but turned the ball over on downs. Wolverines’ Rob Lytle rushed for 67 yards and QB Rick Leach was 4-for-12 for 76 yards in the Rose Bowl.
