GET TO KNOW: The Michigan Wolverines in 2012: Michigan comes into the Outback Bowl with an 8-4 record. Three of its four losses have come to the top three teams in the AP poll (Notre Dame and Alabama) and undefeated Ohio State who is ranked No. 3. They are ranked 19th in the most recent BCS Ranking. The Wolverines rank in the top 3 of the conference in seven statistical categories, including 1st in Red Zone Offense, Third Down Efficiency and Least Sacks Allowed (15).
Wolverines in the Bowls: This is the 42nd bowl appearance for the Wolverines, the most in college football. They have compiled a 20-21 record. This is their fifth appearance in the Outback Bowl. They are 3-1 in the bowl, defeating Alabama 28-24 in the 1988 bowl, N.C. State 42-7 in 1994 and Florida 38-30 in 2003. The Wolverines lost 17-14 to Alabama in the 1997 game.
Michigan Tradition: This is Michigan’s 133rd season of football. The Wolverines have a 903-314-36 record, the most victories in college football, and have won 11 National Championships and 42 conference titles. Michigan has produced 78 consensus All-America players, including three Heisman Trophy recipients.
Feature Players:
The Wolverines are led by QB and all-around player Denard Robinson who leads the team in both rushing and passing. Robinson has compiled 1,166 yards and 7 TDs on the ground, for a 7.6 yard per carry average, and 1,319 yards passing, along with 9 TDs. All of it came in just 10 games.
WR/QB Devin Gardner also completed 57-of-90 pass attempts for 1,005 yards and 8 TDs, and leads the Big Ten Conference in Pass Efficiency. Also a versatile player, Gardner is the fourth-leading receiver on the team with 16 catches for 266 yards and 4 TDs.
WR Jeremy Gallon leads the team in pass receptions with 40 for 684 yards and 2 TDs
WR Roy Roundtree has 28 catches for 553 yards and 3 TDs, while Drew Dileo has 17 for 309 yards.
The defense is led by LB Jake Ryan who notched 84 tackles and 15 TFL, along with 4.5 sacks and a conference-best 5 forced fumbles. LB Kenny Demens has 81 tackles and 6 TFL, LB Desmond Morgan had 78 tackles and 5 TFL, FS Thomas Gordon 75 tackles, 4 TFL and 2 interceptions. DE Frank Clark contributed 9 TFL and 2 sacks.
Meet Coach Brady Hoke – Brady Hoke is in his second season at the helm of the Wolverines compiling a 19-6 overall record, including 11 wins and a Sugar Bowl victory in his first season. He was named Big Ten Coach of the Year in 2011 and Maxwell Football Club National Coach of the Year. Hoke was an assistant at Michigan from 1995 – 2002 and had head coaching stints at San Diego State 2009-10 and his Alma Mater Ball State from 2003 – 2008.
