The Wolverines retained all 44 first-place votes they had last week, while Florida State received 24, stealing one from Nebraska. Michigan's lead over the Seminoles shrunk from 30 to 28 points.
"We don't care about the polls," said Michigan tailback Chris Howard, who rushed for 100 yards and two touchdowns. "They don't matter to us. All that matters is winning the rest of our games and the Big Ten championship."
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| MARGARET MYERS/Daily Michigan's Chris Howard had another stellar offensive day, gaining 100 yards on the ground for two touchdowns, while catching four passes for 38 yards.
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That would also mean a trip to the Rose Bowl for the Wolverines for the first time since the 1992 season and a perfect 11-0 record. The last time Michigan ended the regular season undefeated and untied was in 1971. And the Wolverines would have to figure in the national championship hunt.
But all of the talk of national titles and No. 1 rankings is moot if Michigan doesn't knock off Ohio State. However, if the Wolverines lose to the Buckeyes, there is still a chance Michigan could end up in Pasadena - although it is unlikely.
If Michigan falls to Ohio State and Penn State wins its remaining two games, then all three teams would tie for the Big Ten title. Neither team has beaten the other two, and all three have the same 11-game record (the Buckeyes' win over Wyoming in the Black College Coaches Association game is not considered), Michigan would be the Big Ten's representative to the Rose Bowl.
But the Rose Bowl has the option of choosing another Big Ten team if it is ranked No. 1 or No. 2 in the AP poll. If the fourth-ranked Buckeyes beat Michigan, they would likely jump to No. 2. Michigan would then probably receive an Alliance Bowl bid - likely the Fiesta - but could play Nebraska in a "national championship game" in the Orange Bowl if Tennessee loses in the SEC championship game and Florida knocks off Florida State.
Boston opens his mouth: If Ohio State wide receiver David Boston learned anything from former Buckeye speedster Terry Glenn, it wasn't tact. Following in the footsteps of the departed Glenn, Boston guaranteed an Ohio State victory over Michigan on Saturday.
"If our offense and defense are clicking, we should beat Michigan by two or three touchdowns," Boston remarked. "I think we're better than Michigan."
Glenn made similar comments two years ago and even picked on then-freshman Charles Woodson, who proceeded to shut down Glenn and pick off two passes. Nobody can be sure if this game will turn out the same way, the only thing we know for certain is that Boston's quote is on every chalk board in Michigan's lockerroom.
Injury update: With safety Daydrion Taylor already sidelined with a sprained neck, Michigan's defensive corps took a huge hit Saturday when starting free safety Tommy Hendricks left the game after a Badger rolled onto his leg.
Hendricks did not return, and had trouble making it up the stairs to the visiting lockerroom by himself. Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said he doesn't know if Hendricks can play next week.
The Wolverines may also have lost starting tackle Jeff Backus, who left the game with an apparent knee injury. Tailback Clarence Williams missed his second straight game with what was deemed as a hamstring pull three weeks ago.
Woodson, Woodson, Woodson: Okay, he can do everything. After playing receiver, defensive back and kick returner, Woodson tried his hand at quarterback, throwing a 28-yard pass to quarterback Brian Griese on a cross-field throwback in the first quarter.
"He can do everything else, we wanted to see how good his arm was," Griese said.
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| WARREN ZINN/Daily Michigan fullback Chris floyd had his most productive game of the season on the ground, rushing for 66 yards, including a 31-yard gallop in the first quarter. |
11-17-97
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