Two quarterbacks, two teams, two days

After rough road travelled, Griese leads undefeated 'M' into game for Rose Bowl

It should come as no surprise that Michigan quarterback Brian Griese has a chance to end his collegiate career on Saturday with a Rose Bowl berth. It seems fitting that the fifth-year senior has a chance to end his fairy-tale career with a fairy-tale season.

Griese's football career has never been easy, but success for the Michigan football team hasn't come easy over the past four seasons, either. Things are different this season, for Griese and for the Wolverines.

PAUL TALANIAN/Daily Brian Griese returned for his fifth year of eligibility to anchor an undefeated Michigan team this season.

It's ironic that Griese almost didn't return for his fifth year of eligibility, amidst four straight four-loss seasons and a quarterback controversy looming with Scott Dreisbach at the end of last season. But a decent showing in last year's Alamo Bowl factored into the decision of his life.

The Alamo Bowl, "had everything to do with my decision," Griese said. "I knew I wanted to come back."

Now Griese, a former non-scholarship player, is the leader of an undefeated Michigan team ranked No. 1 in the country for the first time since 1990 and headed to the Rose Bowl for the first time since 1992, if it can beat Ohio State on Saturday.

"It's true I've been through a lot," Griese said. "My job is to get the team in the end zone. I realize my role, and I've been more of a leader."

Griese's story can almost write itself.

Rewind to the very beginning, when Griese was a senior at Columbus High School in Miami, Fla. He decided to attend Michigan even though he wasn't offered a scholarship. He walked on and didn't play in 1993. In 1994, he was the kick holder for former Michigan field goal kicker Remy Hamilton.

Fast forward to the 1995 season. Griese nabbed the starting role after the fifth game. Although the Wolverines finished with their third straight four-loss season, Griese led them past Ohio State in the last game of the regular season, ending the Buckeyes' chance to go to the Rose Bowl.

Fast forward to 1996. Griese lost his starting spot to Scott Dreisbach. But in the final game of the season against the Buckeyes, Griese came in at halftime and carried the Wolverines to a 13-9 victory, again spoiling the Buckeyes' undefeated season.

So what's the secret against the Buckeyes?

"Secret? I don't know. The secret has been good weather," Griese joked.

But all kidding aside, Griese has traveled an interesting road to get where he is now. And the only secret to Griese's success this season is hard work, dedication and a commitment to fundamentals.

And it has all paid off. Griese is currently ranked 19th in the country in passing efficiency, just two spots behind Tennessee's Peyton Manning, the front-runner for the Heisman Trophy.

Griese's ascent is even more remarkable considering he never possessed a big arm. He has racked up 1,895 passing yards for the season with short, methodical passes, helped by a few key blocks.

"Brian Griese is doing a great job running that football team," Ohio State coach John Cooper said.

It's strangely appropriate that Griese will cap off his collegiate career against Ohio State. A victory will give Michigan a Rose Bowl berth.

"I had always dreamed of (the Rose Bowl), but I never thought it would come to that," Griese said. "I haven't had a problem relaxing. You only get to live once and go through this (type of) experience."

11-20-97