Johnny on the spot

Four TDs for Navarre as Varsity slaps Bowling Green

By Mark Francescutti

Daily Sports Editor

Michigan 42, Bowling Green 7

Michigan's 42-7 whipping of Bowling Green may have been a good romp in the play room for redshirt freshman John Navarre to learn and discover new skills. The creamy filling of Lloyd Carr getting good rotation on defense and on special teams to build up a good idea of his lineup was beneficial.

But a tasty treat doesn't come free, as the Wolverines couldn't escape without two tough players falling out of the lineup.

Tight end Shawn Thompson will be lost for the season after blowing out his knee on his only catch of the game. And senior defensive lineman Jake Frysinger, one of Michigan's only experienced defenders, reinjured his right foot, which he broke last season. Frysinger will likely be out for 1-3 weeks.

Still, Navarre showed plenty of poise, completing 15 of his 19 passes - three of those were drops by his receivers. Replacing the injured Drew Henson seemed no worry to Michigan fans as Navarre totaled 265 yards along with a record-tying four touchdowns in a starting quarterback debut.

"At first, I was nervous," Navarre said. "I just wanted to make my assignments and run the right plays. But like high school football games, you start to get in a groove after the first couple of series, and that's what I did (today)."

All in all, the offense looked just like on paper, strong on all ends. The Wolverines pounded the ball on the ground, despite two fumbles, with almost 300 yards, while the offensive line gave Navarre enough time to shave and recite the dictionary.

"I think the backs did a good job running the football for the most part. You can't turn the football over twice in big games and hope to win. (The offensive linemen) are at their peak as far as strength, knowledge and confidence. I do not think they are intimidated by anything they see up there."

Even some of the penalties, which coach Lloyd Carr emphasized his distress for turned out differently on tape.

"Offensively, we had three holding calls," Carr said. "I thought two of them were not good calls. We had a penalty called on a screen play that I didn't see the call there. Some of that is first game for officials as well as players. That did somewhat negate my feeling about the penalties we had."

Under the hot sun and muggy 90-plus degrees on field temperatures, the Wolverines weren't able to cool down their nerves for at least the first quarter.

Sophomore running back Justin Fargas, returning from a season-ending injury suffered against Wisconsin last year, fumbled on his first carry. Fargas later rebounded to net 70 yards on eight carries.

Still trying to muster a good combination on punt and kickoff returns, David Terrell looked a little akward, as he struggled with the decision to field a punt. Terrell got back to the ten, but not without a look from Lloyd Carr.

Terrell made up for it with a touchdown reception and six receptions total for the day.

But Ron Bellamy stole the show at receiver. His first catch - a touchdown, one of two on the day including a clutch grab on a fade pass to the corner of the endzone.

"That was exciting," Bellamy said. "I couldn't believe it when it happened. After I caught it I didn't know what to do, I was so excited. I went over to Terrell and celebrated with my teammates."

Carr also got to see a few other notable performers.

Fullback B.J. Askew showed his prowess out of the backfield, catching three passes for 87 yards. Senior Anthony Thomas, now relieved of being the only Michigan running back running, shared the responsiblity across the board, but not before he gained 108 yards himself.

Thomas shared the load with Fargas, Walter Cross and true freshman Chris Perry, who ran up 108 yards on 10 carries, including a touchdown.

MARJORIE MARSHALL/Daily

Redshirt freshman John Navarre (16) threw no interceptoins in Michigan's debut Saturday. Sophomore tailback Justin Fargas (34) returned for 70 yards on eight carries.