Henson to the rescue

Off on right foot, QB leads comeback

By Chris Duprey

Daily Sports Editor

CHAMPAIGN - Dr. Ed Wojtys, your privacy has been restored. Drew Henson has finally returned as Michigan's quarterback - your time in the media spotlight has gracefully come to a close.

Wojtys, the physician directing Henson's recuperation from a broken right foot, gave Carr the go-ahead to insert the junior for approximately half of the game Saturday night. Henson entered with 1:38 remaining in the second quarter, the offense unable to move without him, and led Michigan to an electrifying 35-31 comeback victory at Illinois.

"I've coached a long time and I've never been prouder of a group of kids," coach Lloyd Carr said. "I would have said that had we lost the game."

It was a conquest that did nothing to tone down Henson's reputation as a legend-in-the-making at Michigan. Of the six drives Henson led, four ended in touchdowns.

"I wondered how (Henson) would react" to being thrown in the mix, Carr said. "I should have known."

The Henson-to-David Terrell connection was an integral part of the Michigan attack in the second half. Running back Anthony Thomas was the Wolverines' most precious asset throughout all four quarters, racking up 228 yards on 35 carries and two touchdowns.

Three times in the second half, the Wolverines faced 10- or 14-point deficits and responded with touchdowns to bring themselves within one score. Down 31-28 with 3:43 left in the fourth quarter, a fumble forced by Victor Hobson at the Illinois 26 provided the best opportunity for the Wolverines to steal a road victory.

Henson didn't even need to throw on the game-winning drive. Thomas ran for six and 17 yards before punching it in on a three-yarder with 2:30 to play, lifting the Wolverines into the lead for the first time since a 7-0 advantage in the second quarter.

Down 35-31 and needing a touchdown, Illinois had its own chance to laugh last. But a second fumble in under two minutes of game time ended any potential rally. At the end of a 16-yard passing gain, Todd Howard stripped the ball from Illinois' Jameel Cook. Larry Foote fell on the loose ball, and Michigan was able to kill the remaining 1:59 without incident.

Carr gave the offense its due for an impeccable second-half performance, while making special mention of another group - his defense.

"That defense has been decimated," said Carr, referring to the losses of starters Eric Wilson, Jake Frysinger and Cato June (out all season). "That's a gutty group of kids."

As well as the offense was playing, the Wolverines needed a break on the defensive end to have a chance. Three of Illinois' first four drives of the half, leading up to Hobson's fumble recovery, had resulted in points. Michigan was running out of time and couldn't afford to trade scores anymore.

"We felt on the sideline that if they (defense) could get one stop, or two at the most, we could win," Henson said.

The Wolverines needed both fumbles - the first to take the lead, the second to kill the clock. Both turnovers were alleged by Illinois to be ground-caused. The second of Thomas' three runs that gave Michigan its 35-31 lead also culminated in a fumble. On that play, referee Bill LeMonnier and his crew did rule the fumble to be ground-caused, and the Wolverines kept the football.

Terrell did a yeoman's job to keep Michigan in the game in the third quarter. After finishing the first half with just two catches for 12 yards, the Biletnikoff Award candidate came alive after the break.

A 57-yard pass from Henson at the 14:13 mark of the fourth quarter was his only touchdown of the day, but a 38-yard leaping grab on a crucial 3rd-and-5 in the third quarter was even more timely.

Terrell "told me to throw him the ball, so I did," Henson said.

Just as important, Dr. Wojtys told Henson he could play for a half - so he did.

Photos by NORMAN NG and ALEX WOLD/Daily

Drew Henson proved his foot was fine, as he ran for 11 yards on a scamper in the second quarter.