2015 Michigan Wolverines football team: Difference between revisions

|stadium = [[Michigan Stadium]]<br>(Capacity: 107,601)

In [[2014 Michigan Wolverines football team|2014]], Michigan compiled a 5–7 record and was not bowl eligible for the first time since [[2009 Michigan Wolverines football team|2009]]. As a result of the team's poor record, head coach [[Brady Hoke]] was fired on December 2.<ref>{{cite web|author=Murphy, Dan|title=Brady Hoke ousted at Michigan|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 31, 2014|date=December 2, 2014|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/story/_/id/11968463/brady-hoke-michigan-wolverines-head-coach}}</ref> His job status had been in jeopardy since September 28, 2014 when QB Shane Morris was reinserted after a concussion.<ref>{{cite web|author=Myerberg, Paul|title=Michigan admits mistakes in treatment of Shane Morris

|publisher=USA Today|work=usatoday.com|access-date=September 21, 2016|date=September 30, 2014|url=https://www.usatoday.com/story/sports/ncaaf/bigten/2014/09/30/university-of-michigan-football-concussion-shane-morris-brady-hoke-dave-brandon/16465901/}}</ref> On December 30, following a much publicized coaching search, Michigan announced the hiring of San Francisco 49ers coach and former Michigan quarterback Jim Harbaugh as the 20th head coach in the program's history.<ref>{{cite news|title=Jim Harbaugh Named Michigan Head Football Coach|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=December 31, 2014|date=December 30, 2014|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/123014aaa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20141230213507/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/123014aaa.html|archive-date=December 30, 2014|url-status=dead}}</ref> Harbaugh hired [[D. J. Durkin]] for the [[defensive coordinator]] and linebacker coach positions and [[Tim Drevno]] for the [[offensive coordinator]] and offensive line coach positions.<ref>{{cite news|title=Durkin Hired as Defensive Coordinator, Linebackers Coach|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=January 9, 2015|date=January 8, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010815aaa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150109002116/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010815aaa.html|archive-date=January 9, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref><ref>{{cite news|title=Drevno Named U-M's Sanford Robertson Offensive Coordinator|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=January 9, 2015|date=January 9, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010915aaa.html|archive-date=January 12, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150112215444/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/010915aaa.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> In addition to the co-ordinator positions, Harbaugh also hired John Baxter to coach special teams, former [[Jacksonville Jaguars]] offensive coordinator [[Jedd Fisch]] as the passing game coordinator and [[wide receiver]]s coach,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.foxsports.com/college-football/story/jacksonville-jaguars-michigan-wolverines-jedd-fisch-jim-harbaugh-010815|title=Ex-Jaguars offensive coordinator Fisch to join Harbaugh's staff at Michigan|access-date=October 7, 2015|date=January 9, 2015|publisher=[[Fox Sports]]|author=Feldman, Bruce}}</ref> Jim Harbaugh's son Jay as the [[tight end]]s coach,<ref>{{cite web|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/story/_/id/12198836/jim-harbaugh-son-jay-harbaugh-joins-michigan-wolverines-staff|title=Jim Harbaugh hires son, Jay|access-date=October 7, 2015|date=January 20, 2015|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|author=Rittenberg, Adam}}</ref> [[Greg Jackson (American football)|Greg Jackson]] and [[Mike Zordich]] as the secondary coaches,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/01/mike_zordich_officially_named.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150122225108/http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/01/mike_zordich_officially_named.html|url-status=live|archive-date=January 22, 2015|title=Mike Zordich officially named a Michigan secondary coach, completing Jim Harbaugh's staff|access-date=October 7, 2015|date=January 20, 2015|website=[[MLive]]|author=Baumgardner, Nick}}</ref> Kevin Tolbert as the strength and conditioning coach,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/01/kevin_tolbert_officially_named.html|title=Kevin Tolbert officially named Michigan football's strength and conditioning coordinator|access-date=October 7, 2015|date=January 12, 2015|website=[[MLive]]|author=Baumgardner, Nick}}</ref> and former [[running back]] [[Tyrone Wheatley]]—who [[1993 Rose Bowl|won]] a [[Rose Bowl Game|Rose Bowl]] while playing at Michigan—to coach the running backs.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.cbssports.com/collegefootball/eye-on-college-football/24969923/tyrone-wheatley-newest-addition-to-harbaugh-staff-at-michigan|title=Tyrone Wheatley newest addition to Harbaugh staff at Michigan|access-date=October 7, 2015|date=January 17, 2015|publisher=[[CBS Sports]]|author=Hinnen, Jerry}}</ref> Michigan also retained [[Greg Mattison]] from Hoke's staff as the defensive line coach.<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/01/greg_mattison_keeps_bond_with.html|title=Greg Mattison keeps bond with Michigan and the Harbaugh family, loads up expected staff|access-date=October 7, 2015|date=January 13, 2015|website=[[MLive]]|author=Baumgardner, Nick}}</ref>

| recruit = [[Grant Newsome]]

| site_cityst = [[Salt Lake City|Salt Lake City, UT]]

| site_cityst = [[Ann Arbor, Michigan|Ann Arbor, MI]]

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MichiganMI

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MichiganMI

| site_stadium = [[SECU Stadium|Byrd Stadium]]

| site_cityst = [[College Park, Maryland|College Park, MD]]

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MichiganMI

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MichiganMI

| score = [[2015 Michigan State vs. Michigan football game|23–27]]

| site_cityst = [[Minneapolis|Minneapolis, MN]]

| rank = 1617

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MichiganMI

| rank = 1514

| site_stadium = [[Memorial Stadium (Indiana University)|Memorial Stadium]]

| site_cityst = [[Bloomington, Indiana|Bloomington, IN]]

| tv = ABC/, [[ESPN2]]

| rank = 1412

| site_cityst = [[State College, Pennsylvania|State College, PA]]

| rank = 1210

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MichiganMI

| rank = 1714

===atAt Utah===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=Utah /><ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan–Utah Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=August 31, 2015|date=August 27, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150827aaa.pdf|archive-date=September 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150906010645/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150827aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 4, 2015|date=September 4, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090415aac.html}}</ref> Utah opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 30-yard [[field goal]] from Andy Phillips. Michigan responded in the second quarter with a 29-yard field goal from [[Kenny Allen (American football)|Kenny Allen]], but Utah regained the lead via a one-yard [[touchdown]] run from [[Devontae Booker]] and went into [[half-time]] leading 10–3. Utah extended its lead in the third quarter to 14 points via a 14-yard touchdown run from Travis Wilson, but Michigan responded with a 19-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to [[Jake Butt]]. Utah regained its 14-point advantage in the fourth quarter when Justin Thomas [[interception|intercepted]] Rudock and returned it 55 yards for a touchdown, but Michigan once again reduced Utah's lead to seven points with a ten-yard touchdown pass from Rudock to Amara Darboh. Utah recovered the ensuing [[onside kick]] and ran out the clock to complete its victory.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan-Utah Box Score|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 4, 2015|date=September 3, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/ncfcollege-football/boxscore?gameId=400756883}}</ref>

Jake Rudock completed 27 of his 43 pass attempts for 279 yards and two touchdowns and three interceptions.<ref>{{cite web|title=Jim Harbaugh era at Michigan opens with 24–17 loss at Utah|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 4, 2015|date=September 3, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=400756883}}</ref> [[De'Veon Smith]] ran 17 times for 47 yards, while Jake Butt recorded eight receptions for 93 yards and a touchdown. [[Joe Bolden]] recorded his 200th career tackle during the game, and Michigan's defense as a whole recorded nine [[Tackle (football move)|tackles for a loss]]. The announced attendance of 47,825 was the largest crowd in the history of Rice-Eccles Stadium.<ref name=UNotes />

===vsVs. Oregon State===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=OregonState /><ref>{{cite news|title=Oregon State–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 15, 2015|date=September 7, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150907aaa.pdf|archive-date=September 21, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150921174424/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150907aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After falling behind early in the first quarter, Michigan rallied to defeat Oregon State 35–7.<ref>{{cite news|title=Smith, Stout Defense Smother Beavers for Harbaugh's First U-M Win|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 17, 2015|date=September 12, 2014|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091215aab.html}}</ref> Oregon State opened the scoring on its first drive of the game, moving the ball 79 yards in seven plays and scoring on a 21-yard touchdown pass from Seth Collins to Hunter Jarmon. Following Oregon State's touchdown, Michigan dominated the game on both offense and defense. After the teams traded fumbles in the first quarter, Michigan reduced Oregon State's lead to four points via a 40-yard field goal from Kenny Allen, and took the lead in the second quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from De'Veon Smith. Michigan added to its lead shortly before halftime with another one-yard touchdown run from Smith, giving it a 17–7 at half-time. Michigan added a 29-yard field goal in the third quarter, before finishing the scoring in the fourth quarter with an eight-yard touchdown run from Smith—and a [[two-point conversion]] pass from Rudock to Smith—and a two-yard touchdown run from [[Derrick Green (American football)|Derrick Green]].<ref>{{cite web|title=Oregon State-Michigan Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 17, 2015|date=September 12, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400757019}}</ref>

===vsVs. UNLV===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=UNLV /><ref>{{cite news|title=UNLV–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 15, 2015|date=September 14, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150914aaa.pdf|archive-date=October 14, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151014070752/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150914aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Michigan defeated UNLV, 28–7.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan Stymies UNLV Behind Big Runs, Dominant First Half|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 3, 2015|date=September 19, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091915aaa.html}}</ref> Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter with a five-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to De'Veon Smith and added to its lead in the second quarter with a 36-yard touchdown run from Jehu Chesson and a 76-yard touchdown run from [[Ty Isaac]]. After neither team scored in the third quarter, Michigan added to its lead with a one-yard touchdown run from Sione Houma. UNLV responded with a six-yard touchdown pass from Blake Decker to Devonte Boyd, which ended the scoring.<ref>{{cite web|title=UNLV-Michigan Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 28, 2015|date=September 19, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400763511}}</ref>

===vsVs. BYU===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=BYU /><ref>{{cite news|title=BYU–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 21, 2015|date=September 21, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150921aaa.pdf|archive-date=September 28, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150928003456/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150921aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Michigan defeated BYU, 31–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan Shuts Out No. 22 BYU to Close Non-Conference Play|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 3, 2015|date=September 26, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092615aaa.html}}</ref> Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter with a three-yard touchdown run from Jake Rudock and then scored 24 points in the second quarter. Rudock completed a four-yard touchdown pass to Amara Darboh, followed by a 60-yard touchdown run from De'Veon Smith. Rudock added his second rushing touchdown of the game on a 17-yard run, and Kenny Allen added the final points of the game on a 40-yard field goal near the end of the first half. Neither team added any points in the second half.<ref name="BYU ESPN">{{cite web|title=BYU-Michigan Box Score|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 28, 2015|date=September 26, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400763519}}</ref>

===atAt Maryland===

| Weather = 60º°F, Rainy

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=Maryland /><ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan–Maryland Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 3, 2015|date=September 28, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150928aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304210858/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20150928aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After its game against BYU, Michigan began the Big Ten portion of its schedule at Maryland. Maryland won the previous meeting 23–16.<ref>{{cite web|title=Maryland-Michigan Box Score|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 4, 2014|date=November 22, 2014|url=httphttps://scoreswww.espn.go.com/ncfcollege-football/boxscore?gameId=400547941}}</ref> The game's original kickoff time of 8:00 PM was moved forward by eight hours to noon in order to avoid the potential impact of [[Hurricane Joaquin]].<ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan at Maryland kickoff time moved to noon ET on BTN|publisher=Big Ten Network|work=BTN.com|access-date=October 1, 2015|date=October 1, 2015|url=http://btn.com/2015/10/01/michigan-at-maryland-kickoff-time-moved-to-noon-et-on-btn/}}</ref>

Michigan defeated Maryland, 28–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=U-M Posts Second Straight Shutout, Blanks Terps in B1G Opener|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 3, 2015|date=October 3, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100315aaa.html}}</ref> After neither team scored in the first quarter, Michigan opened the scoring in the second quarter with a 30-yard field goal by Kenny Allen. Michigan added to its lead with a 32-yard field goal from Allen near the end of the first half, giving Michigan a 6–0 lead at half-time. Michigan added to its lead in the third quarter with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to Drake Johnson, and then added a two-point conversion via a Rudock pass to Khalid Hill. Michigan added to its lead with a 66-yard touchdown run from Jehu Chesson before Johnson added the final points of the game in the fourth quarter via a one-yard touchdown run, his second of the game.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan-Maryland Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=October 3, 2015|date=October 3, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400763530}}</ref>

===vsVs. Northwestern===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=Northwestern /><ref>{{cite news|title=Northwestern–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 5, 2015|date=October 5, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151005aaa.pdf|archive-date=October 6, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151006190842/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151005aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Michigan posted its third consecutive shutout, defeating Northwestern 38–0.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan Jumps on Wildcats Early, Rolls to Third Straight Shutout|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 10, 2015|date=October 10, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101015aaa.html}}</ref> Michigan opened the scoring on the first play of the game with a 96-yard opening kickoff return for a touchdown by Jehu Chesson. Michigan added to its lead with a one-yard touchdown run from Drake Johnson, and a two-yard touchdown run from Jake Rudock, giving Michigan a 21–0 lead after the first quarter. In the second quarter [[Jourdan Lewis]] posted a 37-yard interception return for a touchdown, which made the score 28–0 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan added to its lead in the third quarter via a career-long 47-yard field goal by Kenny Allen, before Derrick Green added the final points of the game in the fourth quarter via a four-yard touchdown run.<ref name="northwestern">{{cite web|title=Northwestern-Michigan Box Score|publisher=ESPN|access-date=October 10, 2015|date=October 10, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400763535}}</ref>

===vsVs. Michigan State===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=MSU/><ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan State–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 12, 2015|date=October 12, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151012aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304134411/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151012aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Following its clash with Northwestern, Michigan hosted its in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans, for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan was dominated in the previous meeting, losing 35–11.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan-Michigan State Box Score|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 4, 2014|date=October 25, 2014|url=httphttps://scoreswww.espn.go.com/ncfcollege-football/boxscore?gameId=400547949}}</ref> Due to the quality of and the hype surrounding the matchup between the two teams, the game was selected as the location for ESPN's [[College GameDay (football)|College GameDay]]. This was the first time that GameDay came to Ann Arbor since [[2013 Michigan Wolverines football team|Michigan]] defeated [[2013 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Notre Dame]] in 2013.<ref>{{cite web|title=ESPN's College GameDay headed to Ann Arbor for Michigan-Michigan State|publisher=MLive|work=AnnArbor.com|access-date=October 4, 2014|date=October 3, 2014|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2015/10/espns_college_gameday_headed_t.html#incart_river_home|author=Baumgardner, Nick}}</ref>

Michigan State defeated Michigan 27–23.<ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan Drops Heartbreaker to No. 7 Spartans|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 17, 2015|date=October 17, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101715aab.html}}</ref> Michigan opened the scoring in the second quarter with a two-yard touchdown run from Sione Houma, Michigan State responded with an 11-yard touchdown run from LJ Scott. A 38-yard field goal by Kenny Allen gave Michigan a 10–7 lead at half-time. Michigan added to its lead in the third quarter with a one-yard touchdown run from Houma, his second rushing touchdown of the game. Michigan State responded via a 30-yard touchdown pass from Connor Cook to Macgarrett Kings Jr. A 21-yard field goal by Allen in the final minutes of the third gave Michigan a 20–14 lead after the third quarter. Michigan added to its lead in the fourth quarter with a 38-yard field goal by Allen, but Michigan State responded with a one-yard touchdown run from Scott, his second rushing touchdown of the game, to cut Michigan's lead to two points. With 10 seconds left in the game, Michigan State recovered a fumbled snap on a punt by [[Blake O'Neill]], andallowing then, [[Jalen Watts-Jackson]] returnedto return the snap 38 yards for a game-winning touchdown as time expired. to secure the win. Michigan State became the second team in the last two seasons to win a game in regulation in which it did not have the lead until the clock hit 0:00. Last season, [[2014 Arizona Wildcats football team|Arizona]] beat [[2014 California Golden Bears football team|California]] on a game-ending Hail Mary after not having the lead the entire game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan State-Michigan Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=October 17, 2015|date=October 17, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400763542}}</ref>

===atAt Minnesota===

| Weather =50º°F, Clearing skies, SW 9 MPH

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=Minnesota/><ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan–Minnesota Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 30, 2015|date=October 26, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151019aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304130935/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151019aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After its game against Michigan State and a [[bye (sports)|bye week]], Michigan traveled to Minneapolis to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers for the Little Brown Jug. In the previous meeting, Minnesota dominated Michigan, winning 30–14.<ref>{{cite web|title=Minnesota-Michigan Box Score|website=[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 4, 2014|date=September 27, 2014|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=400547947}}</ref>

Michigan defeated Minnesota, 29–26.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan Adds Little Brown Jug to Halloween Basket|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 1, 2015|date=October 31, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/103115aaa.html|archive-date=November 4, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151104023515/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/103115aaa.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> Minnesota opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 23-yard field goal from Ryan Santoso. Michigan responded with 14 straight points via a one-yard touchdown run from Joe Kerridge near the end of the first quarter and a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to Jehu Chesson. Minnesota responded with 13 unanswered points of its own via a 30-yard field goal from Santoso, a 52-yard touchdown pass from Mitch Leidner to Rashad Still, and a 32-yard field goal from Santoso, which made the score 16–14 in favor of Minnesota at half-time. Michigan regained the lead in the third quarter when Jabrill Peppers scored his first career offensive touchdown with a five-yard rush, but Minnesota regained the lead with a 24-yard touchdown run from Leidner. Minnesota extended its lead in the fourth quarter with a 47-yard field goal from Santoso, but Michigan regained the lead with a 12-yard touchdown pass from [[Wilton Speight]]—who had replaced an injured Rudock at quarterback earlier in the half—to Jehu Chesson. Speight then completed a two-point conversion attempt with a pass to Amara Darboh, giving Michigan a three-point lead. Minnesota drove to Michigan's one-yard line on its ensuing possession, but Michigan's defense stopped both Golden Gopher attempts from the one-yard line and held on for the win as time expired.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan-Minnesota Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 1, 2015|date=October 31, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400763553}}</ref>

===vsVs. Rutgers===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=Rutgers/><ref>{{cite news|title=Rutgers–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 4, 2015|date=November 2, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151102aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304133300/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151102aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After facing Minnesota, Michigan hosted Rutgers. Rutgers won the previous meeting by a score of 26–24.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan-Rutgers Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 4, 2014|date=October 4, 2014|url=httphttps://scoreswww.espn.go.com/ncfcollege-football/boxscore?gameId=400547997}}</ref>

Michigan defeated Rutgers 49–16.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rudock Has Career Day against Knights as Wolverines Prevail|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 7, 2015|date=November 7, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110715aaa.html}}</ref> Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 13-yard touchdown pass from Jake Ruddock to Jehu Chesson. Rutgers responded with a 32-yard field goal by Kyle Federico, but Michigan added to its lead with 14 unanswered points: seven in the first via a four-yard touchdown run from Jake Ruddock, and seven in the second quarter via an 18-yard touchdown run from Jabrill Peppers. Rutgers responded with a 98-yard kickoff return by Janarion Grant, to cut Michigan's lead to 21–10. Michigan added to its lead via a 1-yard touchdown run from Drake Johnson, but Rutgers responded with a 29-yard field by Kyle Federico. Michigan added to its lead via an eight-yard touchdown pass from Jake Ruddock to Amara Darboh, but Rutgers responded with a 27-yard field goal to end the first half, which made the score 35–16 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan held Rutgers scoreless during the second half and added to its lead with 14 unanswered points via a 4-yard touchdown run from De'Veon Smith and a two-point conversion run by Jake Ruddock, a 34-yard field goal by Kenny Allen, and a 28-yard field goal by Allen in the fourth quarter.<ref>{{cite web|title=Rutgers-Michigan Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 7, 2015|date=November 7, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400763559}}</ref>

===atAt Indiana===

| Weather = 58º°F, Sunny, SW 8 MPH

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=Indiana/><ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan–Indiana Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 9, 2015|date=November 9, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151109aaa.pdf|archive-date=November 17, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151117033109/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151109aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

After hosting Rutgers, Michigan traveled to Bloomington, Indiana to face the Indiana Hoosiers. Michigan dominated the previous meeting, winning 34–10.<ref>{{cite web|title=Indiana-Michigan Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 4, 2014|date=November 1, 2014|url=httphttps://scoreswww.espn.go.com/ncfcollege-football/boxscore?gameId=400547923}}</ref>

Michigan survived an upset bid from Indiana, defeating the Hoosiers 48–41 in double overtime.<ref>{{cite web|title=Record Days from Rudock, Chesson Help U-M Outlast IU in Double OT|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 14, 2015|date=November 14, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111415aaa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151116190828/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111415aaa.html|archive-date=November 16, 2015|url-status=dead}}</ref> Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 34-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to [[Jehu Chesson]], which became a routine connection for Michigan touchdowns in the game. Indiana responded with two field goals in the first quarter from Griffin Oakes: one from 39 yards and one from 36 yards. Michigan extended its lead to eight points in the second quarter with a 15-yard touchdown pass from Rudock to Chesson, but Indiana reduced Michigan's lead to five with a 51-yard field goal from Oakes. Michigan responded under a minute later with a 64-yard touchdown pass from Rudock to Chesson, extending its lead to 12, but Indiana responded with a seven-yard touchdown pass from [[Nate Sudfeld]] to [[Jordan Howard]]. Michigan added a 22-yard field goal from Kenny Allen as time expired in the first half, making the score 24–16 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Indiana reduced Michigan's lead to one point in the third quarter with a 51-yard punt return for a touchdown from Mitchell Paige, and then took its first lead of the game with a 24-yard field goal from Oakes. Michigan regained the lead in the fourth quarter with a 20-yard field goal from Allen, but Indiana responded with a 24-yard touchdown run from Howard. Howard also converted Indiana's two-point conversion attempt, giving Indiana a seven-point lead with just under three minutes remaining in the game. Michigan responded by driving down the field and tying the game with two seconds left on a five-yard touchdown pass from Rudock to Chesson, Chesson's fourth touchdown reception of the game. The teams traded touchdowns in the first overtime, with Howard rushing for a one-yard touchdown for Indiana and Jake Butt catching a 21-yard touchdown pass from Rudock. Michigan took the lead in the second overtime via a 25-yard touchdown pass from Rudock to Amara Darboh, and then managed to stop Indiana on a fourth-and-goal attempt from the two-yard line to win the game.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan-Indiana Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 14, 2015|date=November 14, 2015|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/game?gameId=400763565}}</ref>

===atAt Penn State===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=PSU/><ref>{{cite news|title=Michigan–Penn State Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 16, 2015|date=November 16, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151116aaa.pdf|archive-date=November 23, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151123022730/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151116aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Following its game against Indiana, Michigan played its final road game against Penn State. Michigan won the previous meeting by a score of 18–13.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan edges Penn State to stop skid|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=December 4, 2014|date=October 11, 2014|url=httphttps://scoreswww.espn.go.com/ncfcollege-football/recap?gameId=400547948}}</ref>

Michigan defeated Penn State, 28–16.<ref>{{cite web|title=No. 14 Michigan Stifles Penn State for Ninth Victory|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2015|date=November 21, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112115aaa.html}}</ref> Penn State opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 23-yard field goal from Tyler Davis, but Michigan took the lead with a 26-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to Jake Butt. Penn State regained the lead in the second quarter with a 25-yard touchdown pass from Christian Hackenberg to Saeed Blacknail, but Michigan responded with an 11-yard touchdown pass from Rudock to Amara Darboh, which made the score 14–10 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan added the only score in the third quarter with a one-yard touchdown run from Sione Houma, which extended Michigan's lead to 11 points. Penn State reduced Michigan's lead to five points in the fourth quarter with two field goals from Davis, one from 24-yards, and one from 18-yards. Michigan added the final points of the game in the fourth quarter via a one-yard touchdown run from De'Veon Smith.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan-Penn State Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 21, 2015|date=November 21, 2015|url=httphttps://www.espn.go.com/ncfcollege-football/game?gameId=400763574}}</ref>

===vsVs. Ohio State===

*'''Sources:'''<ref name=OSU/><ref>{{cite news|title=Ohio State–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 23, 2015|date=November 23, 2015|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151123aaa.pdf|archive-date=November 24, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151124101551/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2015-16/release/release_20151123aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}</ref>

Following its road finale against Penn State, Michigan faced its arch-rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the 112th meeting of "The Game." Ohio State won the previous meeting by a score of 42–28.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan-Ohio State Box Score|website=scores.espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=September 2, 2015|date=November 29, 2014|url=httphttps://scoreswww.espn.go.com/ncfcollege-football/boxscore?gameId=400547951}}</ref> Prior to the game, Michigan retired six numbers that were previously a part of the "Michigan Legends" program. The numbers were 11 (worn by the Wistert Brothers—[[Al Wistert]], [[Alvin Wistert]], and [[Whitey Wistert]]), 21 (worn by [[Desmond Howard]]), 47 (worn by [[Bennie Oosterbaan]]), 48 (worn by [[Gerald Ford]]), 87 (worn by [[Ron Kramer]]), and 98 (worn by [[Tom Harmon]]). Howard's Number 21 jersey will officially be retired, as his was the only jersey of the six that was not formally retired at Michigan prior to the implementation of the legends program.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan Announces Plans to Retire Jerseys of Legends|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 28, 2015|date=July 28, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072815aab.html}}</ref>

Ohio State defeated Michigan, 42–13.<ref>{{cite web|title=Wolverines Fall in Regular-Season Finale to No. 8 Ohio State|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 28, 2015|date=November 28, 2015|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112815aab.html}}</ref> Ohio State opened the scoring in the first quarter with a seven-yard touchdown run from [[J. T. Barrett]], but Michigan responded with a 25-yard field goal by Kenny Allen. Ohio State extended its lead in the second quarter via a five-yard touchdown run from [[Ezekiel Elliott]]. Michigan responded with a five-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to Jehu Chesson, making the score 14–10 in favor of Ohio State at half-time. Ohio State responded with 14 unanswered points in the third quarter, via a 25-yard touchdown pass from Barrett to Jalin Marshall, and a 13-yard touchdown run from Barrett. Michigan responded in the fourth quarter with a 27-yard field goal by Allen. Ohio State added to its lead in the fourth quarter with 14 unanswered points via a 10-yard touchdown run from Elliott and a 17-yard touchdown run from Barrett.<ref>{{cite web|title=Ohio State-Michigan Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=November 28, 2015|date=November 28, 2015|url=httphttps://www.espn.go.com/ncfcollege-football/game?gameId=400763578}}</ref>

===vsVs. Florida===

| Weather = 83º°F, Partly cloudy, W 5 MPH

Michigan dominated Florida, winning 41–7.<ref>{{cite web|title=Stellar Seniors Lead Wolverines to Citrus Bowl Triumph|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=January 1, 2016|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010116aaa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160104164506/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010116aaa.html|archive-date=January 4, 2016|url-status=dead}}</ref> Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter with a four-yard touchdown run from Drake Johnson. Florida responded with a two-yard touchdown pass from [[Antonio Callaway]] to [[Treon Harris]], but that would be its only score of the game, as Michigan responded with 34 unanswered points. Michigan regained the lead in the second quarter with a 31-yard touchdown pass from Jake Rudock to Jehu Chesson, and then added a 21-yard field goal from Kenny Allen, making the score 17–7 in favor of Michigan at half-time. Michigan added to its lead in the third quarter via a three-yard touchdown pass from Rudock to Grant Perry and a two-yard touchdown run from Sione Houma, making the score 31–7 after three quarters. Michigan added ten more points in the fourth quarter via an eight-yard touchdown pass from Rudock to Johnson, before Allen added the final points of the game via a 25-yard field goal.<ref>{{cite web|title=Michigan-Florida Box Score|website=espn.go.com[[ESPN]]|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 1, 2016|date=January 1, 2016|url=httphttps://espnwww.goespn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=400852735}}</ref>

{{Main|2016 NFL Draftdraft}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ross|last=Douglas|num=29|pos=RB|class=J|link=y|dab=Ross Douglas (American football)}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=JuwanJuwann|last=Bushell-Beatty|num=76|pos=OL|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Grant|last=Newsome|num=77|pos=OL|class=F|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ian|last=Bunting|num=89|pos=TE|class=RFR|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Delano|last=Hill|num=44|pos=DB|class=J|link=y|dab=Lano Hill}}

* Matt Doherty (Recruitingrecruiting Coordinatorcoordinator)

* [[Chris Partridge]] (Recruitingrecruiting Coordinatorcoordinator)

* [[Matt Barnes (Defensivecoach)|Matt Barnes]] (defensive Analystanalyst)

* Rick Finotti (Directordirector of Footballfootball Operationsoperations)

* Zach Eisendrath (Directordirector of Internal Communications and Operationsoperations)

* Gwendolyn Bush (Directordirector Of Player Development)

* Derron Montgomery (Widewide Receiverreceiver/Graduategraduate Assistantassistant)

* Al Netter (Offensiveoffensive Graduategraduate Assistantassistant)

* [[Joe Hastings (DefensiveAmerican Graduatefootball)|Joe Hastings]] (defensive graduate Assistantassistant)

* [[Drew Terrell]] (Offensiveoffensive Graduategraduate Assistantassistant)

* Michael Switzer (Offensiveoffensive Analystanalyst)

<ref>{{Cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/coaches-m-footbl.html|title=2015 Michigan Football Coaching Staff|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=January 25, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112195203/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/coaches-m-footbl.html|archive-date=January 12, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mich-m-footbl-mtt.html|title=2015 Michigan Football Roster|access-date=January 25, 2015|publisher=[[CBS Interactive]]|work=MGoBlue|archive-date=May 13, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110513060939/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mich-m-footbl-mtt.html|url-status=dead}}</ref>