Wednesday, November 19, 1975
THEE MICHIGAN DAILY
Page Seven
Vo
2dBlue r
By PAUL CAMPBELL
When Ohio State and Michigan meet on a
By JEFF SCH I LLER football field, strange things happen. Easy field
goals are missed. Apparent touchdowns are
called back. Sideline markers are torn up by
B.. . irate coaches.
. But to find the strangest game between the
s. s . a chtC en1 two powers, you have to look back 25 years. It
J was then, on Nov. 25, 1950, that Michigan and
BOWL INTEGRITY. Wayne Duke described it as the ability Ohio State played their wildest game. It also
and responsibility of the bowl games to match the best was one of their best. It was the legendary
teams for the benefit of college football fans. It's a nice principle. Snow Bowl, played under the worst conditions
Too bad it wasn't practiced. in Michigan football history.
7 7
'ses moo
an hour about the question.
IT WAS JUST as well that they were un-
decided. because the game was unavoidably
m
in
1950
snow
delayed by the conditions. It took the;
crew an hour just to peel the snow and
the tarp covering the field. Members
team, waiting patiently for the decision,
with the shoveling in the end zone.
But Crisler and Larkin, realizing that
called off an Ohio State-Michigan game
ground
ice off
of the
helped
if they
(which
Pairings for the four major bowls were announced Monday,
and either Nebraska or Oklahoma will be excluded. The pair
are ranked second and seventh respectively in the national
polls and either would be a great bowl attraction, yet the loser
of Saturday's Big Eight showdown was passed over in favor of
Georgia (number 13) and Penn State (number 10) each of whom'
rank below them. .
Why? Because Bear Bryant wants it that way. The
Alabama coach wanted to name his opponent as a reward forI
consenting to appear in a bowl game. Since ,the Sugar is the
only major bowl without a binding contract to at least one
team, Bryant chose New Orleans and Penn State, an arrange-
ment agreed to by all concerned.
So the Big Eight runner-up had only the Cotton Bowl to turn
to. And the Texans, understandably worried about the deja vu'
inherent in a possible Texas-Oklahoma rematch, opted for
Georgia. For Nebraska or Oklahoma, it was all-over but for the
shouting of their enraged supporters.
It would be easy to blame Bryant. But if one puts oneself
in "the Bear's shoes," it is not difficult to sympathize with his
plight. Bryant hasn't won a bowl game in his last eight appear-,
ances, sporting an 0-7-1 record since 1966. Understandably, he's;
looking for someone he can beat.
In fact, even furious Tom Osborne (Nebraska's head
coach, "I guess I might do the same thing in his (Bryant's)
position." The Bear, after all, has to please the folks back
home. His ducking of the Big Eight, while certainly repre-
hensible, can only be allocated part of the blame.
Another clearcut contributor is the Sugar Bowl Committee..
Armed with the only major left, they still allowed Bryant to
dictate his terms. They could have offered the Tide a bid
secure in the knowledge that Alabama had little choice but to
accept. And even if Alabama refused, Penn State versus the
Big Eight runner-up would have been an excellent attraction.
The Committee though, was obviously unwilling to take even
the slightest risk of losing Bryant and Co. And that leads to the
crucial question: What makes a team with the Tide's bowl'
record such a must commodity?
A small part of the answer involves geographical considera-:
tions. The theory is that there will be a greater market for a
bowl if it involves a local team.
Maybe. But this year's Orange Bowl provides a test of that
theory. The Miamians just went out and got the two bestj
teams' they could find. Any doubt that they'll have a well-
attended, publicized and viewed game?
No, the real reason that Alabama is so popular is the,
media-nspired myth about the quality of Southeast Conference:
football. No one who saw Alabama against Missouri on national
TV, or who examines the out-of-conference records of any of
the Southeast teams can rationally believe that 'theSoutherns
play the best football in the country. Their bowl records prove it.
Yet you would certainly think that the Southeast Conference is
BOB UFER, the radio voice of the Michigan
Wolverines for the past 30 years, remembers
just how awful the weather was on that day.
"Fourteen games were postponed that day
because of snow. Ohio Stadium was in terrible
shape. The temperature had dropped to ten
degrees above zero. The winds were whipping
into the stadium from the open end, and there
was snow everywhere. The end zones were
buried under huge white drifts,"
Indeed, there was a great deal of doubt as to
the advisability of playing the game at all.
Fritz Crisler and Dick Larkin, the athletic di-
rectors of the two schools, consulted for over
even then was considered one of the premiere
rivalries in the nation), they would be setting
a dangerous precedent.
So, the snow show went on. Ohio State, who
had been rated first in the nation until they lost
to Illinois, was considered a three touchdown
favorite. They were led by the 1949 Heisman
Trophy winner, Vic Janowicz.
MICHIGAN, on the other hand, had had a
disappointing season. After early losses to
Michigan State and Army, they came back to
beat Dartmouth and Wisconsin. But a tie with
Minnesota and a loss to Illinois seemed to end
all hopes for conference laurels and a Rose
Bowl berth.
The Illini had only lowly Northwestern to con-
quer to qualify for the invitation to Pasadena.
The Wolverines were relaxed, thinking only of
Ohio State.
"We knew that - we could beat them," re-
calls Bill Putich who quarterbacked that year's
team. "It was The Game, and was our chance
to salvage the season."
THE FIRST break of the game came early
in the opening quarter. Chuck Ortmann, Mich-
igan's halfback who also handled the punting
chores, dropped back on first down deep in his
own territory to kick. But a ferocious Buckeye
rush led to a blocked punt, and Bob Momsen
recovered for the Bucks on the Michigan 6.
However, it was a day when moving the ball
forward was quite a feat. Ohio State lost 15
yards in three plays. They settled for a Janowicz
field goal, which he kicked with gym shoes
rather than cleats. -
Michigan pulled within a point late in the
quarter when Al "Brick" Wahl, the team cap-
tain and an All-American, broke through to
block a Janowicz .punt. The ball slipped out of
the side of the end zone for a safety.
JANOWICZ was victimized again late in the
half. Tony Momsen, the Michigan linebacker
whose brother played for OSU, blocked a punt
in OSU territory. He scrambled after the ball
and recovered it in the end zone snow for a
touchdown. The extra point was good, and
Michigan led 9-3.
Late in the game the news came through-
Northwestern had upset Illinois. Ralph Straffon,
who had replaced Don Dufek at fullback when
Dufek hurt his leg early in the game, remem-
bers what it was like in the huddle. "We all
started jumping up and down-because we were
happy, and also because we were trying to
keep warm.
"WE KNEW that if we could hang on, we'd
get to go to California and thaw out."
Staffon, who weighed only 188 pounds, was
Michigan's leading rusher for the day, with 14
yards in 12 carries. Michigan won without the
benefit of a single first down. They netted 27
total yards, to 41 for the Buckeyes. Michigan
didn't complete a pass, OSU completed 3 in 18
attempts.
But the most amazing statisic was the num-
ber of punts-24 for Michigan and 21 for Ohio
State. The total of 45 is still a record for a
single game.
THE SNOW BOWL wasn't really a football
game, but rather an exercise in courage and
enthusiasm. All conventional rules were thrown
out the window, but the mazing determination
of the men on the field have left us a legacy
that is hard to forget.
that is hard to forget.
BIG TEN COACHES CALL IT EVEN
ALI w I
,
By toiz gives
By KATHY HENNEGHAN down on fumbles will come
out ahead.
"I think you people win too Stolz predicted a relatively
damned much down there," said low-scoring football game, "as it
Spartan football coach Denny usually is in a Big Ten show-
Stolz, "and I don't know what down. I think it's the third down
you want to talk to-me for." I conversions and the kicking
"If they played ten times," game that will be key factors."
said Illini coach Bob Blackman,- Pont agre ntesoig
"Ohio~~~~ Stt ol i ieaPn greed on the scoring.
"Ohio State would win five, "They both have super defenses.
Michigan hwould winwfour, and In spite of superb offensive per-
I think the last one would be a sonnel, I guess I just can't see
toss-up."; that much scoring. I really
In a poll of several coaches can't."
t r o u n d the Big Ten - Stolz, There was less agreement on
Blackman, Cal Stoll of Minne- what effect, if any, the so-called
sota, Alex Agase of Purdue, and home field advantage would
John P o n t of Northwestern have.
(whose team did not play Ohio a"Both teams have a very
State), most were reluctant to great ability to tune in on the
pick a winner in Saturday's game itself," said Pont. "I
clash between the Maize and think the crowd will have a
Blue and Ohio State. positive effect on Ohio State
Stoll thought errors would as well as on Michigan."
be a key factor in the game. ( Stolz -favored the home ad-
"In the battle of field posi- vantage theory. "The home field
tion, 'whoever can convert the is always an advantage, and
third and long, comes up with anyone who says it isn't doesn't
f e w e r penalties, and cuts watch the statistics much .
nod
to
Blue
I don't know of anyone who "I don't think the Michigan
doesn't like to play at home, I'll defense can stop them," said
put it that way." Stolz, "but Ohio State won't
A great deal of attention will rip 'em-,for a lot of yardage,
be forcused on the duel between either."
t h e quarterbacks: Michigan "Michigan h a s improved
freshman Rick Leach and Ohio more from the season's begin-
State's four-year veteran Cor- ning to end than has Ohio
nelius Greene. I State," Stolz concluded. "I
"Leach is a very, very good think Michigan will win the
quarterback," said Stolz. "Ac- football game."
tually, he's no 'freshman'- Stoll went with the Buckeyes:
he's played ten games- now. "If there's an edge, I'd have to
But Greene has lots more ex- say it would be with Ohio
perience in the big ball State, because they have more
'games." experience. They're a little
In comparing the personnel of older. Bo's got a very good
the two teams, the consensus team, but a very young team."
was a draw. "They could play to a tie,"
"As good as Archie Griffin agreed Agase. "But all this is
is," said Stoll, "I think Gordon speculation. They play the game
Bell is maybe more apt to make on Saturday, so let's just wait
the big play." and see who wins."
OHIO STATE'S Archie Griffin dives over the top against
Michigan last year, only to be thwarted by Jeff Perlinger (97)
and Calvin O'Neal (96). Griffin rushed for 111 yards in the
Columbus clash last year.
+
(u'ridde Picks
B lly o's
men lack experience,
butt alent teems among matmen
head and shoulders above the rest to look at their bowl and poll By RICK BONINO (only three starters return to; Schuck was injured last year, to
representation year after year. the Michigan lineup compared takes the graduated Schuck's Ja
This weekend, Michigan foot- to Iowa's nine returners.) "We 142-pound spot. Briggs outdueled thi
And. as long as people buy the "Alabama greatness ball coach Bo Schembechler pits know these guys are good, but senior Rich Valley for the job.! or
myth," the Bear will continue to be able to pull off the his relatively young squad, led they haven't been tested in a AT 158, a beefed-up Brad Hol ]
type of thing he pulled off this ytear. Lsto off the by a freshman quarterback, meet situation." man, who showed agility and po- tw
type a vt r n, d f n in I H GA ' o f tre a higheaulledeofftthiseyear. Les t o uone r uAn
Arbor care a whit what happens to the Big Eight runner-up, aain ah v ateteand MICHIGAN'S youth rests at tential at 142 last season, ranks p
it could just as easily be the Big Ten runner-up next time amso hio w eekeam. the lower weights, with two as the current starter. Holman fi
aound.x Also this weekend, Michigan freshmen and four sophomores may get a battle when junior
around.wrestling mentor Bill Johanne-
sestaig een er on- manning those starting spots. Rick Emerson, a transfer from
The ironic part of the whole situation is that Penn State s s The outstanding frosh so far Navy last year, becomes elig
will probably beat Alabama. Somehow though, that fact is un- tinqentontheirway to an even- has been 150-pounder Mark ible in January.
likely to give a great deal of solace to Oklahoma or Nebraska;I tual confrontation with another Churella f r o m Farmington. ,V h i 1 e talented youngsters
supporters. It probably won't even destroy the SEC's reputation. squad the Iowa Hawkeye hap Churella, one of the nation's abound, the older, bigger guys 1
lers most prized recruits, added tO don't exactly rank as slouches.
All it will do is cross Penn State off the Bear's ever "I'm a little nervous" Jo- his already impressive creden- Junior team captain Mark2
shortening list of opponents for next year's bowl games. hannesen said of his new faces tials with a National Federation Johnson settles down at 177 this 4
-Freestyle championship at 154 season after shifting between 4
last ~m1er and 190 last year. Johnson, 6
IAFR A I NNOTHER freshman National 167 6 tesyna ono,
IM-FORTIIATION FedER fha ationapacrAosGod a strong postseason honors can- 7.
Federation placer, Amos Good- Ididate, took fourth in the con- 8
low, takes over at 126. The Flint ference at 167 last year. a
11Northwestern grad, who cap-;Rtrigsnohevwgt11
Nl M -uss t"red third at 132 in the Greco- Returning senior heavyweight 1
Roman division, has over 500 Mitch Marsicano will try to 1
P wins already to his credit in better his third-place Big Ten 13
high school and summer tourney finish of last year. John Ryan, r 15
By PATRICK RODE In "A" football finals the "A" ens 8-6 to take the "C" title, and bouts the only other senior starter, 16
Wrestling in the Residence playoffs have Sigma Alpha Ep- Douglas defeated Butler 22-0 to A qat f etakes over at 167. Last year's 17
Hall and Fraternity divisions is silon scheduled to play Delta win the "D" crown. homore od eoer starter at 158, Ed Neiswender 1s
about to get under way. Weigh- Upsilon, Alpha Delta Phi In "B" Football Adams took weights.Greg Haynes beat out ' will also see action at 167 after
ins will be conducted Decem- against Sigma Nu in the "B" Chicago 14-6 for the "A" classmate Todd Schneider for he recovers from illness.
ber 1 at 7:00 p.m. in the men's finals, Phi Beta Sigma versus championship, Pilot Program the 118 pound berth in a repeat Harold King, a transfer from
locker room at the main sports Delta Chi in the "C" playoffs, edged Couzens 7-6 to win the of last year's preseason scram- Grand Rapids Junior College,
building. Matches will start im- and in the 'D" finals Sigma Chi "B" title, Hamilton shut-out ble. rounds out the starting lineup
mediately and continue that en- goes against Trigon. Scott 6-0 to take the "C" crown, Rich Lubell, impressive at 126 at 190. King, third in the JC
tire week. All-Campus wrest- The "B" football finals has and Taylor handily defeated last year when now-graduated nationals two years ago, is back-
ling will begin the following Sigma Alpha Epsilon against ' Van Duren 18-0 for the "D" Jim Brown went at 118, moves ed up by senior Steve Schuster,
Monday, December 8 with Phi Delta Theta in the "A" championship, in at 134 this season. Karl graduated 190-pound captain I
Weigh-ins held at 7:00 p.m. championships, Kappa Sigma - Briggs, who got a chance to,- Daue Curby's caddy for so long.
There is a multitude of re- versus Delta Upsilon in the display his talents when Bill "WE WANT TO finish in the
SLBU5 "U r1jtuULfw'in riyuuai - " ji e a , n Sigm
p five or six in the nation,"
ohannesen said. "I'd like to
ink we could be either first
second in the Big Ten."
Last year's crew tied for
welfth nationally after a disap-
ointing fourth-place conference
nish.
. Ohio State at MICHIGAN
Z. Illinois at N'Western
3. Purdue at Indiana
4. Mich. St. at Iowa
5. Wisconsin at Minn.
6. Nebraska at Oklahoma
7. SMUJ at Baylor
8. Mass, at Boston College
9. Columbia at Brown
10. California at Stanford
11. Cincinnati at Miami (0)
12. Clemson at S. Carolina
13. Colgate at Rutgers
14. Kansas St. at Colorado
15. Cornell at Penn l
16. Dartmouth at Princeton
17. N. Carolina at Duke
18. Harvard at Yale
19. Holy Cross at Connecticut
20. Oklahoma St. at Iowa St.
21. Tennessee at Kentucky
23.
24.
25..
26.
27..
28.
29,
30.
3 .11
3.
33.
34.
35.
36.'
37.1
38.
-39.
40.
Lafayetteat Lehigh
LSU at Tulane
Virginia at Maryland
Notre Dame at Miami (Fla.)
Miss. Vs Miss St. (at Jackson)
Missouri at Kansas
Ohio U. at Marshall
Oregon St. at Oregon
Penn St. at Pitt.
Drake at Temple
Texas Tech at Arkansas
Kent St. at Toledo
Wash. St. at Washington
W. Virginia at Syracuse
Wyoming at Air Force
Bowling Green at Texas-
Arlington .
New Mexico St. at New Mexico
Boston U. of Villanova
Ohio St. Lantern at
DAILY LIBELS (at Wines Field)
The Top 20
By The Associated Press
. Ohio St. 46 10-0-0
(tie DAILY LIBELS)
10-0-0"
. Nebraska 11 10-0-0
. Texas A&M 1 9-0-0
. MICHIGAN 8-0-2
5Alabama 9-1-0
6Texas 9-1-0
7Oklahoma 9-1-0
. Arizona St. 10-0-0
. Colorado 8-2-0
. Penn St. 8-2-0
. Arizona 8-1-0
Florida 8-2-0
3California 7-3-0
. UCLA 7-2-1
. Georgia 8-2-0
. Miami,a0. 9-10
. Pitt 7-3-0
. Missouri 6-4-0
Arkansas 7-2-0
kMaryland 7,2-1
1,136
t1,136
1,058-
887
756
671
609
590I
432
326
308
222
196
140
121
8811
68 a
62
461
33
301
PRESENTS
STUDENT NIGHT
All Students With I.D. Pay Only 50c Cover
Charge Every Wednesday.
DANCE TO THE MUSIC OF
EXPRESS
516 E. LIBERTY 994-5350
(tie Ohio State
Lantern)
8-0-2
m mJ { Nfm G 00wMwwm a
suits to report withgraduate ! I titlgaean Sim
Football, Fraternity Football Chi scheduled to play Delta
and Racquetball, and Resi- Chi. The "D" title was won
dence Hall Football and Rac- by Phi Sigma Kappa when
quetball all going into their they shut-out Theta Delta Chi
final games. In Graduate "A" 8-0.t
Football the "A" playoffs Residence Hall "A" Football<
have M-1 scheduled to play has three finals finished with
the Phid Flies for the Cham- Mosher - Gold yet to play Chi- -
pionship. cago in the "A" playoffs. In:
SCORE~S
i
NBA
New York 101, Portland 92
Buffalo 120, Los Angeles 106
Houston 95, Cleveland 91
Golden State 112, New Orleans 104
NHL
california 5, Pittsburgh 3
Buffalo 3, N. Y. Islanders 1
Toronto 4, Washington 2
Atlanta 2, Vancouver 2, tie
Minnesota 5, St. Louis 1
Fraternity
wit finished
Football finals are playoffs Taylor beat Van
as of this writing. Tyne 6-0, Anderson beat Couz-
T
r
Ours comes out
smelling like a roast.
A C T R A V E L M IC H . U N IO N 7 6 3 -2 14VC T O P C A E
CHRISTMAS SPECIALS
VACATION PACKAGES
* SKI PARK CITY UTAH
$285 /$299
DECEMBER 30-JANUARY 6
DOMESTIC FLIGHTS
* NEW YORK (LaGuardia)--$79.73
DEPART DEC. 18, 19, 20.
'' - r% S f A l 1 &11 %5 ""
HALF-PRIC
on
,
-TONIGHT-
HAPPY HOUR
a
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DRINKS
6-8:30
Movies every Mon. & Tues. Nites
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