4 -The Michigan Daily - SportsThursday - January 4, 2UU.t


GAME STATISTICS

Team Stats
First Downs
Rushes/Yards
Passing Yards
Offensive Plays
Total Offense
Return Yards
Comp/Att/Int
Punts/Avg
Fumbles/Lost
Penalties/Yards
ime of Poss

AUB
.23
35/92
394
72
486
91
28/37/2
3/42.7
2/1
7/60
30:03

MICH
21
42/159
294
63
453
39 ,
15/21/0
4/43.5
2/1
2/20
29:57

A U B U R N

PASSING,
Player
eard
Totals
RUSHING
Player
R. Johnson
Evans
C. Robinson
Carter
leard
Totals
RECEIVING
Player
Daniels
Willis
Evans
Green
C. Robinson
Carter
R. Johnson
Totals

C-A
28-37
28-37

Yds TD
394 3
394 3

AKt
25
3
2
4
35
No.
5
4
4
.3
2
28

Yds
85
16
4
-2
-1 1
92
Yds
9s
69
51
49
70
42
15
394
No.
3
3
Yds
41
2
43

Avg
3.4
53
40
-1.0
-2.8
2.6
Avg
14.0
13.8
128
12 3
23.3
14.0
7.5
14.1

Lg
12
17
4
1
2
17
Lg
47
34
43
21
32
23
8
47

Int
2
2
TD
a
a
a
0
0
1
To
1
0
C
1
0
3

Durable
By David Den Herder
Daily Sports Editor
ORLANDO - Anthony Thomas is
a soft-spoken man. Which, today, is
just fine. Because his name is now
atop the list of Michigan's most elite
backs in history, and there are no
more questions to be asked.
Except perhaps one.
How does it feel '
"Well," Thomas said, "it hasn't
really set in yet."
In, fact, as the senior rumbled into
the endzone for Michigan's second
touchdown Monday, he didn't even
realize he'd set the all-time rushing
record.
It was just another big gainer for
the tailback. Just another touchdown.
"What I appreciate about Anthony
is that he has never changed."
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said. "All
the accolades, all the awards that he

won never changed him. He's the
same guy that walked in here."
When Thomas walked into the
Michigan program, it was on the
verge of constructing an undefeated
national championship. And in the
first game of that perfect season, as a
true freshman, Thomas got the call
nine times, rushing for 20 yards
against Colorado.
His powerful style immediately
turned heads, and as the season wore
on, Carr and the coaching staff gave
Thomas more opportunity to make a
name for himself. In contests against
apparent underdogs like Baylor and
Iowa, Thomas was given more than
20 carries and rushed for over 100
yards a game.
By the time the hype was in swing
for Michigan's Rose Bowl showdown,
the freshman had indeed made a name
for himself: The A-Train.
It turned out to be a fitting

Train's four years a success story

a

I

moniker. Michigan's A-Train, it's No.
1 option, it's go-to guy would act
more like a freight train in the years
to come. Thomas missed only one
game his entire Michigan career,
proving that durability is still the best
prescription for success in the Big
Ten.
"When you think of all the great
running backs we've had at
Michigan," Carr reflected, "for him to
earn those records - Anthony was
never in there when the game was out
of hand. He earned those records in
the heat of the game."
Thomas knows the durability that
earned him such acclaim is at least in
partially due to a corps without a
nickname.
Michigan's All-American offensive
line -anchored by Steve Hutchinson
and Jeff Backus - has quietly
cleared the track for Thomas for four
championship seasons. In a sense, the

record belongs to them, too. Thomas
is never anything but thankful to his
mates, and has even been known to
buy them pizzas from time to time as
a token of his appreciation.
He couldn't buy them a nickname,
but after the Citrus Bowl, Backus had
suggested a rather catchy one.
'"I think we are the best offensive
line in the country," he said.
Carr may be correct that Thomas
has not changed much since coming to
Ann Arbor. But when he finally real-
ized what he'd accomplished at the
Citrus Bowl on New Year's Day,
Thomas turned to the one "change" in
his life that helped convince him to
stay at Michigan for his senior season.
After collecting congrats from his
mates, Thomas delivered the game
ball to his wife in the the stands.
"It was a spur of the moment deci-
sion," he said. "I just wanted her to be
a part of it."

SEASON RUSHING
Antnony Tnomas' 182 yards on
32 carries in the Citrus Bowl
pushed him into second on the
all-time list for rushing yards i
a season.
The top ten runners:
PlayerYear Yards
T. iakabatuka 1995 1,818
Anthony Thomas 2000 1,733
Jamie Morris 1987 1,703
Rob Lytle 1976 1,469
Butch Woolfolk 1981 1,459
Tony Boles 1988 1,408
Ron Johnson 1968 1,391
Gordon Bell 1975 1,388
Lawrence Ricks 1982 1,388
Jon Vaughn 1990 1,364
Tyrone Wheatley 1992 1,357

i

PUNTING
Player
Duval
Totals
KICKOFF RETURNS
Player No..
Hood1
Carter1
Totals 2
PUNT RETURNS
Player No.
C.'Robinson 4
Totals 4
DEFENSE
Player
Walker
Chambers
Mills
D.'Thomas
McNeil
Lincoln
Rose
Simmons
Casher
Crayton
Torbor
Pate
Attimy
T. Robinson
Brown
Sears
Evans
S. Johnson
Pate

Yds Avg Lg
128 42.7 55
128 42.7 55

Avg Ig
41.0 41
2.0 2
21.5 41

TO
0
0
o.

Yds Avg Lg
48 12.0 19
48 12.0 19

Solo
4
s
4
3
3
2
2
2
3
3
1
2
0
1
Yds
0
0

Asst
3
0
2
3
3
4
3
3
0
0
2
0
0
1
1
1

TO
0
0
Tot
7
6
6
6
6
6
5
5
3
-3
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
TO
0
0

Mitley's dismissal hurts defensive backfield

By Mak Francescutti
DmV Sports Editor

PASS DEFENSE
Player
Casher
Totals

nt
O
0

Lg
0
0

Brk-up
1

M I C H I G AN

PASSING
Player'
Henson
Thomas
Totals
RUSHING
Player
Thomas
Bellamy
Cross
Henson
Totals
RECEIVING
Player
Terrell
Walker
Thomas
Askew
Totals
PUNTING:
Player
Epstein
Totals

C-A
15-20
0-1
16-21

Yds
294
0
294

TD
2
0
2
Lg
25
8
9
25

Att
32
3
.6
42
No.
4
4
4
3
t5.

Yds
182
13
0
-36
207
Yds
136
100
32
26
, 94

Avg
5.7
4.3
0.0
-6.0
3.8

Avc
3
25.c
8.
8;
16.;

'g Lg
o 52
0 59
0 25
7 23
Avg
43.5
43.5

No. Yds
4 174
4 174

KICKOFF RETURNS
Player No.
Perry 1
Cross . 1.
Total, .. 2
PUNT RETURNS
Player No.
Bellamy 2
Totals 2
DEFENSE
Player
E. Brackins
Patmon
Foote
B. Williams
Hobson
LeSueur
Orr
Wilson
Boebert
Drake
Spytek
Howard
Lazarus
Curry
Coleman
Stevens
V'illiams
Sechler

Yds
21
14
-35
Yds
4
4
Solo
7
6
3
7
5.
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
0
1
1
1
1
1

Avg
21.0
14.0
17.5

Lg
21
14
21

Int
0
.0
0
TD
2
0
0
0
2
TD
1
0
0
1
2
Lg
57
57
ITD
TO
0
o
T O
iO
Tot
13
8
8
7
6
4
4
4
3
2
2
2
2
1
1
3 O
O O
10O
0 0

ORLANDO - Entering a bowl game
against a high-powered Auburn offense,
Michigan lost captain James Whitley and
backup defensive back Justin Fargas,
exposing enough holes for the Auburn
passing attack.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr dismissed
Whitley, a leader at the cornerback posi-
tion, after Ann Arbor Police arrested him
on a weapons charge.
Whitley accompanied wide receiver
David Terrell to Terrell's ex-girlfriend's
house.
The ex-girlfriend reported her apart-
ment being broken into by Terrell at 4
a.m. Thursday.
Officers found a loaded handgun
inside Whitlev's
jacket pocket, FOOTBALL
AAPD Sgt. Michael Notebook
Logghe said. Note____
Whitley told
police his teammate asked him to come
to his ex-girlfriend's apartment and he
thought there could be trouble so he
brought the gun, Logghe said.
Meanwhile. Terrell reportedly told
police lie thought his ex-girlfriend was
having a problem with her current
boyfriend, so he went over to mediate the
3matter, police said. He said he meant no
harm to the new bovfriend and he decid-
ed to leave when she did not answer the
door.
The 19-year-old Michigan student said
she ended her relationship with the foot-
ball player two years ago. She said he
called her the morning of the incident
and asked to speak to her new boyfriend,
then showed up at her apartment 30 min-
utes later said Logghe.
Whitley will have his preliminary
hearing Jan. 10.
Justin Fargas, who moved from run-
ning back to safety after the Illinois
game, didn't play in the bowl game
either. Fargas decided to transfer to a
California school due to a lack of playing
time and "unhappiness," his father
Antonio Fargas said.
Without Whitley as a team leader and
Fargas as a backup, the Wolverines strug-
gled on pass defense.
Todd Howard fell down, Brandon

Williams got beat on several plays, and
Auburn exploited a porous zone defense.
Auburn quarterback Ben Leard was 28-
of-37 and set school records for passing
yards in a bowl (394) and touchdown
passes (3).
Wideout Ronney Daniels came up big
for the Tigers with seven receptions for
98 yards.
"They did a few different things out
there, gave us some different looks,"line-
backer Eric Brackins said. "That may be
the reason for some of the pass coverages
that we missed on."
On the brighter side, Julius Curry had
a key interception in the second quarter
with the game tied 14-14 and deflected
another pass that DeWayne Patmon
recovered for a pick.
Patmon also sacked Leard, forcing a
fumble that Michigan recovered.
Carr made no mention of Whitlev
after the game. even leaving him out of
the losses on defense for next season.
"With the exception of DeWayne
Patmon and Eric Wilson everyone will be
back (on defense)," Carr said.
Ru~isIIE K oui: Sophomore Dan
Rumishek, who earned team MVP hon-
ors for best defensive lineman, sat out
of the bowl game with a viral infection.
The team learned of Rumishek's con-
dition on New Year's Eve as the
Wolverines watched Gladiator as their
team movie.
Senior Eric Wilson, Michigan's Citrus
Bowl defensive MVP, said he would have
preferred Scarface, but did his best
Russell Crowe impression during the
game. The defensive lineman picked up
the slack nicely with four tackles, all for
a loss, including his first sack of the year.
"When Coach said (that I needed to
have my best game) I took it personal,"
Wilson said. "Someone had to step up
and I think I did that."
Wilson's help halted Rudi Johnson to
only 85 yards. It was only the third game
this season the runner was held under 100
yards.
TRICK OR TREAT: Both Auburn and
Michigan had their share of trick plays on
Monday.
Coach Tommy Tuberville tried the
"Globe" on a kickoff return in the second
quarter. Several Auburn players came
together to surround the ball and then

Y. ,~
,.. .
, ' _
h.
. w

DAVID KATZ4Daly
(12) had trouble keeping up with the Auburn receivers all game at the Citrus Bowl.

Avg Lg
20 5
2.0 5
Asst
6
2
1
0
1
2
0
2
C
C
0
0
0

Charles Drake (24) and Brandon Williams
scatter, hoping the Wolverines would be
confused as to which Tiger had the ball.
It wasn't as effective as Auburn would
have liked, as Roderick Hood brought the
kickoff back to just the 25-yard line.
The Wolverines tried some trickery as
well, scoring their first touchdown on a
flea flicker - Henson hands off to
Thomas, back to Henson, who then aired
it 31 yards to Terrell in the end zone.
Carr's second ruse came on a halfback
option pass from Thomas which fluttered
incomplete.
"We've worked on that play for four
years. And it's taken him four years to
where he could throw it," Carr said. "As
a matter of fact before the Ohio State
game we had the play in for them,
because his high school said 'There's
only one thing Anthony can't do -
throw the ball.' So we worked that play in
practice.'
Carr then looked over to Thomas and
told him to put in his NFL contract an

item that earns him a bonus for every
touchdown pass he throws.
MAKEUP PLAY: Punt returner Ronald
Bellamy saved face after his second quar-
ter fumble with a quick grab of Auburn's
last-ditch onsides kick in the fourth.
With Auburn down three points,
Damon Duval's kick bounced right to
Bellamy's chest, ending almost all hope
for the Tigers to get the ball back.
"I was so disappointed with myself
because I know I'm better than that,"
Bellamy said. "After the (fumble on the)
punt, I had to go out and pick myself
back up the game was on the line."
FOUR IN A ROW: For the first time in
Michigan history, the Wolverines' seniors
leave with a 4-0 record in bowls.
Michigan won the national champi-
onship in 1998 with a 21-16 Rose Bowl
win over Washington State. In 1999 the
Wolverines defeated Arkansas, 45-31, in
the Citrus Bowl. Last season, Michigan
beat Alabama 35-34 (OT) in the Orange

Bowl. Carr is the first coach in Michigan
history, to win four bowls in a row.
LE ARD ON CoRso: Leard didn't take
ESPN Gameday analyst Lee Cors
game prediction'to heart.
Corso said before the Citrus Bowl to
expect a Michigan blowout victor.
"I hope he takes note of this game and
realizes Auburn is back on the map.'
Leard said. "'We were able to compete
with the tradition and all the skill that a
team like Michigan has.
"To be able to take them for four quar-
ters and lose by three points, I think that's
probably a good statement for Aubutr-n.
CrRUS "ENTERIAINMENT: Monday's
game entertainment included a prega4
show of over 700 cheerleaders and 19
mascots. It was complimented with a
halftime show starring Take 5, a boy band
from the area, and 1,300 cheering girls
The Wolverines didn't "take five" from
Auburn - Michigan only had three take-
aways.


PASS DEFENSE
Player
Curry
Patmon
LeSueur
Totals

Int Yds
1 39
1 0
0 0
2 39

Lng
39
0
0
39

Brk-up

STAFF PICKS
BowL PICKS
ALL PICKS MADE AGAINST THE SPREAD.

David
Den Herder

P'4
JESSICA JOHNSON/Daily
PLAYER OF THE GAME.
ANTHONY THomAs: Who else?
Battered and bruised throughout his
career at Michigan, Thomas never
missed a substantial part of any sea-
son due to injury.
He was always around, always car-

Mobile Alabama: Texas Christian (-7) vs. Southern Miss
Las Vegas: Arkansas (even) vs. UNLV
Aloha: Arizona State(-4) vs. Boston College
Oahu: Georgia (-10)vs. Virginia
Motor City: Cincinnati (-5) vs. Marshall
GaliaryFurnture.com: Texas Tech (-1) vs. East Carolina
Humanitarian: Boise State (-6) vs. Texas El Paso
Music City: Mississippi (-4) vs. West Virginia
Insight.com: Pittsburgh (even) vs. Iowa State
MicronPC.com: Minnesota (-4) vs. North Carolina State
Liberty: Colorado State (-2.5) vs. Louisville
Sun: Wisconsin (-4.5) vs. UCLA
Peach: Georgia Tech (-4.5) vs. Louisiana State
Holiday: Texas (-7) vs. Oregon
Alamo: Nebraska (-14.5) vs. Northwestern
Silicon Valley: Fresno State (-1) vs. Air Force
Independence: Texas A&M (-1.5) vs. Mississippi State

Southern Miss
UNLV
Boston College
Virginia
Cincinnati'
Texas Tech
Texas El Paso
Mississippi
Pittsburgh
Minnesota
Louisville
UCLA
Louisiana State
Oregon
Northwestern
Air Force
Texas A&M

Chris
Duprey
Southern Miss
Arkansas
Arizona State
Georgia
Marshall
Texas Tech
Boise State
Mississippi
Pittsburgh
Minnesota
Colorado State
UCLA
Louisiana State
Oregon
Northwestern
Air Force
Texas A&M

Mark
Francescutti

Stephanie
Offen

Texas Christian
Arkansas
Boston College
Georgia
Marshall
Texas Tech
Boise State
Mississippi
Iowa State
Minnesota
Colorado State
UCLA
LouisiAna State
Oregon
Nebraska
Air Force
Texas A&M

Texas Christian
UNLV
Arizona State
Georgia
Marshall
Texas Tech
Boise State
Mississippi
Iowa State
Minnesota
Louisville
UCLA
Louisiana State
Oregon
Northwestern
Air Force
Mississippi State
Tc reco

Mark Frarlcescutti
once again
"guessed" right
this week and
became this sea-
son's staff picks
c hampioa,

"I really -shouldn't
thank myself,"
Frances utti said.
I called that tarot reading lady
Cleo to make all of my picks."
Apparently. the "Hanged Man"
card was at work when Ohio State
and coach John Cooper lost to
South Carolina.
Fortunately, Francescutti's so-
called luck with the cards never ran
out, as he finished off the season
19 games above .500 and managed
to hold off his close competitors.
In the final bowl week, all of the
writers except Dave Den Herder fin-
ished above .500, but Francescutti
proved his brind luck once again
with a leading 1778 record.
In addition to Francescutti, Chris
Duprey finished above .500 with a
95-92 record.
Stephanie Offen pulled away from
Den Herder for- third-place honors

;'

FRANCESCUTTI
WINS IT!






I