ANN ARBOR, Michigan - After one of its most impressive
victories in years, sixth-ranked Michigan looks for some revenge
against Wisconsin when the teams open Big Ten Conference play
Saturday.
Last year, the Badgers ended the Wolverines' 23-game winning
streak in Big Ten openers with a 23-20 home triumph.
Quarterback John Stocco scored the go-ahead touchdown on a
four-yard keeper with 24 seconds to play.
That defeat was the Wolverines' sixth in a row in road openers,
a skid that ended with last weekend's 47-21 romp over then-No. 2
Notre Dame.
Chad Henne threw three first-half touchdowns to Mario Manningham
and linebacker Prescott Burgess had two interceptions - one for
a score - for Michigan (3-0), which posted its first win in
South Bend since 1994. Manningham and Burgess were named the
Big Ten's Offensive and Defensive Players of the Week.
The Wolverines, who limited the Fighting Irish to just four
yards on the ground, lead the country in rushing defense (20.7
yards per game) and are second in turnover margin (plus-2.67 per
game).
Wisconsin (3-0), which handed Michigan its only other loss in
its past 38 Big Ten openers in 1981, remained undefeated with a
14-0 home blanking of San Diego State last weekend.
P.J. Hill rushed for 184 yards - his third straight game with at
least 100 yards - and a touchdown for the Badgers, who were
more impressive on defense, limiting the Aztecs to 115 total
yards, including just 25 after the break.
Even with last year's victory, Wisconsin has won just four of
its past 33 meetings with Michigan.