Michigan’s Victory Fit for a Former President

It was the kind of game an old lineman like Gerald R. Ford could love. And it was payback time for Michigan.

With the 38th President looking on Saturday, Michigan used the relentless running of Tyrone Wheatley and Tshimanga Biakabutuka to grind out a 40-20 victory over Michigan State.

The No. 7 Wolverines, 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the Big Ten, retired Ford’s No. 48 jersey during halftime ceremonies. He was a Michigan center 60 years ago.

“Our offensive linemen didn’t like to hear about the great Michigan State linemen all the time,” Michigan Coach Gary Moeller said. “They like to be recognized as well. I think they’re starting to come together, and I like that. But we have to keep improving in that area.”

Michigan, which overcame an early 6-3 deficit, scored on seven consecutive possessions against the Spartans (2-3, 1-1). The Wolverines finished with 349 rushing yards while holding the Spartans to only 17 on the ground.

“No, I didn’t think we could do that,” Moeller said. “On defense, we knew that had to be our focus. The strength of that offense is the ability to run the ball.”

It marked the 26th consecutive time the winner of the ground war has won the game between the interstate rivals. The Spartans had a 131-33 edge last year in a 17-7 upset at East Lansing.

“They are a good team and they brought it to us,” Michigan State Coach George Perles said.