The 1962 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1962 Big Ten Conference football season. In its fourth year under head coach Bump Elliott, Michigan compiled a 2–7 record (1–6 against conference opponents), finished in last place in the Big Ten, and were outscored by opponents by a combined total of 214 to 70.[1][2]
The highlight of the season was a 17–7 victory over No. 10 Army, as Michigan took advantage of five Army turnovers (four interceptions and a fumble) in the second game of the season.[3]
Bob Brown was the team captain, and Dave Raimey was selected for the team's most valuable player award.[2] The team's statistical leaders included Bob Chandler with 401 passing yards, Dave Raimey with 385 rushing yards, and Harvey Chapman with 223 receiving yards.[4]
On September 29, Michigan opened its 1962 season with a 25–13 loss to Nebraska before a crowd of 70,287 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. It was Bob Devaney's second game as head coach at Nebraska. It was also Michigan's first non-conference loss since 1959.[5][13]
Neither team scored in the first quarter, as Bill Dodd of Michigan missed a field goal from the 10-yard line and then failed to convert on fourth down and a yard from the Nebraska 33-yard line. Nebraska took a 7-0 lead in the second quarter on a 70-yard drive ending in an 11-yard touchdown run by Stuewe. Michigan responded with a 61-yard touchdown drive with Dave Glinka scoring on an eight-yard run on fourth down. Michigan went ffor a two-point conversion, but Glinka's pass was incomplete. Nebraska led, 7-6, at halftime.
On the first drive of the second half, Michigan gained only one yard and was forced to punt. After the punt, Nebraska drove 81 yards and scored on a two-yard run by Bill "Thunder" Thornton (kick blocked by Jim Conley). After a fumble by Dave Raimey, the Cornhuskers drove 28 yard, scoring on a five-yard touchdown run by quarterback Dennis Claridge (pass for two-point conversion failed). In the fourth quarter, Michigan narrowed Nebraska's lead to six points on a 65-yard drive ending with a four-yard touchdown run by Dick Rindfuss (extra point by Bob Timberlake). Nebraska responded with a 75-yard drive ending with a 16-yard touchdown run by Thornton (two-point conversion failed).[5]
Dennis Claridge led Nebraska with 131 rushing yards.
Michigan used four quarterbacks (Dave Glinka, Bob Chandler, Frosty Evashevski, and Bob Timberlake) who combined to completed eight passes.
On October 6, Michigan defeated No. 10 Army by a 17–7 before a crowd of 70,749 at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines intercepted four Army passes and gave up only four Army completions. Jack Strobel scored Michigan's first touchdown on a one-yard run in the first quarter. Dave Raimey scored the Wolverines' second touchdown in the third quarter. Bob Timberlake added a 25-yard field goal and two extra points. Carl Stichweh scored for Army on 73-yard punt return in the fourth quarter. Michigan totaled 276 rushing yards in the game while holding Army to 92 rushing yards.[3]
Bob Timberlake 4-yard pass from Bob Chandler (run failed)
ILL 10–6
4
MICH
Chandler 1-yard run (Harvey Chapman pass from Chandler)
MICH 14–10
On November 10, Michigan defeated Illinois by a 14–10 before a crowd of 49,756 at Michigan Stadium. The Illini scored 10 points in the second quarter to take a 10-0 lead at halftime. Michigan converted only three first downs in the first half. In the third quarter, Dave Raimey led the Wolverines down the field on a drive capped by a four-yard touchdown pass from Bob Chandler to Bob Timberlake. Michigan attempted a two-point conversion but Chandler was tackled while trying to pass. On the next Illinois drive, Michigan end Ben Farabee intercepted an Illinois pass and returned it to the one-yard line. Chandler ran one yard for the go-ahead touchdown. The Wolverines completed the scoring with a two-point conversion on a pass from Chandler to Harvey Champman. Illinois' final two drives also ended in turnovers: a Tom Keating interception and a Jim Green fumble recovery.[10]
The following players won varsity letters for their participation on the 1962 football team. Players who started at least four games are shown with their names in bold.[2]
^"Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page". Mgoblue.com. University of Michigan. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved November 5, 2017.(statistics retrieved by entering "1962" in the box for "Games & Totals by Season" and then, at the next screen, choosing "Display Season Totals")
