1997 Michigan Defense

A new tribute to the 97 Wolverine defense.

[@washitawmoor8657]

This 97 Defense was the best ever. They were the college version of the 85 Bears defense. I swear you had 11 defensive SAVAGES on that field with C.W. #2 terrorizing on BOTH sides of the field, on offense and defense.

[@jona.scholt4362]

Yep, hands down the greatest college football defense of all time. And you could make the argument that Woodson was among the greatest defensive players of all time; that Heisman over the other finalists, Peyton Manning, Randy Moss... and Ryan Leaf doesn't lie. But Marcus Ray back there was such a beast too (that hit in David Boston) in the Defensive Backfield. The line backers led by Eric Mayes (sorry his season ended at IU) Sam Sword, a young Dhani Jones and Ian Gold was a wrecking crew. As was the D line. Glen Steele was such a wrecker and was always in the backfield, Rob Renes plugged up the middle and the rushing game, Josh Hall on the edge and was super quick. It was a D for the ages; we'll never see another Michigan D that good in my lifetime (born in '84), though I hope we do! Go Blue!

[@lennielefler2081]

Although in 1985 UM had a really good team, beat the Buckeyes and then Nebraska in the Fiesta Bowl… i believe the Defense gave up-- Ready???? 57 points during the entire season!!!!!!

[@jofi4580]

I wonder how this defense stacks up statistically?

[@mikehundt4263]

Take Woodson off that team and the would’ve lost 3-4 games. One player does not the greatest team of all time make

[@jimapplebee5322]

@@lennielefler2081 They gave up 98 points all season, 8.2 a game & of course tops in the nation.

[@skylynx121]

Coming from an FSU fan...this was Michigan's best defense ever!! Always enjoy watching you guys play!!

[@bdub24j]

What I noticed and really liked about this defense, which you generally don't see, is the fact that after a tackle, they often celebrated as a squad, not so much individually, or a few people here and there which kind of looks clique-ish within a team at times. It gives the impression that the defense has a strong unit cohesiveness that's built on discipline. I've notice the more successful defenses tend to display this trait.

[@stevesoko3395]

Maybe one of the best defenses in college football history

[@ericmeyers5576]

THE BEST.

[@danieldekok6949]

Michigan's 1997 defense was scary good

[@44pachino71]

This is a true example of Defense winning a championship they were pure animals!

[@jona.scholt4362]

Anyone else remember Brent Musberger saying when ND's QB Ron Powlus was coming out of high school that he was so good that he just may win 2 Heisman trophy's at Notre Dame? Didn't quite turn out that way! I'm sure like many other QBs that year Powlus had nightmares of Michigan's defense!

[@sarahrobinson-op4oo]

Ive been watching college football for over 40 years and thats the best defense ive ever seen. They were a joy to watch. Hard to believe its been 26 years since that magical season. Go Blue!!!

[@DMichiganWol21]

I will never forget the dominating at psu. I will never forget that defense. Best defense I've ever seen in my life. Go Blue! Wolverine Historian thanks again!

[@samuelborchardt-cho7379]

I could watch this all day, you can see the heart and love of the game by each player. Seems like every player is trying to be the best

[@MrMikeRobare]

Sam Sword was a monster on the D-Line! Michigan will never have another defense like this again.Pure beasts....all of em!

[@washitawmoor8657]

That whole front line with that BEAST Glenn Steele.

[@michaeladderley5180]

Sword 93 played middle linebacker....front 3 was Williams 91, Renus 58, Glenn Steele 81....Hall 56, Jones 55, and Clint Copenhaver 43...played linebackers...secondary Woodson 2, Weathers 30, Ray 29, and Hendricks 41....

[@michaeladderley5180]

@@washitawmoor8657 and it was only 3 people that did it....

[@1997goblue]

I gotta admit I like to watch defense the most

[@chimaHD1]

I wanna see this ferociousness on the field this and every season thereafter.

[@anzwarthegreat9489]

Thank you for posting this,,,,, some of my most favorite memories as a kid was this michigan defense. That season, I didn't realize how good we were on d until the Iowa game when we were down 21-7 at the half and we shut'em out of the endzone in the second half. Hoping for the same thing every year since. Lol,,, I can dream can't I?

[@peterroberts4555]

Mine also big house on fire go blue

[@BloodCereal]

This is what an elite secondary can do for you. Blitzing on pretty much every play. Maybe we can see shades of that this year. MAYBE.

[@TheThunder323]

man u need to be given an Emmy for putting all these together!

[@qz2026]

Arguably the best Michigan team ever

[@BaconFrisbee]

Apart from Woodson, I think my favorite '97 player is probably Renes. He didn't need to sack the QB. He could just shove the center into him.

[@AJ0880]

Remember, Greg Mattison helped to build this defense through recruiting when he was at Michigan in the 1990s. He is building a similar type of defense right now. That's why the future is bright for Michigan.

[@123slasher.16]

That hit at Penn State was the most vicious hit ever.

[@shiloklien7464]

Led by not only one of the best defensive backs to play college football but one of the best defensive backs to play in the NFL, it has been an honor and a privilege to witness Charles Woodson #2 jersey should be retired

[@jona.scholt4362]

I love how you how exuberant the D was; you can tell that they loved playing ball and that they had pride and knew how great they were as a unit. Now, can we please have a defense this good again again, sometime soon? Or at least 75% as good; that would still make them the best D in the country. 75% of the greatest college football defense of all time is a high bar.

[@jessetrapp8949]

I'll take 2021 d. 97 was better but this year is just as ferocious if we had a d tackle like we did in 97 it would be hard to say which one is better

[@rmgdier8149]

I'm not sure if ppl notice this but last years defense was dominant. They finished the in the top ten, in the country. The problem was the lack of offense. The defense will be even better this year with Durkin as the DC, but its still on the offense to bring it like the defense did

[@hunterneal2597]

U sit predicted right! Go Blue

[@nedstewart1]

@@hunterneal2597 Don Browns defenses cannot beat the top teams but can smear the average teams defenses.

[@ikarooz]

A first class school, with an a- maize-ing defense, in '97, especially the Iowa game. Thanks for these classic clips. They have the tools to bring another NC, soon and dominate for years. GO BLUE!

[@airportrunway3987]

News Flash: FSU has the better athletes and because of Michigans loss to the Noles in the Orange Bowl had according to ESPN the # 4 recruiting class. 4 Five star recruits in this class. Had FSU had lost they were expecting between an #8 to #10 class.So forget dominating. Michigans recent best decade was in the 90's. And FSU was considered the best team of the 90's. Beat Michigan in the Big House and now Big House grass grows on Florida States practice field.

[@jessetrapp8949]

@@airportrunway3987 news flash FSU sucks really bad now😂🤣🤣

[@jbdmed]

17:50 this play clinched Woodson the Heisman

[@llongone2]

That hit at 4:58! Dammmmmmmmnnnnnnnn!!!!! He crushed that poor guy's soul!!!

[@416Lasane]

Woodson #2

[@MsMichiganwolverines]

GREATEST DEFENSE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!

[@TheConchologist]

Glad Michigan is back…the changing of the guard took place in this conference two weeks ago in a snowstorm in Ann Arbor. Order is restored, Michigan is back in command

[@songers_gaming]

we’ll see. As a fan who’s been watching since 2006. I’d have to see 3 more years before I’m convinced. As long as Harbaugh can go 2/3 vs Ohio and a win another big 10. I’ll be convinced

[@IVAssasinJ23]

this defense was flat out BALLING, never have I seen a defense that good

[@sly-1429]

DAMN WOODSON WAS GOOOOOOOOD!!!!!

[@jeffcummins1408]

A defense for the ages. I wish Jarrett Irons could have played the '97 team. He deserved a national title.

[@danschwartz1950]

I was at the Penn State game in Happy Valley and that bone crushing tackle Daydrion Taylor made was the last play of his career. Michigan silenced the crowd with 38-6 victory!

[@bennytherollinstoner1932]

The year I was born 97 baby here what a great time to be alive!!!!

[@fishbonebuba]

That's one hell of a video, WH. Watching it is like listening to one of your favorite albums. You know that the hits are coming, you've seen/heard them a million times, but every time they do, you're elated all over again. Thanks much!

[@michaeladderley5180]

Sword 93 played middle linebacker....front 3 was Williams 91, Renus 58, Glenn Steele 81....Hall 56, Jones 55, and Clint Copenhaver 43...played linebackers...secondary Woodson 2, Weathers 30, Ray 29, and Hendricks 41....Juaquin Feazell DE-DT; Rob Swett, Eric Mayes, and Ian Gold LB; DeWayne Patmon and Daydrion Taylor (TKO Penn St TE) CB; William Peterson FS- CB....That was Chemistry at its finest....

[@BruceHillBeats]

so much talent, so much speed. We have to get back on this level and it will be very soon. GO BLUE!

[@catstealer419dominion7]

Took us 10 years from when this comment was written, but we got there eventually

[@bigbuffguy9589]

This defense is why I think Nebraska was lucky that they didn't have to play Michigan.

[@calvinhobbes6118]

Nebraska would have gotten destroyed. Like Baylor, they wouldnt have scored double digits.

[@ImFastrnU]

Man, you watch this and it just reminds you of the way Michigan used to play. I agree with jamo2006, this current team should be embarrassed....and I'll the coaches to that as well.

[@boomps88]

never forget that PSU game one of the most dominating efforts ever!!!!!!!!!

[@8301TheJMan]

Then Alan Branch-the DE/DT sack-machine, star outside LB's in Burgess, the top coverage LB and a great pass rusher too, very similar to Cato June. Then dave Harris was their tackle-machine an run-stopper at MLB while Jr Crable who picked up that stupid penalty which arguably lost the gm for us, was the most physically gifted OLB in the country. He was a huge-6'5''! There's only 1 other LB that tall, an he was Pierre Woods-who was def the #1 LB, even tho got benched an missed alota games.

[@pdexBigTeacher]

No Michigan defense came close until 2023. Speed, physicality, and Woodson.

[@uk1941]

Im not a Michigan fan or a Big Ten fan but I remember this defense. Im a huge SEC fan but this is still the best defense I can ever remember.

[@Marcus_Aurelius_Maximus]

I am a Michigan fan, and the 2021 Georgia defense was also the GOAT.

[@uk1941]

@@Marcus_Aurelius_Maximus my comment was ten years old. That Georgia defense didn't exist when I said that. 😂

[@Marcus_Aurelius_Maximus]

@@uk1941 LOL - The internet never forgets.

[@detsportsfan18]

No way the 1997 Nebraska team with or without Eric Crouch would have gone far against this Defense. Beat the Bucks! Go Blue!!

[@rickvaughn6]

It was Scott Frost

[@lloydkline6946]

Nebraska 1997 team would gone 6 feet under against 1997 Michigan

[@taitrief]

Blowing mich off the line of scrimmage for 60 min ya 🌽 of had a harvesting of success

[@geeked-outturtlesfan4288]

Watching this brings so many memories back. I mean fans new of the potential the 1997 team had but they just went out there and balled out. Which is why I still say that this team would definitely beat the 1997 Nebraska Cormhuskers. It's too bad that today's players don't carry that pride like they did pre Rich Rodriguez 😩💩💩💩💩💩💩 These teams HATED losing to Ohio State and MSU and wouldn't let them get a long winnning streak vs the maize and blue because it wasn't acceptable. Even if they struggled, that team would rally together to beat them. As of now, they have no will towards them just hate in the rivalry and that's not enough to beat them.

[@Adam-vs2in]

Those pads back then man… imagine how much faster they could have been.

[@Marcus_Aurelius_Maximus]

17:53 BEST INT in UM History based on raw TALENT AND WILL.

[@StevenNeidlein]

GOD I MISS KEITH JACKSON SO MUCH

[@cfiasco]

Great video. Really appreciate it.

[@sachmoney]

This video is incredible. Thanks for this WH. This made Schadenfreude Day that much better.

[@robdull5582]

IMO the best defense college has ever seen!!!

[@lloydedward7146]

This is the excitement that comes from a fan base that that not won a national championship in 50 years. Sure you're going to think this was the best defense to play the game. But in reality the 97' Michigan defense was far from the best. As a matter of fact if you study the 97' FSU defense you will find it was even better than Michigan's. The Noles place 1/3 rd. more players in the NFL than Michigan. Beat up Ohio State in the Sugar Bowl much worst than Michigan beat up Ohio State. And was one minute playing in the Swamp against Florida from playing Nebraska in the Bowl Alliance National Championship game. Remember Michigan hid in the Rose Bowl and this great Michigan defense played it down to the last second against Washington St. So enjoy your 97' co-championship. But the 97' Michigan defense was far from the best to ever play the game. Just ask Ohio State. Your enthusiasm comes mainly from not winning a championship in 50 years.

[@Atreyufolife]

@@lloydedward7146 I love how you state they have not won a championship in 50 years. Maybe outright, but this still a co- champion team ,and you're just showing a little butt hurt. Its okay little bud

[@scottwilson1251]

@@lloydedward7146 So lemme get this straight, in order to be one of the best college defenses, you have to have alot of future pros? That makes alot of sense. By the way, Steele, Woodson, Hendricks, Williams, Sword, Gold, and Jones all played in the NFL. Add freshman in James Whitley and William Peterson and that's 9 guys on Michigan's defense that played in the pros. Your defense had Andre Wadsworth and thats about it. You gave up 27pts to Duke that year, so no, your defense wasn't better.

[@HttVVHttCHHHtMtCotW]

It’s crazy to watch this in 2023 where almost every single one of these great play highlights would be a flag in today’s football.

[@bellpaleale]

17:55 is my all time favorite pick off. 23:47 the hit

[@DETROIT1948]

Thanks for the memories.. Go Blue 🔵

[@Johnadams20760]

the greatest defensive team ever. last year's GA team is a close second

[@TheJohnnyboy14]

Epically awesome, WH, but I think Daydrion was a safety. Thanks for the best memories of my senior year. I was at all 12 of those games.

[@jerrylance4932]

They feasted all season.

[@dany6711]

Best DEFENSE EVER

[@Wolverinesmichigan25]

great stuff 1 of your best

[@thecliffyboy21]

thats the type of defense we need to get back they were unstoppable back then

[@trevorgeorge6031]

18:32 Announcer speaking FACTS

[@8301TheJMan]

Easily the greatest all-around Defense in college-football history, PERIOD!!!! There have been alota great SEC D's over the past decade, but none of them and I mean NONE of them have had a DB, specifically a Corner an shut-down Corner at that-in Charles Woodson. Woodson is what's called an Alpha-Cornerback, due to his almost super-human abilities, seemingly great at everythin an without any real flaws - period! 1st-he was by both college and NFL standards a huge CB, he was 6'0''-6'1'' tall.

[@piobairesicago]

You know what looks good on an opponent? 5 or 6 blue jerseys every time the poor SOB touches the ball!

[@llongone2]

The Wolverine players look like they are having so much fun while destroying Colorado.

[@machineunit]

Praise be unto Charles!

[@ericscottstevens]

The interesting thing about this D is the secondary was lock down led by Charles Woodson. It provided the linebackers and D line to open up and pursue the ball on the ground plays. Alas you had exceptional talent too on the outside ends with speed.

[@mikehundt4263]

Remove him and they lose 3-4 games

[@BennyRobinson]

Well, they had him..

[@TheJohnnyboy14]

I'm in the video! Wooohoooo, backwards hat at the 11:24 mark. Fame!

[@Derpk-rt9by]

2023 michigan defense is now in the conversion 😎

[@michealwoods8629]

Glen Steele out there look in like Aron Donald

[@bknight189]

Gee, that Brady Hoke guy appeared to be the coach for the most dominant D-line in the country. Wonder if he'll be any good?? LOL. Great work again WH

[@shsbluejayforever06]

@ThoseWhoStayUofM who was the annoucer for this?

[@ericduncan7908]

If youre only offensive plan is to run between the tackles then alot of those freak athletes coming up are going to want to play defense since theres more roster room for them on that side of the ball. Welcome to that moment in history! Where D-linemen are chasing guys down from behind, where linebackers are blowing up blocks from the O line and corners arent undersized and can still run and jump out of the gym!

[@BaconFrisbee]

The Notre Dame game was a 60 minute highlight reel. :)

[@ericmeyers5576]

You will never ever see another College defensive like this again.

[@Zappappappappa]

This defense was a juggernaut, the offense just had to protect the ball and when the defense made a play to setup the offense with a short field they were quick to take advantage. Complimentary football at its finest.

[@DeeNice681]

Michigan needs a.fast defensive end coming off the edge like James Hall here. It could hopefully be Lawrence Marshall. I think he has what it takes from a physical standpoint.

[@isaacguerra4040]

Happy yet? I AM!

[@michaelallen8040]

Ya, Nebraska would not have stood a chance...

[@davidk6269]

Michael Allen IMHO Nebraska D was superior to Michigan's D in 1997. ; )

[@thomasjohns5428]

But your opinion is wrong ;) fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/archive/fbs/1997team.pdf

[@WalterWhiteFootballSharing]

Wow Nebraska aint even close. 15 more TDs allowed.

[@lloydedward7146]

Michigan should be very ashamed .for not being in the Bowl Alliance and hiding in the Rose Bowl! Hurray for Nebraska playing in the Bowl Alliance national championship game. Hurray for the Coaches voting Nebraska national champions because of Michigan hiding in the Rose Bowl. Nebraska has a crystal football for being brave and playing in the Bowl Alliance National Championship game. Michigan will NEVER now have a crystal football in their trophy case stating 97' National Champions.

[@llongone2]

No doubt about it! The Wolverines would have destroyed Nebraska. Cornhuskers might have gotten 1-2 field goals against this defense. But, I think a 24-6 drubbing by the Wolverines is a fair assessment of what the score would have been.

[@danthestyxfan]

Ever thought of putting together a compilation of defensive blocked punts and field goals?

[@ontargetthomunclesam3926]

Relentless

[@rdaws73]

I miss the Big Pads Era

[@Mrbiggs371]

Thing of beauty😢 Hard to believe, it's been 23 years. Damn! _on Brown and Horribaugh have to go.

[@willowbrook2717]

And what are you saying about Jim Harbaugh now? Some Michigan fans are so embarrassing.

[@shsbluejayforever06]

Maurcie WIlliams played deffense?

[@Minotaur92]

2019 UM defense could be similarly good.

[@joshuabennett8110]

Looks like the 97 team finally has some competition TEAM 144 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!

[@coolbeans5363]

Best defan e in college football

[@SnowDaulphin]

Ancient history it feels like.

[@krisligman9312]

Go BLUE!!!!(maybe 2021) our defense used to win a lot of games.

[@ryanprin8363]

That defense coming back..

[@8301TheJMan]

Infact for the 1st 3 quarter-they completely dominated them till the final couple mins and then all of the 4th-their offense began sputtering an had like 3 straight drives without scoring which allowed the Fuckeyes to come back take the lead an win. The fact of the matter is on both sides Michigan had almost double as many highly-touted possible NFL players. That D was anchored by the slightly short D-End Lamar Woodley, who was built like a tank an had great agility also.

[@BaconFrisbee]

Gold was a backup LB in '97

[@zarniwooop]

Still the best college defense I personally have ever seen.

[@lloydedward7146]

Then why did FSU place 1/3 more players in the NFL. Why did the Vegas have FSU as the best team in 97' Why did the Coaches vote Nebraska as National Champions? Why did Michigan fans become so excited about a Michigan team who had not won a national championship in 50 years? So they had not won one in 50 years so of course this team has to be the best to ever play the game. A normal response for a team that had under performed the last 50 years.

[@scottwilson1251]

@@lloydedward7146 What are you talking about? Your defense only had Wadsworth I just looked at your roster for '97. All 3 of Michigan's LBs went on to play in the pros, 2 of which had long careers(Dhani Jones, Ian Gold). Michigan had a few freshman DBs go on to the pros that played in '97 along with like 8 other guys from this defense.

[@tedwilson8192]

Team 135 will bring back this type of defense back to Michigan! Only 36 more days...

[@raymorris6165]

Marcus ray said our defense was easy 10 of us covered half the field and charles woodson covered the other half

[@BaconFrisbee]

Name a 1997 Michigan defensive starter who wasn't a bad-ass. I dare you to try.

[@beedub93]

Greg Mattison sighting at 8:03

[@8301TheJMan]

Yet he gave away any quickness/speed, he was easily 1 of the fastest an quickest DB's in the country! Plus he has WR skills and cuz his hands are as good as many of the best WR's, allowing him to be an interception machine, having almost or even over half a dozen picks in his final 2 yrs! Then u can't forget he also was an to this very fuckin day at age 36 or 37, he's still one of the hardest hitting and strongest CD's ever! Allowing him to regularly lay-guys out, just an excillent tackling CB

[@BaconFrisbee]

I'm sorry. He wasn't a back-up. He was a starter. He just didn't get a TON of time because Sam Sword was the first ILB on the depth chart and he lead the team in tackles. And yeah, 1. Woodson 2. Ed Reed (Miami) 3. Ty Law (Michigan) as far as college CBs go

[@alscompleteoutdoor9091]

Them and bama a few years ago could defend any team in college football history

[@bcb11]

Go Blue!!

[@shsbluejayforever06]

I hated the playing surface Indiana and MSU and when Michigan used it, Field Turf or Grass is what I like!

[@Wwolves17]

Greg Mattison sighting @ 8:02