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.
@Jon.A.Scholt2 жыл бұрын
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!
@lennielefler20812 жыл бұрын
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!!!!!!
@jofi45802 жыл бұрын
I wonder how this defense stacks up statistically?
@mikehundt4263 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@lennielefler2081 They gave up 98 points all season, 8.2 a game & of course tops in the nation.
@skylynx121 Жыл бұрын
Coming from an FSU fan...this was Michigan's best defense ever!! Always enjoy watching you guys play!!
@stevesoko33957 жыл бұрын
Maybe one of the best defenses in college football history
@ericmeyers55769 ай бұрын
THE BEST.
@sarahrobinson-op4oo8 ай бұрын
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!!!
@bdub24j11 жыл бұрын
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.
@danieldekok69495 жыл бұрын
Michigan's 1997 defense was scary good
@samuelborchardt-cho73796 жыл бұрын
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
@DMichiganWol2113 жыл бұрын
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!
@44pachino716 жыл бұрын
This is a true example of Defense winning a championship they were pure animals!
@Jon.A.Scholt2 жыл бұрын
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!
@1997goblue7 жыл бұрын
I gotta admit I like to watch defense the most
@anzwarthegreat948911 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Mine also big house on fire go blue
@chimaHD110 жыл бұрын
I wanna see this ferociousness on the field this and every season thereafter.
@TheThunder32313 жыл бұрын
man u need to be given an Emmy for putting all these together!
@MrMikeRobare4 жыл бұрын
Sam Sword was a monster on the D-Line! Michigan will never have another defense like this again.Pure beasts....all of em!
@washitawmoor86573 жыл бұрын
That whole front line with that BEAST Glenn Steele.
@michaeladderley5180 Жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
@@washitawmoor8657 and it was only 3 people that did it....
@rmgdier81499 жыл бұрын
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
@hunterneal25978 жыл бұрын
U sit predicted right! Go Blue
@nedstewart14 жыл бұрын
@@hunterneal2597 Don Browns defenses cannot beat the top teams but can smear the average teams defenses.
@123slasher.166 ай бұрын
That hit at Penn State was the most vicious hit ever.
@AJ088011 жыл бұрын
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.
@BaconFrisbee12 жыл бұрын
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.
@BloodCereal10 жыл бұрын
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.
@shiloklien74648 жыл бұрын
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
@ikarooz7 жыл бұрын
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!
@airportrunway39877 жыл бұрын
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.
@jessetrapp89492 жыл бұрын
@@airportrunway3987 news flash FSU sucks really bad now😂🤣🤣
@Jon.A.Scholt2 жыл бұрын
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.
@jessetrapp89492 жыл бұрын
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
@TheConchologist2 жыл бұрын
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_gaming2 жыл бұрын
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
@fishbonebuba13 жыл бұрын
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!
@IVAssasinJ2311 жыл бұрын
this defense was flat out BALLING, never have I seen a defense that good
@qz20264 жыл бұрын
Arguably the best Michigan team ever
@danschwartz19506 ай бұрын
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!
@jeffcummins140811 жыл бұрын
A defense for the ages. I wish Jarrett Irons could have played the '97 team. He deserved a national title.
@jbdmed8 жыл бұрын
17:50 this play clinched Woodson the Heisman
@bennytherollinstoner19323 жыл бұрын
The year I was born 97 baby here what a great time to be alive!!!!
@llongone26 жыл бұрын
That hit at 4:58! Dammmmmmmmnnnnnnnn!!!!! He crushed that poor guy's soul!!!
@416Lasane5 жыл бұрын
Woodson #2
@Adam-vs2in Жыл бұрын
Those pads back then man… imagine how much faster they could have been.
@sachmoney13 жыл бұрын
This video is incredible. Thanks for this WH. This made Schadenfreude Day that much better.
@HttVVHttCHHHtMtCotW Жыл бұрын
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.
@cfiasco13 жыл бұрын
Great video. Really appreciate it.
@brianreid45672 ай бұрын
This Michigan defense was relentless and lethal
@MsMichiganwolverines10 жыл бұрын
GREATEST DEFENSE EVER!!!!!!!!!!!
@BruceHillBeats11 жыл бұрын
so much talent, so much speed. We have to get back on this level and it will be very soon. GO BLUE!
@catstealer419dominion710 ай бұрын
Took us 10 years from when this comment was written, but we got there eventually
@uk194112 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
I am a Michigan fan, and the 2021 Georgia defense was also the GOAT.
@uk1941 Жыл бұрын
@@Marcus_Aurelius_Maximus my comment was ten years old. That Georgia defense didn't exist when I said that. 😂
@Marcus_Aurelius_Maximus Жыл бұрын
@@uk1941 LOL - The internet never forgets.
@sly-14295 жыл бұрын
DAMN WOODSON WAS GOOOOOOOOD!!!!!
@pdexBigTeacher5 ай бұрын
No Michigan defense came close until 2023. Speed, physicality, and Woodson.
@bigbuffguy95892 жыл бұрын
This defense is why I think Nebraska was lucky that they didn't have to play Michigan.
@calvinhobbes61183 ай бұрын
Nebraska would have gotten destroyed. Like Baylor, they wouldnt have scored double digits.
@michaeladderley5180 Жыл бұрын
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....
@ImFastrnU9 жыл бұрын
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.
@songers_gaming2 ай бұрын
In a few years, could you do a supercut of the 2023 Defense like this
@boomps8813 жыл бұрын
never forget that PSU game one of the most dominating efforts ever!!!!!!!!!
@Johnadams20760 Жыл бұрын
the greatest defensive team ever. last year's GA team is a close second
@StevenNeidlein Жыл бұрын
GOD I MISS KEITH JACKSON SO MUCH
@detsportsfan1811 жыл бұрын
No way the 1997 Nebraska team with or without Eric Crouch would have gone far against this Defense. Beat the Bucks! Go Blue!!
@rickvaughn64 жыл бұрын
It was Scott Frost
@lloydkline69463 жыл бұрын
Nebraska 1997 team would gone 6 feet under against 1997 Michigan
@taitrief Жыл бұрын
Blowing mich off the line of scrimmage for 60 min ya 🌽 of had a harvesting of success
@Marcus_Aurelius_Maximus Жыл бұрын
17:53 BEST INT in UM History based on raw TALENT AND WILL.
@robdull55829 жыл бұрын
IMO the best defense college has ever seen!!!
@lloydedward71467 жыл бұрын
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.
@Atreyufolife4 жыл бұрын
@@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
@scottwilson12514 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@JonathanBacci-vi9ph2 ай бұрын
Brady + Woodson = unstoppable
@TheJohnnyboy1413 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
They feasted all season.
@8301TheJMan11 жыл бұрын
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.
@thecliffyboy2111 жыл бұрын
thats the type of defense we need to get back they were unstoppable back then
@ericscottstevens2 жыл бұрын
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 Жыл бұрын
Remove him and they lose 3-4 games
@BennyRobinson10 ай бұрын
Well, they had him..
@DETROIT19482 жыл бұрын
Thanks for the memories.. Go Blue 🔵
@geeked-outturtlesfan42884 жыл бұрын
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.
@michaelallen80408 жыл бұрын
Ya, Nebraska would not have stood a chance...
@davidk62697 жыл бұрын
Michael Allen IMHO Nebraska D was superior to Michigan's D in 1997. ; )
@thomasjohns54287 жыл бұрын
But your opinion is wrong ;) fs.ncaa.org/Docs/stats/football_records/archive/fbs/1997team.pdf
@WalterWhiteFootballSharing7 жыл бұрын
Wow Nebraska aint even close. 15 more TDs allowed.
@lloydedward71467 жыл бұрын
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.
@llongone26 жыл бұрын
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.
@TheJohnnyboy1413 жыл бұрын
I'm in the video! Wooohoooo, backwards hat at the 11:24 mark. Fame!
@Derpk-rt9by7 ай бұрын
2023 michigan defense is now in the conversion 😎
@dany67114 жыл бұрын
Best DEFENSE EVER
@bellpaleale5 жыл бұрын
17:55 is my all time favorite pick off. 23:47 the hit
@piobairesicago11 жыл бұрын
You know what looks good on an opponent? 5 or 6 blue jerseys every time the poor SOB touches the ball!
@Wolverinesmichigan2513 жыл бұрын
great stuff 1 of your best
@BaconFrisbee12 жыл бұрын
The Notre Dame game was a 60 minute highlight reel. :)
@bknight18913 жыл бұрын
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
@8301TheJMan11 жыл бұрын
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.
@JonathanBacci-vi9ph2 ай бұрын
If you put the 85 bears and 97 Michigan flipped you wouldn’t notice a thing
@michealwoods86293 жыл бұрын
Glen Steele out there look in like Aron Donald
@Zappappappappa3 жыл бұрын
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.
@DeeNice6819 жыл бұрын
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.
@isaacguerra40405 жыл бұрын
Happy yet? I AM!
@llongone26 жыл бұрын
The Wolverine players look like they are having so much fun while destroying Colorado.
@machineunit6 жыл бұрын
Praise be unto Charles!
@trevorgeorge60313 жыл бұрын
18:32 Announcer speaking FACTS
@ontargetthomunclesam3926 Жыл бұрын
Relentless
@rdaws733 жыл бұрын
I miss the Big Pads Era
@danthestyxfan12 жыл бұрын
Ever thought of putting together a compilation of defensive blocked punts and field goals?
@ericduncan7908 Жыл бұрын
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!
@zarniwooop11 жыл бұрын
Still the best college defense I personally have ever seen.
@lloydedward71467 жыл бұрын
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.
@scottwilson12514 жыл бұрын
@@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.
@ryanprin836311 жыл бұрын
That defense coming back..
@coolbeans536310 жыл бұрын
Best defan e in college football
@raymorris61656 ай бұрын
Marcus ray said our defense was easy 10 of us covered half the field and charles woodson covered the other half
@shsbluejayforever0613 жыл бұрын
@ThoseWhoStayUofM who was the annoucer for this?
@Minotaur926 жыл бұрын
2019 UM defense could be similarly good.
@joshuabennett81107 ай бұрын
Looks like the 97 team finally has some competition TEAM 144 NATIONAL CHAMPIONS!
@BaconFrisbee11 жыл бұрын
Gold was a backup LB in '97
@alscompleteoutdoor90912 жыл бұрын
Them and bama a few years ago could defend any team in college football history
@danieldekok6949 Жыл бұрын
Who was Michigan's defensive coordinator that year?
@amb3007 Жыл бұрын
Jim Hermann, I believe he was also the Linebackers coach. He kind of wore out his welcome by 2005 and went to coach in the NFL.
@BaconFrisbee12 жыл бұрын
Name a 1997 Michigan defensive starter who wasn't a bad-ass. I dare you to try.
@Mrbiggs3713 жыл бұрын
Thing of beauty😢 Hard to believe, it's been 23 years. Damn! _on Brown and Horribaugh have to go.
@willowbrook2717 Жыл бұрын
And what are you saying about Jim Harbaugh now? Some Michigan fans are so embarrassing.
@BaconFrisbee11 жыл бұрын
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
@krisligman93124 жыл бұрын
Go BLUE!!!!(maybe 2021) our defense used to win a lot of games.
@8301TheJMan11 жыл бұрын
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.
@SnowDaulphin3 жыл бұрын
Ancient history it feels like.
@shsbluejayforever0613 жыл бұрын
Maurcie WIlliams played deffense?
@Deciipher12 жыл бұрын
It's kind of ironic to see Greg Mattison at 8ish
@tedwilson819210 жыл бұрын
Team 135 will bring back this type of defense back to Michigan! Only 36 more days...