Wikipedia

1959 Michigan Wolverines football team

The 1959 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1959 Big Ten Conference football season. In its first year under head coach Bump Elliott, Michigan compiled a 4–5 record (3–4 against conference opponents), finished in seventh place in the Big Ten, and was outscored by a combined total of 161 to 122.[1][2]

1959 Michigan Wolverines football
Fred Julian (No. 16) carries the ball with Tony Rio (No. 37) blocking
ConferenceBig Ten Conference
Record4–5 (3–4 Big Ten)
Head coach
MVPTony Rio
CaptainGeorge Genyk
Home stadiumMichigan Stadium
Seasons
← 1958
1960 →
1959 Big Ten Conference football standings
Conf Overall
Team W   L   T W   L   T
No. 6 Wisconsin $ 5 – 2 – 0 7 – 3 – 0
Michigan State 4 – 2 – 0 5 – 4 – 0
Purdue 4 – 2 – 1 5 – 2 – 2
No. 13 Illinois 4 – 2 – 1 5 – 3 – 1
Northwestern 4 – 3 – 0 6 – 3 – 0
Iowa 3 – 3 – 0 5 – 4 – 0
Michigan 3 – 4 – 0 4 – 5 – 0
Indiana 2 – 4 – 1 4 – 4 – 1
Ohio State 2 – 4 – 1 3 – 5 – 1
Minnesota 1 – 6 – 0 2 – 7 – 0
  • $ – Conference champion
Rankings from AP Poll

After losing their first two games to Missouri and Michigan State, the Wolverines won four of their last seven games, including victories over Oregon State (18–7) and rivals Minnesota (14–6), and Ohio State (23–14).

No Michigan players received first-team honors on either the All-America or All-Big Ten teams. Left guard George Genyk was the team captain, and fullback Tony Rio received the team's most valuable player award.[2] The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Stan Noskin with 747 passing yards, right halfback Fred Julian with 289 rushing yards, and right end Robert Johnson with 264 receiving yards.[3]

Schedule

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DateOpponentSiteResultAttendanceSource
September 26Missouri*
L 15–2050,533[4]
October 3Michigan State
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)
L 8–34103,234[5]
October 10Oregon State*
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI
W 18–774,693[6]
October 17No. 2 Northwestern
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)
L 7–2067,975[7]
October 24at Minnesota
W 14–657,354[8]
October 31No. 10 Wisconsin 
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI
L 10–1968,063[9]
November 7at Illinois
W 20–1545,573[10]
November 14at Indiana
L 7–2624,171[11]
November 21Ohio State
  • Michigan Stadium
  • Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)
W 23–1490,093[12]
  • *Non-conference game
  •  Homecoming
  • Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game

[1][2]

Season summary

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Preseason

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Late in the 1958 season, with the team on its way to a 2–6–1 record, head coach Bennie Oosterbaan resigned. In mid-November, the university announced that Bump Elliott, then an assistant on Oosterbaan's staff, would take over as head coach in 1959.[13][14] Also at the end of the 1958 season, tackle George Genyk was elected as the captain of the 1959 team.[15]

Elliott revamped the coaching staff after taking over. The only assistant coaches retained by Elliott were Bob Hollway and Don Dufek, Sr. New hires to the coaching staff were Jack Nelson, Henry Fonde, and Jack Fouts.[16][17][18]

Charged with responsibility to "reverse a declining gridiron cycle", Elliott announced in the spring of 1959 that he intended to abandon Michigan's trademark single-wing formation in favor of the T formation he learned while on Forest Evashevski's staff at Iowa. To effectively run the T formation, Eliott acknowledged he would need an outstanding running quarterback.[16]

In May 1959, tackle Willard Hildebrand was awarded the Meyer W. Morton trophy as the player showing the most improvement during spring practice. Coach Elliott credited Hildebrand for his desire, hustle, and willingness to work.[19]

Missouri

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Week 1: Missouri at Michigan
1 234Total
• Missouri 7 0013 20
Michigan 0 069 15
Scoring summary
1MOMel West 46-yard run (Meher kick)MO 7–0
3MICHBennie McRae 44-yard pass from Stan Noskin (pass failed)MO 7–6
4MOPidcock 34-yard pass from Snowdon (Meher kick)MO 14–6
4MICHMcRae 10-yard run (pass failed)MO 14–12
4MICHJohn Halstead 22-yard field goalMICH 15–14
4MOHaas 1-yard run (run failed)MO 28–15

On September 26, Michigan lost to Dan Devine's Missouri Tigers by a score of 20–15 before a crowd of 50,533 at Michigan Stadium. It was Bump Elliott's first game as Michigan's head coach. In the first quarter, Missouri took a 7–0 lead on a 46-yard touchdown run by Mel West. In the third quarter, Bennie McRae scored a Michigan touchdown on a 44-yard pass from Stan Noskin, but an attempted two-point conversion failed as Noskin was hit before he could pass the ball. Early in the fourth quarter, Missouri extended its lead to 14–6. Michigan rallied to take a 15–14 lead on a 10-yard touchdown run by McRae and a 22-yard field goal by John Halstead. With one minute to play, Missouri faced a fourth down at midfield. Under a heavy pass rush, Tigers quarterback Bobby Haas scrambled free for a first down. With less than 10 seconds remaining on the game clock, Haas carried again and scored from the one-yard line.[4][20] Missouri went on to play in the 1960 Orange Bowl.[21]

Michigan State

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Week 2: Michigan State at Michigan
1 234Total
• Michigan State 14 1370 34
Michigan 0 008 8
Scoring summary
1MSUHerb Adderley 2-yard run (Art Brandstatter kick)MSU 7–0
1MSUBlanche Martin 1-yard run (Brandstatter kick)MSU 14–0
2MSUDean Look 2-yard run (kick failed)MSU 20–0
2MSUBob Suci 94-yard pass interception return (Brandstatter kick)MSU 27–0
3MSUDon Stewart 25-yard pass from Look (Brandstatter kick)MSU 34–0
4MICHStan Noskin 1-yard run (Johnson pass from Noskin)MSU 34–8

On October 3, Michigan lost to Duffy Daugherty's Michigan State Spartans by a 34–8 score before a record crowd of 103,234 at Michigan Stadium. The Spartans took a 27–0 lead at halftime on short touchdown runs by Herb Adderley, Blanche Martin, and Dean Look, and a 94-yard interception and return by Bob Suci. The Spartans extended their lead in the third quarter on a touchdown pass from Look to Don Stewart. Michigan scored in the fourth quarter on a one-yard run by quarterback Stan Noskin. The Spartans out-gained the Wolverines by a total of 342 yards to 158 yards.[5][22]

Oregon State

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Week 3: Oregon State at Michigan
1 234Total
Oregon State 0 070 7
• Michigan 3 0015 18
Scoring summary
1MICHJohn Halstead 27-yard field goal)MICH 3–0
3OSCJim Stinnette 1-yard run (Aaron Thomas kick)OSC 7–3
4MICHKenneth Tureaud 1-yard run (Dennis Fitzgerald pass from Stan Noskin)MICH 11–7
4MICHDarrell Harper 2-yard run (Halstead kick)MICH 18–7

On October 10, Michigan defeated Tommy Prothro's Oregon State Beavers by an 18 to 7 score before a crowd of 74,693 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. The Band Day crowd included 13,500 high school band players. It was the team's first victory under new head coach Bump Elliott. The victory also broke a six-game losing streak and avoided setting a new school record with a seventh consecutive loss.[23][24]

Michigan took a 3–0 lead in the first quarter on a 27-yard field goal by John Halstead. Shortly before halftime, Michigan drove to Oregon State's four-yard line, but turned the ball over on a fumble. Oregon State took the lead in the third quarter when Chuck Marshall intercepted a Don Hannah pass on the Beavers' three-yard line and returned it 75 yards to Michigan's 22-yard line. After moving the ball to the one-yard line, Jim Stinnette dove over for the go-ahead touchdown.[23][24] At the end of the game, Michigan players carried coach Elliott off the field on their shoulders.[24]

Michigan trailed, 7–3, at the start of the fourth quarter but rallied in the final eight minutes. John Halstead began the comeback when he recovered a fumble at the Oregon State 33-yard line. Ken Tureaud ran the final yard for the game-winning touchdown with 7:44 remaining. The Wolverines then ran a trick play on the extra point attempt; Stan Noskin took the snap as the holder, then passed to Dennis Fitzgerald in the end zone for two points. Oregon State moved into Michigan territory on the next drive, but Reid Bushong intercepted an Oregon State pass at Michigan's 20-yard line to stop the drive. The Wolverines then mounted a long drive, aided by a personal foul penalty, ending with a two-yard touchdown run by Darrell Harper with 2:40 remaining in the game.[23][24]

Michigan out-gained Oregon State by a total of 332 yard (252 rushing, 80 passing) to 152 yards (68 rushing, 84 passing).[24]

Northwestern

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Week 4: Northwestern at Michigan
1 234Total
• Northwestern 7 706 20
Michigan 7 000 7
Scoring summary
1MICHKenneth Tureaud 6-yard run (Darrell Harper kick)MICH 7–0
1NWMike Stock 4-yard run (Stock kick)TIE 7–7
2NWMark Johnston 63-yard pass from John Talley (Stock kick)NW 14–7
4NWRay Purdin 85-yard run (kick failed)NW 20–7

On October 17, Michigan lost to Ara Parseghian's Northwestern Wildcats before a crowd of 67,975 at Michigan Stadium.[2] Northwestern was ranked No. 2 prior to the game, having defeated No. 2 Oklahoma in its opening game.[25]

Michigan dominated the game early. In the first 10 minutes, the Wolverines drove downfield only to lose the ball on a fumble in the end zone, recovered a fumbled snap on Northwestern's six-yard line, and took a 7–0 lead on a six-yard run by Kenneth Tureaud. The Wolverines were held scoreless in the game's final 50 minutes. Michigan kept the game close by recovering five of six Northwestern fumbles. The Wolverines' offense was stopped at Northwestern's goal line on three drives and also missed a field goal when stopped at the 16-yard line.[7][26]

Northwestern's attack was led by Mark Johnston and Ron Purdin. Johnston played all 60 minutes, gaining 95 rushing yards and 86 receiving yards (including a 63-yard touchdown reception in the final minute of the first half). Purdin played 58 minutes, gaining 117 yards on 10 carries and another 35 yards on a pass reception. Purdin's 85-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter was the longest running play for Northwestern since the 1921 season. The Wildcats out-gained the Wolverines by a total of 410 yards to 196 yards.[7][26]

Minnesota

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Week 5: Michigan at Minnesota
1 234Total
• Michigan 0 0140 14
Minnesota 0 006 6
Scoring summary
312:29MICHDarrell Harper 83-yard punt return (Harper kick)MICH 7–0
310:24MICHFred Julian 42-yard run (Halstead kick)MICH 14–0
41:14MINNTom Hall 16-yard pass from Dick Johnson (pass failed)MICH 14–6

On October 24, Michigan defeated Minnesota by a 14–6 score in the annual Little Brown Jug game before a crowd of 57,534 at Memorial Stadium in Minneapolis. It was Michigan's first conference victory of the 1959 season and its first road victory since 1957.[27]

After a scoreless first half, Michigan stopped Minnesota on the opening drive of the second half. Darrell Harper returned the ensuing punt 83 yards for a touchdown at the 12:29 mark of the third quarter. Harper kicked the extra point following his long run, and Michigan led, 7–0. After the kickoff, Minnesota fumbled on its third play, and Michigan end John Halstead fell on the loose ball at Minnesota's 43-yard line. It was Halstead's sixth fumble recovery of the 1959 season. On the next play, right halfback Fred Julian carried the ball 43 yards for Michigan's second touchdown at the 10:24 mark of the third quarter. It was Julian's first collegiate touchdown. At the end of the third quarter, Minnesota drove to Michigan's seven-yard line, but Minnesota fumbled on fourth down. On the Gophers' next two possessions, the Gophers drove to Michigan's 23- and 20-yard lines but were unable to score. Finally, with 1:14 remaining in the game, Minnesota averted a shutout as backup quarterback Dick Johnson threw a 14-yard touchdown pass to Tom Hall.[27]

Minnesota out-gained Michigan by a total of 371 yards to 186 yards. Julian led Michigan's attack with 93 rushing yards on eight carries, including runs of 25 and 43 yards. Quarterback Stan Noskin completed five of nine passes for 80 yards, including a 43-yard connection with Bennie McRae.[8][28][27]

Wisconsin

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Week 6: Wisconsin at Michigan
1 234Total
• Wisconsin 8 803 19
Michigan 3 007 10
Scoring summary
1MICHDarrell Harper 34-yard field goalMICH 3–0
1WISCTom Wiesner 5-yard run (Dale Hackbart run)WISC 8–3
2WISCHackbart 1-yard run (Hackbart run)WISC 16–3
4MICHJohn Halstead 3-yard pass from Stan Noskin (Harper kick)WISC 16–10
4WISCHolzwarth 29-yard field goal)WISC 19–10

On October 31, Michigan lost to Wisconsin, ranked No. 10 in the country, by a 19–10 score before a homecoming crowd of 68,063 on a gray, foggy day at Michigan Stadium. It was the first time a Wisconsin football team had beaten Michigan since 1934.[9][29]

In a bad day for the quarterbacks, the teams attempted 21 passes, completed only six, and combined for nine interceptions. Michigan threw six of the nine interceptions (five by Stan Noskin), one short of the Big Ten single-game record.[9][29] The interceptions led to two Wisconsin touchdowns and a field goal.[29]

Illinois

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Week 7: Michigan at Illinois
1 234Total
• Michigan 0 677 20
Illinois 9 006 15
Scoring summary
1ILLGerald Wood (36-yard field goalILL 3–0
1ILLJohnny Counts 37-yard run (run failed)ILL 9–0
2MICHTony Rio 13-yard pass from Stan Noskin (run failed)ILL 9–6
3MICHDarrell Harper 7-yard run (Harper kick)MICH 13–9
4MICHFred Julian 1-yard run (Harper kick)MICH 20–9
4ILLBill Brown 3-yard run (pass failed)MICH 20–15

On November 7, Michigan defeated Illinois by a 20–15 score at Champaign, Illinois. The victory snapped Michigan's four-game losing streak at Champaign which included losses in 1951, 1953, 1955, and 1957.[30] The victory crushed Illinois' bid for a Big Ten championship and trip to the Rose Bowl.[10]

Illinois took a 9–0 lead in the opening nine minutes of the game. On the second play of the game, Darrell Harper fumbled at Michigan's 28-yard line, setting up an Illinois field goal. On Michigan's next possession, John Stamos threw an interception, and John Counts then ran 27 yards for a touchdown.[31] The Wolverines came back with touchdowns in each of the other three quarters. Tony Rio scored with 64 seconds remaining in the first half on a diving catch in the end zone after a pass from Stan Noskin was deflected. Noskin's run for two-point conversion failed. Early in the third quarter, Gerry Smith intercepted a pass and returned the ball to the Illini 26-yard line. Darrell Harper then scored on a seven-yard run. In the fourth quarter, Alex Callahan intercepted another Illini pass and returned it 43 yards to the Illinois 28-yard line. Fred Julian scored on a one-yard run. Michigan was out-gained by totals of 232 yards to 181 yards, but Illinois turnovers (four interceptions, including three by Gerry Smith) enabled Michigan to prevail.[30][31]

Indiana

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Week 8: Michigan at Indiana
1 234Total
Michigan 0 700 7
• Indiana 13 607 26
Scoring summary
1INDTed Smith 6-yard run (Miller kick)IND 7–0
1INDBradford 7-yard run (kick failed)IND 13–0
2MICHJohn Halstead 25-yard pass from Noskin (Halstead kick)IND 13–7
2INDDon Cromer 1-yard run (pass failed)IND 19–7
4INDAucreman 14-yard pass from Smith (Miller kick)IND 26–7

On November 14, Michigan lost to Indiana by a 26–7 score before a crowd of 24,171 at Bloomington, Indiana. Michigan turned the ball over eight times, four times on fumbles and four times on interceptions. Indiana scored on short drives following three of the turnovers. The Wolverines out-gained the Hoosiers by a total of 259 yards to 218 yards. Michigan right end Bob Johnson caught six passes for 80 yards. Coach Bump Elliott blamed the weather, which prevented the Wolverines from flying and required them to ride buses for eight hours.[11]

Ohio State

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Week 9: Ohio State at Michigan
1 234Total
Ohio State 6 080 14
• Michigan 7 763 23
Scoring summary
1MICHTony Rio 8-yard pass from Stan Noskin (Darrell Harper kick)MICH 7–0
1OHIOJim Houston 1-yard pass from Jerry Fields (kick failed)MICH 7–6
2MICHNoskin 1-yard run (Harper kick)MICH 14–6
3OHIORoger Detrich 1-yard pass from Fields (Jim Herbstreit pass from Field)TIE 14–14
3MICHRio 1-yard run (kick failed)MICH 20–14
4MICHHarper 29-yard field goalMICH 23–14

On November 21, Michigan concluded its first season under Bump Elliott with a 23–14 victory over Woody Hayes' Ohio State Buckeyes. The game was played in "freezing, sunless weather" before a crowd of 90,093 at Michigan Stadium.[32]

It was the final game for seniors Stan Noskin, Tony Rio, Darrell Harper, and Fred Julian who were responsible for all 23 points scored by the Wolverines.[33] Fullback Rio carried only six times for 18 yards but scored two touchdowns. Quarterback Noskin completed seven of ten passes for 88 yards (including a touchdown pass to Rio) and also rushed for a touchdown.[12] Left halfback Harper kicked two extra points and a field goal and also led the rushing attack with 58 yards on 11 carries, while right halfback Julian added 54 rushing yards on 12 carries.[33]

Michigan's first touchdown followed a turnover when Ohio State fumbled the opening kickoff at its own 20-yard line. The fumble was caused by a hard tackle from Michigan's John Halstead who was carried unconscious from the field and taken to University Hospital.[32]

The Wolverines prevailed despite being out-gained by 358 yards to 306 yards.[12] The Wolverines' 23 points and 306 yards were both season highs.[32] Backup fullback Roger Detrick led the Buckeyes with 139 rushing yards on 33 carries.[32] Michigan's defense halted four Ohio State scoring drives, intercepted two passes (one each by Todd Grant and Reid Bushong), and Reid Bushong recovered a fumble.[32]

Woody Hayes drew attention for his angry reactions on the sideline.[34][35] One writer compared him to a "hot stripper" as he shed and hurled articles of clothing including his long-billed baseball cap, brown jacket, and necktie. His jacket was hurled after being whirled over his head and then retrieved by a staffer, only to be hurled again as Hayes "flailed his arms around like a windmill caught in a tornado."[34] He next attacked a wooden folding chair and drop-kicked it a half-dozen yards. Hayes' antics triggered "a great chortling cheer from the fans."[34]

Post season

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After the season, fullback Tony Rio was selected as the team's most valuable player.[36] No Michigan players were named by the Associated Press (AP) or United Press (UP) to the first or second squads on the 1959 All-Big Ten Conference football team. Center Gerry Smith was named to the AP third team, and George Genyk and Bennie McRae received honorable mention.[37][38]

Statistical leaders

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Michigan's individual statistical leaders for the 1959 season include those listed below.[3][39]

Rushing

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Player Attempts Net yards Yards per attempt Touchdowns
Fred Julian 72 289 4.0 2
Bennie McRae 76 242 3.2 1
Darrell Harper 67 224 3.3 2
Tony Rio 56 222 4.0
Ken Tureaud 27 104 3.9
Dennis Fitzgerald 16 55 3.4

Passing

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Player Attempts Completions Interceptions Comp % Yards Yds/Comp TD Long
Stan Noskin 115 61 15 53.0 697 11.4 5 46
John Stamos 9 2 4 22.3 35 17.5 0 --

Receiving

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Player Receptions Yards Yds/Recp TD Long
Robert Johnson 20 264 13.2 0 20
Bennie McRae 4 102 25.5 1 46
Tony Rio 8 90 11.3 2 26
John Halstead 6 77 12.8
Ken Tureaud 6 60 10.0

Kickoff returns

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Player Returns Yards Yds/Return TD Long
Bennie McRae 7 148 21.1 0 30
Fred Julian 5 90 18.0 0 21
Darrell Harper 4 62 15.5 0 22

Punt returns

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Player Returns Yards Yds/Return TD Long
Darrell Harper 3 101 33.7 1 83
Reid Bushong 4 62 15.5 0 21
Jim Raeder 3 38 12.7 0 25

Personnel

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Coaching staff

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Head coach Bump Elliott

Players

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Fred Julian
 
Stan Noskin
 
Tony Rio

Starting backfield

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George Genyk
 
Gerald Smith

The following backfield players started at least one game for Michigan during the 1959 season.[2]

Starting linemen

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The following linemen started at least one game for Michigan during the 1959 season.[2]

  • Jared Bushong, 6'2", 204 pounds, senior, Toledo, OH - started 5 games at right tackle
  • Alex Callahan, 6'0", 193 pounds, senior, Wyandotte, MI - started 8 games at right guard
  • Donald R. Deskins, 6'2", 238 pounds, senior, Jamaica, NY - started 2 games at right tackle
  • Mike Fillichio, 5'10", 195 pounds, senior, River Forest, IL - started 1 game at left guard, 1 games at right guard
  • George Genyk, 6'0", 196 pounds, senior, Detroit - started 8 games at left guard
  • John Halstead, 6'2", 208 pounds, junior, Bay City, MI - started 9 games at left end
  • Willard "Skip" Hildebrand, 6'2", 210 pounds, junior, Chillicothe, OH - started 1 game at right tackle
  • Thomas Jobson, 6'0", 210 pounds, junior, Flint, MI - started 9 games at left tackle
  • Robert Johnson, 6'2", 206 pounds, senior, Chicago - started 9 games at right end
  • Jon Schopf, 6'2", 218 pounds, sophomore, Grand Rapids, MI - started 2 games at right tackle
  • Gerry Smith, 5'10", 187 pounds, senior, Detroit - started 9 games at center

Other letter winners

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Dennis Fitzgerald

In addition to the 16 starters referenced above, the following additional individuals received varsity letters:[45][46]

Reserve players

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In addition, the following 25 players received "reserve" awards for their participation on the team:[45][46]

  • Bruce Boardman, Grosse Pointe, MI - fullback
  • Guy DeStefano, 5'11", 185 pounds, sophomore, Gary, IN - fullback
  • Dick Diehl, 6'2", 200 pounds, senior, Erie, PA - tackle
  • Bill Dougall, 6'0", 180 pounds, sophomore, Detroit - quarterback
  • Wilbert Franklin, 5'10", 182 pounds, sophomore, Chicago - halfback
  • Tom Gee, 5'10", 196 pounds, junior, Melvindale, MI - guard
  • Wally Herrala, 5'10", 220 pounds, sophomore, Muskegon Heights, MI - guard
  • Bill Hornbeck, 6'2", 180 pounds, junior, Los Angeles - end
  • Tom Kerr, 6'1", 193 pounds, freshman, Hobart, IN -
  • Frank Maloney, 5'11", 194 pounds, sophomore, Chicago - center
  • John Mans, 6'4", 202 pounds, sophomore, Trenton, MI - center
  • Grant McKee, 6'0", 187 pounds, sophomore, North Bay, Ontario - halfback
  • Dave Palomaki, 6'1", 205 pounds, junior, Ishpeming, MI - tackle
  • Virgil Pampu, 6'0", 190 pounds, sophomore, Dearborn, MI - center
  • Ron Perry, 6'0", 217 pounds, sophomore, Vineland, NJ - tackle
  • Paul Schmidt, 6'4", 230 pounds, sophomore, Skokie, IL - tackle
  • David Slezak, 5'11", 178 pounds, sophomore, Ann Arbor, MI - guard
  • Jeff Smith, 6'3", 190 pounds, sophomore, Kohler, WI - end
  • Dan Snow, 5'11", 180 pounds, sophomore, Hamtramck, MI - center
  • Ran Spacht, 5'10", 180 pounds, sophomore, Kent, OH - halfback
  • Nick Spewock, 6'0", 215 pounds, sophomore, Dearborn, MI - guard
  • Willard Stawski, 6'3", 210 pounds, sophomore, Caldeonia, MI - tackle
  • Dave Thomas, 6'2", 200 pounds, sophomore, Norwalk, OH - guard
  • Grant Walls, 6'0", 200 pounds, junior, Norwalk, OH - tackle
  • Pete Wooding, 5'10", 170 pounds, sophomore, Ann Arbor, MI - halfback

Freshmen squad

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Bill Freehan with Detroit Tigers

The following notable freshman were also part of the program:[46]

  • Bob Chandler, 6'2", 190 pounds, La Grange, IL - quarterback
  • Bill Freehan, 6'1", 200 pounds, Royal Oak, MI - halfback
  • Dave Glinka, 5'11", 195 pounds, Toledo, OH - quarterback
  • Joe O'Donnell, 6'2", 210 pounds, Milan, MI
  • Dave Raimey, 5'11", 185 pounds, Dayton, OH - halfback

Awards and honors

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Team honors and awards for the 1959 season went to the following individuals.[2]

References

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  1. ^ a b "1959 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k "1959 Football Team". University of Michigan, Bentley Historical Library. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  3. ^ a b "1959 Michigan Wolverines Statistics". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved November 6, 2017.
  4. ^ a b "Missouri 'Shows Up' Michigan, 20-15". Detroit Free Press. September 27, 1959. p. 1D – via Newspapers.com.
  5. ^ a b Bob Pille (October 4, 1959). "Spartans Spank 'M' Good!". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  6. ^ Jack Berry (October 11, 1959). "Oregon State Helps U-M Avert Record: Bump, Wolverines End Dry Spell, 18 to 7". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  7. ^ a b c Hal Middlesworth (October 18, 1959). "'Cats Win, 20-7: U-M Gives All -- But NW Takes". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  8. ^ a b Charles Johnson (October 25, 1959). "Michigan Trips Minnesota 14-6: 2 Quick TDs in 3rd Period Beat Gophers". Minneapolis Sunday Tribune. p. S1 – via Newspapers.com.
  9. ^ a b c Hal Middlesworth (November 1, 1959). "Own Passes Foul Up Michigan: Wisconsin Intercepts 6 to Win". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  10. ^ a b "Michigan Spoils Illinois' Rose Bowl Hopes, 20-15". The Sunday Pantagraph. November 8, 1959. p. 25 – via Newspapers.com.
  11. ^ a b "Hoosiers Post 26-7 Triumph". The Hammond Times. November 15, 1959. p. D1 – via Newspapers.com.
  12. ^ a b c Hal Middlesworth (November 22, 1959). "Happy Ending for U-M! Ohio State Upset, 23-14". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  13. ^ Tommy Devine (November 15, 1958). "U-M Picks Elliott to Lead It Out of Grid Wilderness". Detroit Free Press. p. 11 – via Newspapers.com.
  14. ^ Al Jones (November 15, 1958). "Oosterbaan To Lead Michigan In Final Stadium Appearance: 'U' Regents Name Elliott Head Coach". The Michigan Daily. p. 1.
  15. ^ a b "Genyk to Captain 1959 Wolverines". Battle Creek Enquirer and News. November 26, 1959. p. 10 – via Newspapers.com.
  16. ^ a b Tommy Devine (April 14, 1959). "125 Report for Grid Drills: U-M Starts 'Elliott Era'". Detroit Free Press. p. 25 – via Newspapers.com.
  17. ^ "U-M Hires Ohioan as Grid Aide". Detroit Free Press. March 8, 1959. p. E3 – via Newspapers.com.
  18. ^ "University of Michigan Football Captain: George Genyk, 1959". Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan.
  19. ^ a b Hal Applebaum (May 12, 1959). "Hildebrand Wins Trophy". The Michigan Daily. p. 6.
  20. ^ Fred Katz (September 27, 1959). "Missouri Nips Michigan, 20–15: Missouri Scores In Final Seconds". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 6 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  21. ^ "1959 Missouri Tigers Schedule and Results". SR/College football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
  22. ^ Jim Benagh (October 4, 1959). "MSU Blasts Wolverines, 34–8: State Gets Early Lead To Rout 'M'". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 6 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  23. ^ a b c Jack Berry (October 11, 1959). "Oregon State Helps U-M Avert Record: Bump, Wolverines End Dry Spell". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1E, 2E – via Newspapers.com.
  24. ^ a b c d e Dave Lyon (October 11, 1959). "'M' Stops Oregon State: Wolverines Tally Year's First Win". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 7.
  25. ^ "1959 Northwestern Wildcats Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved February 14, 2021.
  26. ^ a b Jim Benagh (October 18, 1959). "'Cats Down Wolverines, 20-7, With Quick Touchdown Plays". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 6 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  27. ^ a b c Dave Lyon. "'M' Trips Gophers, 14-6: Halfbacks Score Two Long Runs". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 6 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  28. ^ Hall Middlesworth (October 25, 1959). "Detroiters Win for MSU, M: Trio Pin 14–6 Losses on Indiana, Gophers; Harper, Julian Rip Minnesota". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1E, 3E – via Newspapers.com.
  29. ^ a b c Dave Lyon (November 1, 1959). "Wisconsin Defeats Michigan: Six Interceptions Give 19-10 Win". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 8.
  30. ^ a b Lyall Smith (November 8, 1959). "U-M, Spartans Turn Tables on 2 Spoilers: Illini Find Out How It Feels, 20–15". Detroit Free Press. p. 1E – via Newspapers.com.
  31. ^ a b Jim Benagh (November 8, 2021). "'M' Upsets Illini, 20–15: Wolverines Led By Interceptions". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 6.
  32. ^ a b c d e "Wolverines Trip Bucks". The Michigan Daily. November 22, 1959. pp. 1, 6.
  33. ^ a b Dave Lyon (November 22, 1959). "Class Memorial". The Michigan Daily. p. 6.
  34. ^ a b c Lyall Smith (November 22, 1959). "Hot Stripper Woody". Detroit Free Press. p. E3 – via Newspapers.com.
  35. ^ "Hayes Puts on Typical Performance As He Steals Show in Losing Cause". The Michigan Daily. November 22, 1959. p. 6.
  36. ^ a b "U-M Picks Rio Most Valuable". Battle Creek Enquirer and News. November 28, 1959. p. 13 – via Newspapers.com.
  37. ^ Charles Chamberlain (November 24, 1959). "Lanphear Unanimous AP All-Big Ten Choice". The LaCrosse Tribune. p. 12.
  38. ^ Ed Sainsbury (November 27, 1959). "4 Northwestern gridders make UPI all-Big 10 team; Norton, Jeter place". Globe-Gazette, Mason City, Iowa. p. 12.
  39. ^ "Michigan Football Statistic Archive Query Page". University of Michigan. Archived from the original on April 2, 2015. Retrieved November 6, 2017.(statistics retrieved by entering "1959" in the box for "Games & Totals by Season" and then, at the next screen, choosing "Display Season Totals")
  40. ^ a b Hal Applebaum (April 14, 1959). "Walker Sustains Injury As Spring Drills Begin". The Michigan Daily. p. 7 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  41. ^ "Name Fonde New Varsity Back Coach". The Michigan Daily. January 17, 1959. pp. 1, 6.
  42. ^ "Fouts Named Assistant". The Michigan Daily. March 8, 1959. p. 8 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  43. ^ "Nelson Joins Grid Coaching Staff". The Michigan Daily. March 13, 1959. p. 7 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  44. ^ Fred Katz (September 15, 1959). "Issue Request For Managers". The Michigan Daily. p. 17 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  45. ^ a b "Name Winners of 44 Football Letters". The Michigan Daily. November 24, 1959. p. 6 – via Bentley Historical Library.
  46. ^ a b c "1959 Michigan Roster". Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. Retrieved February 15, 2021.
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