1983 Michigan Wolverines football team

The 1983 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1983 Big Ten Conference football season. In their 15th season under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 9–3 record (8–1 against conference opponents), lost to Auburn in the 1984 Sugar Bowl, and outscored all opponents by a total of 355 to 160.[1][2]

1983 Michigan Wolverines football
Sugar Bowl, L 7–9 vs. Auburn
Conference	Big Ten Conference
Ranking
Coaches	No. 9
AP	No. 8
1983 record	9–3 (8–1 Big Ten)
Head coach	Bo Schembechler (15th season)
Defensive coordinator	Gary Moeller (6th season)
MVP	Steve Smith
Captains	Stefan Humphries John Lott
Home stadium	Michigan Stadium (Capacity: 101,701)

1983 Big Ten Conference football standings
	Conf							Overall
Team	W		L		T			W		L		T
No. 10 Illinois $	9	–	0	–	0			10	–	2	–	0
No. 8 Michigan	8	–	1	–	0			9	–	3	–	0
No. 14 Iowa	7	–	2	–	0			9	–	3	–	0
No. 9 Ohio State	6	–	3	–	0			9	–	3	–	0
Wisconsin	5	–	4	–	0			7	–	4	–	0
Purdue	3	–	5	–	1			3	–	7	–	1
Michigan State	2	–	6	–	1			4	–	6	–	1
Indiana	2	–	7	–	0			3	–	8	–	0
Northwestern	2	–	7	–	0			2	–	9	–	0
Minnesota	0	–	9	–	0			1	–	10	–	0
$ – Conference champion Rankings from AP Poll

The team's statistical leaders included tailback Rick Rogers with 1,002 rushing yards, quarterback Steve Smith with 1,420 passing yards and 2,087 yards of total offense, Sim Nelson with 494 receiving yards, and placekicker Bob Bergeron with 76 points scored.[3]

Steve Smith was selected as the most valuable player on the Michigan team. Two Michigan offensive linemen, guard Stefan Humphries and center Tom Dixon, received first-team All-America honors. Six Michigan players (Humphries, Dixon, defensive linemen Al Sincich and Kevin Brooks, defensive back Evan Cooper, and placekicker Bob Bergeron) received first-team honors on the 1983 All-Big Ten Conference football team.

Schedule

Date	Time	Opponent	Rank	Site	TV	Result	Attendance
September 10	1:00 p.m.	Washington State*	No. 6	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 20–17	103,256
September 17	4:30 p.m.	at No. 16 Washington*	No. 8	Husky Stadium Seattle, WA	WXYZ-TV	L 24–25	60,638
September 24	2:30 p.m.	at Wisconsin	No. 17	Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI		W 38–21	77,708
October 1	1:00 p.m.	Indiana	No. 14	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 43–18	104,126
October 8	1:00 p.m.	at Michigan State	No. 14	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI (Paul Bunyan Trophy)		W 42–0	78,033
October 15	1:00 p.m.	Northwestern	No. 13	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 35–0	103,914
October 22	12:00 p.m.	No. 12 Iowa	No. 10	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	ABC	W 16–13	104,559
October 29	12:30 p.m.	at No. 9 Illinois	No. 8	Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL (series)	CBS	L 6–16	76,127
November 5	1:00 p.m.	Purdue	No. 13	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI		W 42–10	104,946
November 12	8:00 p.m.	at Minnesota	No. 9	Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome Minneapolis, MN (Little Brown Jug)		W 58–10	40,945
November 19	1:00 p.m.	No. 10 Ohio State	No. 8	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)	SV	W 24–21	106,115
January 2, 1984	8:00 p.m.	vs. No. 3 Auburn*	No. 8	Louisiana Superdome New Orleans, LA (Sugar Bowl)	ABC	L 7–9	77,893
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to game All times are in Eastern time

Game summaries

Washington State

Week 1: Washington State at Michigan

1 2 3 4 Total Washington State 0 7 3 7 17 • Michigan 7 7 0 6 20 Date: September 10 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Game attendance: 103,256

Scoring summary 1 10:13 MICH Eddie Garrett 1-yard pass from David Hall (Todd Schlopy kick) MICH 7–0 2 14:48 WSU Joe Taylor 63-yard interception return (John Traut kick) TIE 7–7 2 8:44 MICH Rick Rogers 8-yard run (Schlopy kick) MICH 14–7 3 1:11 WSU Traut 33-yard field goal MICH 14–10 4 9:42 WSU Mayes 2-yard run (Traut kick) WSU 17–14 4 6:10 MICH Hall 4-yard run (Schlopy kick missed) MICH 20–17

On September 10, 1983, Michigan, ranked No. 1 preseason by Sports Illustrated, defeated Washington State, 20–17, before a crowd of 103,256 at Michigan Stadium. The game was played in extreme heat with the temperature reaching 100 degrees on the field. Washington State took a 17-14 lead with 9:42 left in the game after a 63-yard, 11-play drive capped by a two-yard touchdown run. The Wolverines responded with a 75-yard drive that included a 52-yard run by Rick Rogers. Rogers rushed for 124 yards on 19 carries. Quarterback David Hall scored the winning touchdown on a four-yard option run with 6:10 left in the game.[4][5]

Washington

Week 2: Michigan at Washington

1 2 3 4 Total Michigan 3 0 14 7 24 • Washington 3 7 0 15 25 Date: September 17 Location: Seattle Game attendance: 60,638 TV announcers (WXYZ-TV): Ray Lane, Jim Brandstatter

Scoring summary 1 MICH Todd Schlopy 35-yard field goal MICH 3–0 1 UW Jaeger 33-yar field goal) TIE 3–3 2 UW Stransky 19-yard pass from Steve Pelluer (Jaeger kick) UW 10–3 3 MICH Rick Rogers 5-yard run (Schlopy kick) TIE 10–10 3 MICH Steve Smith 1-yard run (Schlopy kick) MICH 17–10 4 MICH Mike Mallory recovered fumble in end zone (Schlopy kick) MICH 24–10 4 UW Hunt 3-yard run (Jaeger kick) MICH 24–17 4 0:34 UW Mark Pattison 7-yard pass from Pelluer (Larry Michaels pass from Pelluer) UW 25–24

On September 17, 1983, Michigan lost to Washington, 25–24, before a crowd of 60,638 at Husky Stadium in Seattle. After trailing 24-10 early in the fourth quarter, Washington scored two fourth-quarter touchdowns and successfully passed for a two-point conversion in the final minute of play. Washingon quarterback Steve Pelluer completed 15 of 15 passes in the fourth quarter. Todd Schlopy missed what would have been a game-winning 32-yard field goal with four minutes remaining in the game.[6][7]

Wisconsin

Week 3: Michigan at Wisconsin

1 2 3 4 Total • Michigan 7 15 10 6 38 Wisconsin 7 0 0 14 21 Date: September 24 Location: Madison, WI Game attendance: 77,708

Scoring summary 1 11:41 WIS Gary Ellerson 9-yard run (Rohde kick) WIS 7–0 1 1:50 MICH Rick Rogers 2-yard run (Todd Schlopy kick) TIE 7–7 2 MICH Rogers 9-yard run (kick failed) MICH 13–7 2 MICH Bob Bergeron 41-yard field goal MICH 16–7 2 1:13 MICH Sim Nelson 7-yard pass from Steve Smith (Smith run failed) MICH 22–7 3 6:53 MICH Bergeron 37-yard field goal MICH 25–7 3 MICH Dan Rice 5-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 32–7 4 12:17 WIS Marck Harrison 2-yard pass from Randy Wright (Rohde kick) MICH 32–14 4 7:35 WIS Mike Jones 32-yard pass from Wright (Rohde kick) MICH 32–21 4 MICH Brian Mercer 11-yard run (kick by Bergeron blocked) MICH 38–21

On September 24, 1983, Michigan defeated Wisconsin, 38–21, before a crowd of 77,708 at Camp Randall Stadium in Madison, Wisconsin. Michigan led, 32-7, at the end of the third quarter before Wisconsin mounted a fourth-quarter comeback. Michigan rushed for 351 yards in the game. Kerry Smith led with 107 yards on 22 carries. Brian Mercer added 64 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries, and Rick Rogers rushed for 59 yards and two touchdowns. The Wolverines passed for only 42 yards on five completions. Steve Smith also threw two interceptions.[8][9]

Indiana

Week 4: Indiana at Michigan

1 2 3 4 Total Indiana 0 11 7 0 18 • Michigan 14 7 9 13 43 Date: October 1 Location: Ann Arbor, MI

Scoring summary 1 9:58 MICH Rick Rogers 35-yard run (Bob Bergeron kick) MICH 7-0 1 2:27 MICH Vince Bean 20-yard pass from Steve Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 14-0 2 10:54 MICH Kerry Smith 1-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 21-0 2 8:57 IND Doug Smith 41-yard field goal MICH 21-3 2 5:15 IND Duane Gunn 5-yard pass from Steve Bradley (Gunn pass from Bradley) MICH 21-11 3 11:00 MICH Bergeron 37-yard field goal MICH 24-11 3 7:26 IND Benson 30-yard pass from Bradley (D. Smith kick) MICH 24-18 3 3:29 MICH K. Smith 12-yard run (S. Smith run failed) MICH 30-18 4 11:42 MICH K. Smith 18-yard run (pass failed) MICH 36-18 4 0:33 MICH Bob Perryman 3-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 43-18

On October 1, 1983, Michigan defeated Indiana, 43–18, before a crowd of 104,126 at Michigan Stadium. Tailback Kerry Smith rushed for three touchdowns. Steve Smith rushed for 130 yards on 14 carries and completed six of 17 passes for 82 yards. Rick Rogers also rushed for 101 yards and a touchdown on 16 carries. Indiana quarterback Steve Bradley passed for 246 yards, but he also gave up four interceptions.[10]

Michigan State

Week 5: Michigan at Michigan State

1 2 3 4 Total • Michigan 9 16 3 14 42 Michigan State 0 0 0 0 0 Date: October 8 Location: East Lansing, MI Game attendance: 78,033

Scoring summary 1 MICH Milt Carthens 23-yard pass from Steve Smith (kick failed) MICH 6–0 1 MICH Bob Bergeron 38-yard field goal MICH 9–0 2 MICH Dan Rice 1-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 16–0 2 MICH Rick Rogers 8-yard run (kick failed) MICH 22–0 2 MICH Bergeron 41-yard field goal MICH 25–0 3 MICH Bergeron 23-yard field goal MSU 28–0 4 MICH Smith 3-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 35–0 4 MICH Ben Logue 2-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 42–0

On October 8, 1983, Michigan defeated Michigan State, 42–0, before a crowd of 78,033 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan. It was Bo Schembechler's 100th Big Ten coach victory and George Perles' first year as head coach of the Spartans.[11]

Northwestern

Week 6: Northwestern at Michigan

1 2 3 4 Total Northwestern 0 0 0 0 0 • Michigan 14 14 7 0 35 Date: October 15 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Game attendance: 103,914

Scoring summary 1 MICH Rick Rogers 2-yard run (Bob Bergeron kick) MICH 7–0 1 MICH Steve Smith 1-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 14–0 2 MICH S. Smith 1-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 21–0 2 MICH Rogers 19-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 28–0 4 MICH Dan Rice 2-yard pass from S. Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 35–0

On October 14, 1983, Michigan defeated Northwestern, 35–0, before a crowd of 103,914 at Michigan Stadium. Rick Rogers scored two rushing touchdowns. Steve Smith also rushed for two touchdown and threw for another on a two-yard pass to Dan Rice.[12]

Iowa

Week 7: Iowa at Michigan

1 2 3 4 Total No. 12 Iowa 0 3 0 10 13 • No. 10 Michigan 3 3 7 3 16 Date: October 22 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Game attendance: 104,559 TV announcers (ABC): Keith Jackson, Frank Broyles

Scoring summary 1 10:33 MICH Bob Bergeron 37-yard field goal MICH 3-0 2 10:05 MICH Bergeron 20-yard field goal Michigan 6-0 2 0:53 IOWA Nichol 56-yard field goal Michigan 6-3 3 5:56 MICH Rogers 4-yard run (Bergeron kick) Michigan 13-3 4 14:48 IOWA Oljniczak 3-yard pass from Grogan (Nichol kick) Michigan 13-10 4 IOWA Nichol 27-yard field goal Tie 13-13 4 0:08 MICH Bergeron 45-yard field goal Michigan 16-13

On October 22, 1983, Michigan, ranked No. 10, defeated No. 12 Iowa, 16–13, before a homecoming crowd of 104,559 at Michigan Stadium. Bob Bergeron kicked three field goals, including the game-winning 45-yard field with eight seconds left in the game. The game-winning drive began when Michigan linebacker Rodney Lyles recovered an Owen Gill fumble with 90 seconds left in the game. Rick Rogers also scored a touchdown on a four-yard run in the third quarter.[13]

Illinois

Week 8: Michigan at Illinois

1 2 3 4 Total Michigan 3 0 3 0 6 • Illinois 0 7 0 9 16 Date: October 29 Location: Champaign, IL Game attendance: 76,127 Television network: CBS

Scoring summary 1 4:44 MICH Bob Bergeron 38-yard field goal MICH 3–0 2 1:50 UI Thomas Rooks 9-yard pass from Jack Trudeau (Chris White kick) UI 7–3 3 7:43 MICH Bergeron 28-yard field goal UI 7–6 4 14:52 UI David Williams 46-yard pass from Trudeau (CWhite Kick) UI 14–6 4 1:22 UI Safety, Evan Cooper tackled in end zone by Miles after fielding a punt UI 16–6

On October 29, 1983, Michigan lost to Illinois, 16–6, before a crowd of 76,127 at Memorial Stadium in Champaign, Illinois. It was the first time Illinois had beaten Michigan since 1966. Illinois quarterback Jack Trudeau completed 21 of 37 passes for 271 yards, including touchdown passes of nine yard to Thomas Rooks and 46 yards to David Williams. Steve Smith completed 12 of 25 for 111 yards. Michigan was limited to two field goals by Bob Bergeron.[14] Illinois went on to win the Big Ten championship.

Purdue

Week 9: Purdue at Michigan

1 2 3 4 Total Purdue 0 3 0 7 10 • Michigan 14 21 7 0 42 Date: November 5 Location: Ann Arbor, MI Game attendance: 104,946

Scoring summary 1 MICH Steve Smith 29-yard run (Bob Bergeron kick) MICH 7-0 1 MICH Carlton Rose recovered blocked punt in end zone (Bergeron kick) Michigan 14-0 2 MICH Triando Markray 41-yard pass from S. Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 21-0 2 PUR Tim Clark 31-yard field goal MICH 21-3 2 MICH Vince Bean 30-yard pass from S. Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 28-3 2 MICH Sim Nelson 18-yard pass from S. Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 35-3 3 MICH Bean 4-yard pass from S. Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 42-3 4 PUR Jeff Price 50-yard pass from Jim Everett (Clark kick) MICH 42-10

On November 5, 1983, Michigan defeated Purdue, 42–10, before a crowd of 104,946 at Michigan Stadium. Steve Smith completed 11 of 13 passes for 159 yards, and also rushed for 126 yards on 12 carries. Purdue's quarterback Scott Campbell was held to 118 passing yards and was intercepted three times.[15]

Minnesota

Week 10: Michigan at Minnesota

1 2 3 4 Total • Michigan 10 31 14 3 58 Minnesota 3 0 0 7 10 Date: November 12 Location: Minneapolis

Scoring summary 1 10:08 MINN Jim Gallery 29-yard field goal MINN 3-0 1 4:51 MICH Steve Smith 75-yard run (Bob Bergeron kick) MICH 7-3 1 0:58 MICH Bergeron 39-yard field goal MICH 10-3 2 13:36 MICH Triando Markray 47-yard pass from S. Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 17-3 2 11:10 MICH S. Smith 20-yard run (Bergeron kick) Michigan 24-3 2 6:13 MICH Markray 26-yard pass from S. Smith (Bergeron kick) Michigan 31-3 2 1:11 MICH Sim Nelson 8-yard pass from S. Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 38-3 2 0:04 MICH Bergeron 33-yard field goal MICH 41-3 3 12:19 MICH S. Smith 50-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 48-3 3 1:59 MICH Greg Armstrong 1-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 55-3 4 12:39 MICH Bergeron 51-yard field goal MICH 58-3 4 9:37 MINN Dwayne McMullen 5-yard pass from Brett Sadek (Gallery kick) MICH 58-10

On November 12, 1983, Michigan defeated Minnesota, 58–10, before a crowd of 40,945 at the Hubert H. Humphrey Metrodome in Minneapolis. Despite being pulled early in the third quarter, Steve Smith accounted for six touchdowns (three rushing, three passing) and compiled 327 yards in total offense (147 rushing, 180 passing).[16]

Ohio State

Week 11: Ohio State at Michigan

1 2 3 4 Total Ohio State 0 7 7 7 21 • Michigan 10 0 0 14 24 Date: November 19 Location: Ann Arbor, MI TV announcers: Ray Lane, Jim Brandstatter

Scoring summary 1 8:14 MICH Bob Bergeron 26-yard field goal MICH 3-0 1 MICH Triando Markray 67-yard pass from Steve Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 10-0 2 OSU Keith Byars 1-yard run (Rich Spangler kick) MICH 10-7 3 OSU Byars 18-yard run (Spangler kick) OSU 14-10 4 12:08 MICH Smith 1-yard run (Bergeron kick) MICH 17-14 4 MICH Eric Kattus 8-yard pass from Smith (Bergeron kick) MICH 24-14 4 1:52 OSU Cedric Anderson 32-yard pass from Mike Tomczak (Spangler kick) MICH 24-21

On November 19, 1983, Michigan defeated Ohio State, 24–21, before crowd of 106,115 at Michigan Stadium. Steve Smith ran for a touchdown and passed for two others, a 67-yard completion to Triando Markray in the first quarter and an eight-yarder to tight end Eric Kattus in the fourth quarter. Ohio State turned the ball over four times. Michigan drove to the one-yard line in the second quarter, but the Ohio State defense held, and Michigan missed a field goal attempt on fourth down. The Wolverines trailed at the start of the fourth quarter, but rallied for two touchdowns in the fourth quarter. The go-ahead touchdown followed a Brad Cochran interception at midfield which he returned to Ohio State's 28-yard line.[17]

1984 Sugar Bowl

1984 Sugar Bowl

1 2 3 4 Total • Auburn 0 0 3 6 9 Michigan 7 0 0 0 7 Date: January 3 Location: New Orleans Game attendance: 77,893 Game weather: Indoors TV announcers (ABC): Keith Jackson, Frank Broyles

Scoring summary 1 MICH Steve Smith 4-yard run (Bob Bergeron kick) MICH 7–0 3 AUB Al Del Greco 31-yard field goal MICH 7–3 4 AUB Del Greco 32-yard field goal MICH 7–6 4 AUB Del Greco 19-yard field goal AUB 9–7

Main article: 1984 Sugar Bowl

On January 2, 1984, Michigan lost to Auburn, 9-7, in the 1984 Sugar Bowl, played before a crowd of 77,893 at the Louisiana Superdome in New Orleans. Michigan took the lead on a four-yard touchdown run by Steve Smith in the first quarter. Michigan was unable to score again, and Auburn came back on three field goals by Al Del Greco. Del Greco's final field goal occurred with 23 seconds remaining in the game. Bo Jackson rushed for 130 yards on 22 carries and was selected as the game's most valuable player.[18]

Award season

Two Michigan players received first-team honors on the 1983 All-America team:

• Offensive guard Stefan Humphries received first-team honors from the Football Writers Association of America, United Press International, and The Sporting News. He also received second-team honors from the Associated Press, Gannett News Service, and Newspaper Enterprise Association.
• Center Tom Dixon received first-team honors from the American Football Coaches Association, Associated Press, and The Sporting News.

Six Michigan players received first-team honors from the Associated Press (AP) and/or United Press International (UPI) on the 1983 All-Big Ten Conference football team: offensive guard Stefan Humphries (AP-1, UPI-1), center Tom Dixon (AP-1, UPI-1), placekicker Bob Bergeron (AP-1), defensive lineman Kevin Brooks (AP-2, UPI-1), defensive lineman Al Sincich (AP-1, UPI-2), and defensive back Evan Cooper (AP-1, UPI-2). Four others received second-team honors: linebacker Mike Mallory (AP-2, UPI-2); linebacker Carlton Rose (AP-2, UPI-2); running back Rick Rogers (UPI-2); and offensive guard Jerry Diorio (AP-2).[19][20]

Team awards were presented as follows:

• Most Valuable Player: Steve Smith
• Meyer Morton Award: Steve Smith
• John Maulbetsch Award: Bob Perryman
• Frederick Matthei Award: Al Sincich
• Arthur Robinson Scholarship Award: Stefan Humphries
• Dick Katcher Award: Carlton Rose
• Robert P. Ufer Award: Jeff Cohen

Personnel

Offense

• Greg Armstrong, fullback, senior, Middletown, Ohio - started 4 games at fullback
• Art Balourdos, center, junior, Chicago, Illinois
• Vincent Bean, split end, senior, Southfield, Michigan - started all 12 games at split end
• Milt Carthens, tight end, senior, Pontiac, Michigan
• Dan Decker, quarterback, sophomore, Roseville, Michigan
• Jerry Diorio, offensive guard, senior, Youngstown, Ohio - started all 12 games at left offensive guard
• Tom Dixon, center, senior, Fort Wayne, Indiana - started all 12 games at center
• Jumbo Elliott, offensive tackle, freshman, Lake Ronkonkoma, New York
• Eddie Garrett, fullback, sophomore, Milwaukee, Wisconsin - started 6 games at fullback
• David Hall, quarterback, senior, Livonia, Michigan - started 1 game at quarterback
• Mark Hammerstein, offensive line, sophomore, Wapakoneta, Ohio
• Jim Harbaugh, quarterback, sophomore, Palo Alto, California
• Ken Higgins, wide receiver, freshman, Battle Creek, Michigan - started 1 game at flanker
• Stefan Humphries, offensive guard, senior, Broward, Florida - started all 12 games at right offensive guard
• Jerald Ingram, fullback, senior, Beaver, Pennsylvania
• Doug James, offensive guard, senior, Louisville, Kentucky - started all 12 games at right offensive tackle
• Gilvanni Johnson, wide receiver, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan - started 4 games at flanker
• Eric Kattus, tight end, junior, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Ben Logue, running back, sophomore, Atlanta, Georgia
• Triando Markray, wide receiver, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan - started 7 games at flanker
• Brian Mercer, tailback, junior, Cincinnati, Ohio
• Clay Miller, offensive tackle, junior, Norman, Oklahoma - started all 12 games at left offensive tackle
• Sim Nelson, tight end, junior, Fort Wayne, Indiana - started all 12 games at tight end
• Bob Perryman, running back, sophomore, Buzzards Bay, Massachusetts
• Dan Rice, running back, sophomore, Roxbury, Massachusetts - started 2 games at fullback
• Rick Rogers, running back, junior, Inkster, Michigan - started 11 games at tailback
• Kerry Smith, running back, senior, Grand Rapids, Michigan - started 1 game at tailback
• Steve Smith, quarterback, senior, Grand Blanc, Michigan - started 09 games at quarterback
• Larry Sweeney, center, senior, Alma, Michigan
• Gerald White, running back, freshman, Titusville, Florida
• Thomas Wilcher, tailback, sophomore, Detroit, Michigan
• Dan Yarano, offensive guard, senior, Zanesville, Ohio

Defense

• Jeffery Akers, outside linebacker, junior, Lynn, Massachusetts
• Timothy Anderson, inside linebacker, junior, Ann Arbor, Michigan - started 6 games at inside linebacker
• Mike Boren, inside linebacker, senior, Columbus, Ohio - started 4 games at inside linebacker
• Kevin Brooks, defensive tackle, junior, Detroit, Michigan - started all 12 games at defensive tackle
• Fritz Burgess, defensive back, senior, Pasadena, California
• Brad Cochran, defensive back, junior, Royal Oak, Michigan - started all 12 games at strong-side cornerback
• Jeff Cohen, defensive back, senior, Farmington Hills, Michigan
• Evan Cooper, defensive back, senior, Miami, Florida - started all 12 games (8 at strong safety, 4 at free safety)
• Vincent DeFelice, defensive tackle, senior, Trenton, Michigan - started 11 games at defensive tackle
• John Ferens, defensive back, senior, Toledo, Ohio
• Tony Gant, linebacker, sophomore, Fremont, Ohio - started 8 games at free safety
• Joe Gray, linebacker, junior, Detroit, Michigan
• Mike Hammerstein, defensive tackle, junior, Wapakoneta, Ohio - started 1 game at defensive tackle
• Thomas J. Hassel, outside linebacker, senior, Cincinnati, Ohio - started 6 games at outside linebacker
• Dieter Heren, defensive back, sophomore, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Jim Herrmann, inside linebacker, senior, Dearborn Heights, Michigan
• Rich Hewlett, defensive back, senior, Plymouth, Michigan - started 4 games at strong safety
• John Lott, defensive back, senior, Masury, Ohio - started all 12 games at weak-side cornerback
• Rodney Lyles, outside linebacker, senior, Miami, Florida - started 11 games at outside linebacker
• Doug Mallory, defensive back, freshman, DeKalb, Illinois
• Mike Mallory, inside linebacker, junior, DeKalb, Illinois - started all 12 games at inside linebacker
• Dave Meredith, defensive tackle, senior, Sterling Heights, Michigan
• Andy Moeller, inside linebacker, sophomore, Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Mike Reinhold, inside linebacker, sophomore, Muskegon, Michigan - started 2 games at inside linebacker
• Garland Rivers, defensive back, freshman, Canton, Ohio
• Nathaniel Rodgers, middle guard, senior, Warren, Ohio
• Carlton Rose, outside linebacker, senior, Ft. Lauderdale, Florida - started 6 games at outside linebacker
• James Scarcelli, outside linebacker, junior, Warren, Michigan - started 1 game at outside linebacker
• Alan Sincich, middle guard, junior, Cleveland, Ohio - started all 12 games at middle guard
• Michael Wilson, defensive tackle, senior, Detroit, Michigan

Kickers

• Bob Bergeron, place-kicker, senior, Fort Wayne, Indiana
• Don Bracken, punter, senior, Thermopolis, Wyoming
• Todd Schlopy, place-kicker, senior, Orchard Park, New York

Professional football

Fifteen members of the 1983 football team went on to play professional football.

• Don Bracken (Green Bay Packers 1985-90, Los Angeles Rams 1992-93)
• Kevin Brooks (Dallas Cowboys 1985-88, Detroit Lions 1989-90)
• Milt Carthens (Indianapolis Colts 1987)
• Evan Cooper (Philadelphia Eagles 1984-87, Atlanta Falcons, 1988-89)
• Jerry Diorio (Detroit Lions 1987)
• Jumbo Elliott (New York Giants 1988–95, New York Jets 1996-2000, 2002)
• Mike Hammerstein (Cincinnati Bengals 1986-90)
• Jim Harbaugh (Chicago Bears 1987–1993, Indianapolis Colts 1994–1997, Baltimore Ravens 1998, San Diego Chargers 1999–2000, Carolina Panthers 2001)
• Stefan Humphries (Chicago Bears 1984-86, Denver Broncos 1987-88)
• Eric Kattus (Cincinnati Bengals 1986-91, New York Jets 1992)
• Bob Perryman (New England Patriots 1987-90, Denver Broncos 1991-92)
• Garland Rivers (Chicago Bears 1987, Albany Firebirds 1990-91, Arizona Rattlers 1992–93)
• Carlton Rose (Washington Redskins 1987)
• Gerald White (Dallas Cowboys 1987)

Coaching staff

• Head coach: Bo Schembechler[1]
• Assistant coaches:

• Gary Moeller - assistant head coach and defensive coordinator[21]
• Lloyd Carr - defensive backfield coach[22]
• Milan Vooletich - linebackers coach[23]
• Jerry Meter - defensive line coach
• Jerry Hanlon - quarterbacks coach[24]
• Tirrel Burton - running backs coach[25]
• Bob Thornbladh - wide receivers coach[26]
• Elliot Uzelac - offensive line coach[27]
• Paul Schudel - offensive interior line coach[28]
• Alex Agase[1][27]
• Bob Chmiel[1]

• Trainer: Russ Miller[1]
• Manager: Paul Gehkas, Douglans Ham, Kenneth Pefkins, Robert Reid[1]

Statistics

Rushing

Player	Att	Net Yards	Yds/Att	TD
Rick Rogers	209	1002	4.8	9
Steve Smith	103	667	6.5	10
Kerry Smith	98	517	5.3	3
Eddie Garrett	85	353	4.2	0
Brian Mercer	30	151	5.0	1
Dan Rice	35	140	4.0	2
Greg Armstrong	20	91	4.6	1

[3]

Passing

Player	Att	Comp	Int	Comp %	Yds	Yds/Comp	TD
Steve Smith	206	106	8	51.7	1420	13.4	13
David Hall	25	13	2	52.0	118	9.1	1
Jim Harbaugh	5	2	0	40.0	26	13.0	0

[3]

Receiving

Player	Recp	Yds	Yds/Recp	TD
Sim Nelson	41	494	12.0	3
Vince Bean	29	407	14.0	3
Triando Markray	11	319	29.0	4
Rick Rogers	16	137	8.6	0

[3]

Scoring

Player	TDs	XPM	FGM	Points
Bob Bergeron	0	31	15	76
Steve Smith	10	0	0	60
Rick Rogers	9	0	0	54
Triando Markray	4	0	0	24

[3]

References

1. "1983 Football Team". Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
2. "1983 Michigan Wolverines Schedule and Results". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
3. "1983 Michigan Wolverines Stats". SR/College Football. Sports Reference LLC. Retrieved January 13, 2020.
4. Joe Lapointe (September 11, 1983). "MSU, U-M survive hot openers: No 'ho-hummer' -- Wolverines escape Cougar attack, 20-17". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1H, 7H – via Newspapers.com.
5. Larry Mishkin (September 11, 1983). "Michigan sweats out win, 20-17". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 10 – via Bentley Historical Library.
6. Joe Lapointe (September 18, 1983). "U-M falls in final minute". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1H, 11H – via Newspapers.com.
7. John Kerr (September 18, 1983). "Blue stunned by Huskies, 25-24". The Michigan Daily. p. 1 – via Bentley Historical Library.
8. Joe Lapointe (September 25, 1983). "U-M outlasts Badger rally". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1H, 9H – via Newspapers.com.
9. Chuck Jaffe (September 25, 1983). "Wolverines plow over Badgers: 'M' does not get kick out of 38-21 win". The Michigan Daily. pp. 1, 8 – via Bentley Historical Library.
10. Joe Lapointe (October 2, 1983). "Michigan pummels Hoosiers, 43-18". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1H, 11H – via Newspapers.com.
11. Jack Saylor (October 9, 1983). "Same old Story: Bo gets No. 100 as U-M ruins Perles' MSU debut, 42-0". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1H, 9H – via Newspapers.com.
12. Joe Lapointe (October 16, 1983). "U-M wins easily, but Bo fumes: Coach raps his offense". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1H, 8H – via Newspapers.com.
13. Joe Lapointe (October 23, 1983). "U-M gives Iowa the boot: Bergeron wins it with last-seconds field goal, 16-13". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1H, 7H – via Newspapers.com.
14. Joe Lapointe (October 30, 1983). "Illinois on the road to Roses after dominating U-M, 16-6". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1F, 7F – via Newspapers.com.
15. Joe Lapointe (November 6, 1983). "U-M bowl outlook sweetens after rout". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1E, 7E – via Newspapers.com.
16. Joe Lapointe (November 13, 1983). "Michigan buries Gophers, 58-10". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1C, 13C – via Newspapers.com.
17. Joe Lapointe (November 20, 1983). "How sweet! Sugar's next for Michigan". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1D, 11D – via Newspapers.com.
18. Joe Lapointe (January 3, 1984). "Sugar Bowl: Auburn boots U-M". Detroit Free Press. pp. 1D, 5D – via Newspapers.com.
19. "Five 'M' gridders earn All-Big Ten". The Michigan Daily. December 1, 1983. p. 10 – via Bentley Historical Library.
20. "1983 All-Big Ten Football Team". Journal Gazette. November 22, 1983. p. B2 – via Newspapers.com.(UPI)
21. "Moeller, 'M' extra hungry for victory". The Michigan Daily. October 28, 1983. p. 10 – via Bentley Historical Library.
22. "Cochran: a crack back". The Michigan Daily. November 7, 1984. p. 10 – via Bentley Historical Library.
23. "Mallory rises to stabilize linebackers". The Michigan Daily. October 16, 1983. p. 8 – via Bentley Historical Library.
24. "Mystery QB: Who owns that arm?". The Michigan Daily. November 17, 1983. p. 10 – via Bentley Historical Library.
25. "Cochran returns to secondary". The Michigan Daily. September 9, 1983. p. 21 – via Bentley Historical Library.
26. "Carter's status up in the air". The Michigan Daily. September 23, 1983. p. 9 – via Bentley Historical Library.
27. "Agase joins football staff". The Michigan Daily. July 15, 1983. p. 12 – via Bentley Historical Library.
28. "Becker pulls his weight for Bears". The Michigan Daily. November 3, 1983. p. 8 – via Bentley Historical Library.

External links

• 1983 Football Team -- Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History