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The Best Michigan Team of All-Time?

Author Nathan Franklin
HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines reacts in the second half against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

The Michigan Wolverines won their first national championship since 1997, defeating the Washington Huskies 34 to 13. One question that comes to mind is “is this the best Michigan team ever assembled”?

I’ve been saying all year that one of the biggest reasons this team has achieved so much this season is because of their defense. A top 10 rushing and passing defense all year, they did their best to make life difficult for Washington Quarterback Michael Pennix Jr. The defense combined with the efficiency on the offensive side of the ball makes this team historically good.           

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: Blake Corum #2 of the Michigan Wolverines celebrates with teammates after scoring a touchdown in the fourth quarter against the Washington Huskies during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images)

Best Michigan Team Ever?

When going through the all-time history books, there have been other Michigan teams that have gone undefeated and won a National Championship. This team has an argument for the best team in history. Looking at the 1997 title team, Charles Woodson, Brian Griese, Tom Brady, Chris Howard, Sam Sword and Dhani Jones. Many could argue that this squad was the best Michigan team ever.

While there are other teams that deserve an honorable mention. Like the 1948 team, or the 1985 squad, 1973 and so on. All these teams had remarkable talent on both sides of the ball. 2 teams in the running as well include the 2016 team led by 2-way star Jabrill Peppers and the 2021 team led by Aidan Hutchinson. However, a big problem is neither of these teams won the title.

Best Michigan Team Ever?

I believe you have to win it all to be considered the best. This year the best Michigan team of all-time was on full display. An all-around juggernaut and the stats back it up. They have one of the best coached defenses I have ever seen. Full of expert coordinators who are great and getting the very best out of each and every player under their supervision. Junior Colson, Michael Barrett, Mike Sainristil, Rod Moore, and Will Johnson all were major impact players for the Michigan defense this season.

Flipping it over to the offensive side of the ball, Michigan’s offensive line was not as dominant as past years. Even still, this team had no problem scoring the ball and was still a top 20 offense. JJ McCarthy evolved as a passer and is smarter than ever. Blake Corum had yet another spectacular year running the football. With over 1100 yards and 25 touchdowns on the season.    

 

HOUSTON, TEXAS - JANUARY 08: Mike Sainristil #0 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a pass intended for Jalen McMillan #11 of the Washington Huskies in the fourth quarter during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

HOUSTON, TEXAS – JANUARY 08: Mike Sainristil #0 of the Michigan Wolverines intercepts a pass intended for Jalen McMillan #11 of the Washington Huskies in the fourth quarter during the 2024 CFP National Championship game at NRG Stadium on January 08, 2024 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)

While Michigan will enjoy their victory over the Huskies, we can all revel in the fact that the best Michigan team to ever play won the National Championship for the 2023 season. Even if the NCAA comes after the University of Michigan next year for the cheating scandal, nobody can ever take away the memories. This very well may be the last time we see a team this good in Ann Arbor. At least for quite a while.    

Looking at The Year Michigan Last Won a National Championship

 

5 Easy Halloween Costume Ideas With Ties To Michigan

Halloween is just around the corner, but that doesn’t mean you have your costume picked out. It’s tough, I get it! You look through page after page of ideas and the trending costumes of the year; yet, nothing stands out. I’ve been there. So, let’s think outside the box. This year, you want to be something that none of your friends or family are going to be. I’ve thought of 5 easy Halloween costume ideas with ties to Michigan.

It’s a great way to stand out and be unique, while having a costume everyone will get and understand. Afterall, you and your Halloween costume with ties to Michigan will be around fellow Michiganders on the 31st. They should understand all of these references. If not, well, I’m afraid that’s on them–not you.

Finding A Costume Can Be Scary!

It seems like every year, I think of a great Halloween costume idea in November, and then forget about it. Something popular in November of 2023 will probably not be top of mind come October 2024. That’s important to remember. A lot can change over 11 months. It’s always important to make sure you have a timely costume that everyone will remember. However, if I don’t do it that far ahead of time I’m basically guaranteed to forget to find a costume. Before I know it, it’s the last week of September and I have to panic.

Or do I? You don’t always have to order your costume from a website or store. In fact, some of the best and most creative costumes I’ve ever seen were Do It Yourself costumes. Typically, you have everything you may need buried in your closet somewhere. It just might take a little imagination or creativity. The other option, is to find a Halloween costume that you’re certain to have lying around the house. Jim from The Office is always a great Halloween costume because you don’t have to go out and buy anything. You should have a button-up shirt in your closet. If you have that, it’s all your really need. You’re instantly Jim from The Office.

In fact, Jim was always the best at creating costumes from nothing. Just look at his “Three-Hole Punch Jim” costume idea. He wore his regular attire, but added three circles as hole punches. That was it. Then, there was the year he simply wrote “Book” on his face and he was, you guessed it, Facebook. When in doubt ask, “What Would Jim Do?”

https://youtu.be/Cy2r9zjYjNQ?si=T93co32z8PfL2y7G

Michigan-Inspired Halloween Costumes

  • Jim Harbaugh

    University of Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh

    Jim Harbaugh in his usual attire. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

    Is there an easier and more recognizable Halloween costume than University of Michigan Head Football Coach Jim Harbaugh? I don’t think so. All you need is a pair of pleated khakis, some headphones, UofM gear, and you’re all set. Chances are you have most of that around the house already, maybe you’ll have to borrow some clothes from a friend. It’s super easy and ready to go.

  • Jackie Moon (Semi-Pro)

    Did you remember that the basketball team in Semi-Pro is the Flint Tropics? You don’t often see Flint getting love in the movies but Semi-Pro put Flint on the map! Even though the movie came out in 2008, the costume is still iconic and recognizable. Hopefully, you don’t mind some short shorts. Who will be wearing short shorts on Halloween? You will be wearing short shorts if you go with the Jackie Moon costume. That’s who.

  • Dax Shepard and Kristen Bell

    Not only is this a couple’s costume, but it’s double the Detroit! The married actors are not only one of America’s favorite celebrity couples, they’re both from Metro-Detroit. Dax is originally from Milford Township and Kristen is from Huntington Woods. How amazing is that? Additionally, dressing up as the pair for Halloween is really easy. Maybe get a fake tattoo sleeve for him and you’re good to go. Bonus points if you can somehow involve the Sloth from her famous story. Maybe if you have a baby? C’mon! That would be adorable! Don’t know what I’m referencing? Check out the video below!

  • Any Tim Robinson Character

    You’ll be the hit of the party if you show up as a character from Tim Robinson’s popular Netflix sketch show, I Think You Should Leave. Serously, you could pretty much pick any character from the show and party goers are going to love it. ITYSL is one of the most popular shows of the past few years and there are no shortage of popular characters to choose from. You could be the guy with the safari hat with flaps, the guy in the hot dog suit, the old man from the prank show, anyone! Pick your favorite character from the show and you can be them for Halloween. They’re typically just normally dressed people, with a few minor additions and edits. I wish I had thought of this idea sooner, because I would love to dress up as one of those characters.

    What’s the Michigan connection? Tim Robinson is a graduate of Clarkston High School! So am I! On the show you’ll often hear references to Michigan and our suburbs and restaurants.

  • Your Favorite Michigan Musician

    A ton of artists and musicians are from Detroit. Some of them are obvious, and some aren’t as well-known. They also span across all genres of music. Of course, you have Eminem, Kid Rock, Madonna, Bob Seger, Aretha Franklin, Jack White, Stevie Wonder, Big Sean, and more! With such a long list it shouldn’t be hard to find an artist to dress up as. Madonna has had several iconic looks over the years. Kid Rock and Eminem are both easy costumes, as well. Thankfully, you’re from Michigan and so are all these artists.

     

Nate

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