25th Anniversary of “The Hit”
Yes, this is the 25th anniversary of the 1997 football National Champions, but given this is Michigan-Penn State week, I’d like to recognize the 25th anniversary of what has come to be known as “The Hit”.
I was a senior and graduated that year, and I clearly remember the hype for this game. Michigan was deemed the underdog, but came out in such convincing fashion against Penn State. This is the game that really showcased them to the college football world that they were contenders that year.
But it was this hit that I will always remember. Dadrian Taylor’s hit on Bob Stephenson. The final box score shows Taylor with one solo tackle in the game, and Stephenson with one catch for 19 yards. This was the play where both occurred and ended both football careers.
Fun fact: this was Taylor’s last football game. In that same game, Michigan ran out the clock and the victory with their backup QB; Tom Brady.
Thank you Dadrian for putting your heart and soul into Michigan football, and Go Blue!
Link to The Hit below:
October 12th, 2022 at 10:31 AM ^
Yes, we were #2 in the Coach’s poll, based solely on the fact that Tennessee coach Phil Fulmer voted us #8. The dickhead was still pissed that Charles won the Heisman over his boy Payton.
I don’t recall Frosty saying anything like that, but I’ll bet his mom was honking at anyone who would listen.
October 12th, 2022 at 1:43 PM ^
This is 100% correct. Woodson confirmed the Fulmer vote and reasoning a few years ago.
The Frost this is correct as well. At the end of NE’s final game on CBS he whined about wanting his coach to finish a HoF career with a championship and Jim Nantz dutifully pushed the narrative the rest of the broadcast all the way to sign off.
#TooSoon
October 12th, 2022 at 2:11 PM ^
And he made a hard sell, comparing their bowl score with ours and then went with the "If you can vote with a clear conscience for Michigan, do it" shtick. I've disliked him ever since.
The CBS announcers let him sound off and offered no sort of counter argument (such as that we performed much better against common opponents, and never had a close call like their Missouri game).
October 12th, 2022 at 12:21 PM ^
Nebraska of course was thumping everyone, because the Big 12 suuuuccckkkkeeeedddd
Not everyone. They barely scraped by Colorado, 27-24 - the same CU team we trashed, 27-3.
October 12th, 2022 at 7:18 AM ^
Come on OP, you could have at least googled his name - it's Daydrion.
October 12th, 2022 at 7:42 AM ^
I love reading these " I was there " stories. They bring back that momemt and those memories back to life. 1997 was an incredible season.
October 12th, 2022 at 8:23 AM ^
I was a (5th year) senior that year. Very special season, also cool to win it in hockey as well.
I won't click on that link, always bums be out thinking about that play.
October 12th, 2022 at 8:33 AM ^
Thanks for the post. I have to admit I feel uncomfortable with you saying "Fun Fact" and then mention they never played football again. Damn, this game is violent, and I'm OK with that. I am also glad with modern football trying to make hits less violent. I had two kids survive football through high school and I have to admit I both loved every minute of it, but was glad when it ended knowing they made it out without any serious injuries
October 12th, 2022 at 9:25 AM ^
That was the hardest hit in the history of football. All other contenders usually involve a much lighter player getting jacked up. But this was a hit on a 260+ pound tight end running at top speed who was instantly stopped in his tracks and reduced to a ragdoll. In my opinion nothing else even comes close. Thoughts with Daydrion and Stephenson this day.
October 12th, 2022 at 10:24 AM ^
I thought the hit on JJ last Saturday (3rd quarter) was clearly head-to-head but nothing was ever mentioned.
October 12th, 2022 at 10:25 AM ^
Tough.
October 12th, 2022 at 10:40 AM ^
The scariest hit I've seen in college ball. I got pretty hot when ABC cut away from the game early in the 4th quarter. Had not soaked up nearly enough of #2 Penn State's destruction.
October 12th, 2022 at 10:54 AM ^
Obviously I remember the hit. But it’s just one of sooooo many epic things I remember about that game.
Everyone remember Beano Cook’s prediction for this game? “Not a chance Michigan wins this. Don’t even bother going if you’re a fan. Send the Michigan Marching Band and have them play the Victors so both sides can leave happy.”
Fun fact: UM tried to arrange for the MMB to go but Penn State said no.
October 12th, 2022 at 12:08 PM ^
God, I hated Beano Cook. Remember when he said Ron Powlus would win two possibly 3 Heisman's at ND?
October 12th, 2022 at 2:38 PM ^
Very here for this
October 12th, 2022 at 7:04 PM ^
My favorite memory of that game was Beano Cook predicting a PSU victory, and then, after the game, sitting at the on-site desk wearing a Michigan helmet. I wish there was a YouTube clip of that moment!
JFE
October 12th, 2022 at 8:51 PM ^
Fun fact: this was Taylor’s last football game
Ummmm, that is decidedly UNFUN fact, dude.