Back to back to back shutouts for the first time since 1980

Submitted by Jon06 on

For the first time in my lifetime, Michigan has posted three shutouts in a row. Back in 1980, we shut out Indiana, Wisconsin, and Purdue back to back to back. We also beat both MSU and OSU that season, and finished ranked 4th overall by the coaches and the media with a 10-2 record and a Rose Bowl victory over Washington. Both losses were early in the season, in weeks 2 and 3 to (hell with) Notre Dame and South Carolina, respectively. 

Michigan 31-0 BYU

Michigan 28-0 Maryland

Michigan 38-0 Northwestern

What a game! What a defense! Go Blue!

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mgoblue78

October 10th, 2015 at 8:04 PM ^

but, sadly a 0-0 tie. The team went on to post two more straight shutouts that season, and then opened the next with yet another shutout - 7 straight over two seasons.

The 31 team actually was part of 2 streaks of four straight shutouts. The 1930 team closed the season with two shutouts, and the 31 team  opened the season with two shutouts.

Joined: 12/15/2011

MGoPoints: 6645

Bill in Birmingham

October 10th, 2015 at 7:02 PM ^

That 1980 team was my senior year. Never dreamed I would see that again. All the credit in the world to these players. Damn, I knew we hit the jackpot with Harbaugh, but I wasn't expecting this, this soon.

Joined: 08/30/2008

MGoPoints: 7179

Team 101

October 10th, 2015 at 10:08 PM ^

My freshman year.  We weren't that good at the beginning of the season but by the end I don't think anybody in the country would have beaten us.  The Notre Dame loss was on the famous Harry Oliver field goal and the South Carolina team had Heisman Trophy winner George Rogers.  Then defense turned into a rock and Wangler to Carter powered the offense.  The five games to end the season with no TD's allowed was memorable as was Bo's first Rose Bowl victory.

Joined: 04/15/2013

MGoPoints: 37983

LSAClassOf2000

October 10th, 2015 at 7:03 PM ^

It is nice indeed. I remember the last time we shut out teams back to back because I had just graduated, but I actually did not realize that the last time we had shut out three straight teams was in a year when my parents were wondering how I would ever survive preschool. Nonetheless, I have vague memories of my mother - a Michigan grad herself - cheering on those defenses. It's good to know that I saw it happen in my time too. 

Joined: 01/07/2011

MGoPoints: 130627

Chitown Kev

October 10th, 2015 at 7:07 PM ^

in the midst of the streak where Michigan ended the season without having a TD scored on them in the last...what 5 games...and the last 22 quarters of that season

That year marked the only time I've been to The Big House as a 13 year old kid for the Illinois game (the game that started the 22 quarter without a TD streak).

Joined: 10/01/2011

MGoPoints: 4970

aManNamedBrady

October 10th, 2015 at 7:12 PM ^

I was in High School last time that happened -- that was over three 'meh' big ten middlers -- the fact that this time TWO of the three were ranked teams, and that these are the same dudes who went 5-7 last year takes it to a whole new level!

 

Joined: 07/14/2011

MGoPoints: 331

moffle

October 10th, 2015 at 7:19 PM ^

Another enticing stat courtesy of ESPN:

The last time a team has had two 28+-point shutouts against AP-ranked teams: 1966.

ESPN lists four times this happened between 1945 and 1966. Of those four teams (including 1948 Michigan), three went on to win national championships.

Joined: 07/11/2008

MGoPoints: 1418

uminks

October 10th, 2015 at 9:48 PM ^

Were against weak teams! This team shutout two top 20 teams! I don't remember Michigan shutting out two top 20 teams in a row! I hope this streak continues!

Joined: 11/10/2009

MGoPoints: 32040

SWPro

October 10th, 2015 at 9:50 PM ^

My buddy asked me on sunday when the last time we had 3 shutouts in a row was.

 

I told him: ask me again in 1 week, that question will real easy to answer then.

 

WOOO defense!

Joined: 06/08/2013

MGoPoints: 1516