Illinois Game: Your favorite moment

Submitted by Blazefire on

I had so many favorite moments having been at the game, but once I got home and watched highlights, I realized what my true favorite moment was. Probably my moment of zen for the year.

What as your favorite single moment?

brewandbluesaturdays

November 8th, 2010 at 9:25 AM ^

It was the happiest I have been in the last 3 years of Michigan Football. It was so wonderful watching the afternoon games and waking up in the morning knowing that we are goin bowling.  I did however love very much the block you have prtrayed above. It was so nice to finally see us run some form of a "trick" play.

.ghost.

November 8th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^

 

Forcier to Stonum laying down in the corner.  Illinois had us dead to rights so many times, I had accepted our fate.  That play gave me hope.

Wolverine0056

November 8th, 2010 at 9:26 AM ^

That crushing block is definitely number one, but next would probably be either of Hemingway's awesome TD catches. The one that he dances around 3 different guys and the one that he catches the ball off the defender's helmet. 

maizenbluedevil

November 8th, 2010 at 10:22 AM ^

The one where he dances around 3 guys is absolutely insane, and if I had to pick one, is my favorite.  

Re-watching that just made my jaw drop and wonder how the hell he pulled it off.  There was like 5 different ways that play should have ended in less than a touchdown, but, we found the end zone.

those.who.stay.

November 8th, 2010 at 10:20 AM ^

In the stadium I kept thinking how the D was keeping us in the game. That Avery stop you mentioned was excellent along with a handful of really good plays by Cam Gordon, Demens, and Vinopal. The D made some plays and tackles that they hadn't all year. Also, it was really nice seeing the D line and linebackers make some solid arm tackles when the Illinois back made a good move in the hole.

profitgoblue

November 8th, 2010 at 12:22 PM ^

Not only having to deal with the turnovers but dealing with the field position Illinois had after the turnovers!  They seemed to play on Michigan's side of the field the entire first half.  I was very impressed with their play regardless of the score.  Then again, maybe I'm jaded after watching last week's performance against PSU.  Either way, I was impressed this week.

cjm

November 8th, 2010 at 9:36 AM ^

This was SO significant.  I've always agreed with the decision to hire him but was originally skewd by his "shady character."  I quickly learned that he was misrepresented in the MSM (I know shocker huh) and that he is a great coach that cares about his players.  Some say no family values at Michigan anymore - I say whatever.

Skapanza

November 8th, 2010 at 9:31 AM ^

Stonum's TD catch after Tate's scramble. It was so badly needed and the desperation and innovation of the play reminded me of ND last year. Honorable mentions to Hemingway's amazing catch off the tip, the defensive stops late in regulation and overtime, and the first play of the game. That play-action might be my favorite play in the book.

joeyb

November 8th, 2010 at 9:32 AM ^

The last play where we won the game has to be number one.

Second would be the Hemingway WOOP! play.

Third was Floyd Simmons laying that guy out.

True Blue in CO

November 8th, 2010 at 9:32 AM ^

Loved the elusive effort of Hemingway to score on the pass from Tate.  Improv by both the QB and the receiver including the blocking by Stonum.  Could set up as a future hook and lateral play if it was a few more yards away from the sideline.

cjm

November 8th, 2010 at 9:32 AM ^

Man, tough to choose one.  Heck, tough to choose less than a dozen.  The last play was special.  After doggin on Mouton all day long I had just said to my son, "wouldn't it be great if he ended this thing right here?"

Also loved the juggling catch in 2OT!

Also, also loved Shaw's TD untouched.

Also, also, also loved starting the game with a 75 yard bomb.  That happened because of Denard's ability to run.  Sucked the entire defense to him.

Also, also, also, also, ok really I could go on but I must stop and try to be productive.

willywill9

November 8th, 2010 at 10:07 AM ^

I agree... we haven't really done much "trickery" this year, it was refreshing to see RR say "ahhh screw it, let's spice things up" to liven things.  The crushing block was phenomenal, and the blitz (maybe there were two in the game total?) that we called at the end.

Tubes

November 8th, 2010 at 9:37 AM ^

...but Barwis wiping a tear from his eye right before hugging Fred Jackson after the game was pretty awesome.  It just shows the level of commitment these guys have day in and day out.  FWIW, GERG was reportedly in tears after the game as well.

tlh908

November 8th, 2010 at 9:37 AM ^

There were a lot of highlights, but my favorite was Hemingway catching the ricochet in OT.  This week started off bad and that play showed we are finally getting some Michigan bounces.  

Shaqsquatch

November 8th, 2010 at 9:38 AM ^

Hemingway's first TD.

I was laying down in bed watching the game (been sick all week). When Denard completed that bullet of a pass while running straight ahead, I sat up and started laughing. When Hemingway danced around the 3 would be tacklers and ran it in for a TD, I couldn't stop laughing for about 10 minutes.

ElGuapo

November 8th, 2010 at 11:02 AM ^

That was my favorite too.    I kept yelling for Denard to run the ball because it was wide open for him.    Then at the last minute he threw a frozen rope to Junior and for Junior to, first of all, catch that lazer was amazing.    Then for him to use some nifty sideline footwork to turn that play into a touchdown was simply awesome. 

The Tate pass to Junior pass which bounced around at the goal line would have to rank next - one of the few times all year that fortune has favored this team.    Followed by the Vinopal stuff.