|
 |
 |
|
Michigan
Wolverines
© |
Wisconsin
Badgers |
|
Played
September 12, 1981
at Camp
Randall Stadium
Madison, Wisconsin |
Teams'
Belt Records
|
Team |
Belt
Reigns |
Overall
Record |
Home
Record |
Away
Record |
Neutral
Record |
|
W |
L |
T |
PCT |
W |
L |
T |
PCT |
W |
L |
T |
PCT |
W |
L |
T |
PCT |
|
Michigan
© |
2 |
10 |
4 |
0 |
.714 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
.833 |
4 |
1 |
0 |
.800 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
.333 |
|
Wisconsin |
0 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
.000 |
|
|
|
|
0 |
1 |
0 |
.000 |
|
|
|
|
Previous Belt Meetings: None
| |
1st |
2nd |
3rd |
4th |
Final |
|
Michigan |
0 |
7 |
7 |
0 |
14 |
|
Wisconsin |
0 |
14 |
7 |
0 |
21 |
Top-ranked Michigan came into the 1981 season with a
cavalcade of star players – All-American OG Kurt Becker, All-American WR
Anthony Carter, All-American OT Ed Muransky, All-Big Ten OT Bubba Paris, &
RB Butch Woolfolk. They had won their last 9 games of the 1980 season &
seemed primed for a dominating Belt reign, Wisconsin had other ideas. In
spite of losing the past 4 games to Michigan by a combined score of 176-0,
coach Dave McClain had his Wisconsin team ready to surprise the nation. All-American NT Tim Krumrie, All-Big Ten DT Darryl Sims, & All-Big Ten
S
Matt VandenBoom anchored the Badger defense which hoped to contain the
Wolverines' offense. Wisconsin's QB Jess Cole threw for 182 yards with 2
touchdowns & the Badgers’ defense held Michigan to just 39 yards passing
leading Wisconsin to a 21-14 upset of the Wolverines. Michigan took a 7-0
lead in the 2nd quarter when QB Steve Smith carried 4 yards for a
touchdown. The Badgers scored twice in the last 3:47 of the 1st
half to take the lead. Cole connected with WR Marvin Neal on a 17-yard
touchdown pass & RB Chucky Davis scored on a 1-yard touchdown run for the
14-7 halftime lead. The Wolverines tied the score early in the 3rd
quarter when Woolfolk broke loose for an 89-yard touchdown run making the
score 14-14. Wisconsin got the lead back when Cole hit RB John Williams on
a screen pass which he took 71 yards for the go-ahead touchdown. The Badgers
held on in the 4th quarter constantly putting the Wolverines in
poor field position. Michigan’s last chance ended when VandenBoom, who
picked off 3 passes, intercepted Smith at the Wisconsin 17-yard line with
just 0:02 to play. Woolfolk rushed for 119 yards & a touchdown but
Carter had just 1 catch while Smith’s
3 of 18 passing with 3 interceptions spelled doom for the Wolverines. The
win gave the Badgers their first Belt reign. Michigan finished the season
9-3 ranked 12th nationally while the Badgers finished 7-5.
Michigan would play for The Belt again in 5 weeks.
