The 1950 Michigan Wolverines football team was an

American football American football (referred to simply as football in the United States and Canada), also known as gridiron, is a team sport played by two teams of eleven players on a rectangular field with goalposts at each end. The offense, the team with ...

team that represented the

University of Michigan , mottoeng = "Arts, Knowledge, Truth" , former_names = Catholepistemiad, or University of Michigania (1817–1821) , budget = $10.3 billion (2021) , endowment = $17 billion (2021)As o ...

in the 1950 Big Ten Conference football season. Coached by

Bennie Oosterbaan Benjamin Oosterbaan ( ; February 24, 1906 – October 25, 1990) was a three-time first team College Football All-America Team, All-American American football, football End (gridiron football), end for the Michigan Wolverines football team, two-tim ...

, the Wolverines won the

Big Ten Conference The Big Ten Conference (stylized B1G, formerly the Western Conference and the Big Nine Conference) is the oldest Division I collegiate athletic conference in the United States. Founded as the Intercollegiate Conference of Faculty Representati ...

championship with a record of 6–3–1 (4–1–1 in conference) and defeated

California California is a U.S. state, state in the Western United States, located along the West Coast of the United States, Pacific Coast. With nearly 39.2million residents across a total area of approximately , it is the List of states and territori ...

in the 1951 Rose Bowl, 14–6. The team had two All-Big 10 backs in

Don Dufek Donald Patrick Dufek Jr. (born April 28, 1954) is a former American football player who played safety and special teams for eight seasons with the Seattle Seahawks of the National Football League (NFL). He had previously played for the Michigan W ...

and

Chuck Ortmann Charles H. Ortmann (June 1, 1929 – March 7, 2018) was an American football player who played for the University of Michigan Wolverines from 1948 to 1950 and in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers in 1951 and the Dallas Tex ...

and All-American tackle R. Allen "Brick" Wahl. Despite losing three times and tying once, Michigan was ranked No. 9 in the

AP Poll The Associated Press poll (AP poll) provides weekly rankings of the top 25 NCAA teams in one of three Division I college sports: football, men's basketball and women's basketball. The rankings are compiled by polling 62 sportswriters and broadca ...

and No. 6 in the UPI Poll at season's end. The Wolverines played a regular season game at

Yankee Stadium Yankee Stadium is a baseball stadium located in the Bronx, New York City. It is the home field of the New York Yankees of Major League Baseball, and New York City FC of Major League Soccer. Opened in April 2009, the stadium replaced the origi ...

against

Army An army (from Old French ''armee'', itself derived from the Latin verb ''armāre'', meaning "to arm", and related to the Latin noun ''arma'', meaning "arms" or "weapons"), ground force or land force is a fighting force that fights primarily on ...

on October 14, 1950. They lost that game 27–6.

Schedule

Season summary

Week 1: Michigan State

Michigan, ranked No. 3 in the country, opened the 1950 season playing against Michigan State College in Ann Arbor. Though favored by two touchdowns, the Wolverines were upset by the Spartans 14-7. The defeat was Michigan's first loss in the opening game of a season since 1937. Michigan played most of the game without its leading player,

. Ortmann was injured while being tackled on a 35-yard kickoff return in the first quarter. On the next play, Ortmann dropped back to pass but fell to the ground and was unable to return to the game. Michigan State took a 7-0 lead in the first quarter on a touchdown run by Sonny Grandelius. Michigan tied the score in the third quarter on a touchdown pass from Don Peterson to Fred Pickard. Michigan's touchdown was set up when Frank Howell intercepted a Michigan State pass and returned it 32 yards to the Michigan State 20-yard line. In the fourth quarter, Michigan State returned a punt to the Michigan 19-yard line and scored on a run by Michigan State fullback Leroy Crane. Michigan drove to the Michigan State 10-yard line in the fourth quarter, but the drive ended when quarterback Bill Putich threw an interception.

Week 2: Dartmouth

Michigan rebounded in the second week of the season with a 27-7 win over Dartmouth at Michigan Stadium. Dartmouth scored first with a touchdown pass from Johnny Clayton to John McDonald. Leo Koceski scored Michigan's first touchdown on 36-yard end run in the first quarter. Sophomore

Lowell Perry Lowell Wesley Perry (December 5, 1931 – January 7, 2001) was an American football player and coach, government official, businessman, and broadcaster. He was the first African-American assistant coach in the National Football League (NFL), the ...

caught a 21-yard touchdown pass from Bill Putich near the end of the first half to give Michigan a 13-7 lead at halftime. Perry also had three interceptions on defense. Michigan scored two touchdowns in the third quarter, one on a long pass from Don Peterson to

Harry Allis Harry Dean Allis (April 22, 1928 – September 6, 2006) was an American football placekicker. He played college football for the University of Michigan from 1948 to 1950. He was the leading scorer in the Big Ten Conference during the 1948 ...

. The final touchdown came after

Tony Momsen Anton Henry "Tony" Momsen, Jr. (January 29, 1928 – March 6, 1994) was an American football center in the National Football League for the Pittsburgh Steelers and the Washington Redskins. He played college football at the University of Mic ...

recovered a blocked punt at the Dartmouth two-yard line. Fullback Ralph Staffon ran for the touchdown.

Week 3: vs. Army

In the third game of the 1950 season, Michigan faced an Army team that was ranked No. 1 in the AP and Coaches' Polls at

in New York. The two teams played to a 6-6 tie at halftime, but Army shut out the Wolverines 21-0 in the second half for a final score of 27-6. The game marked the 23rd consecutive victory by Army. Chuck Ortmann threw for 118 yards, and Don Dufek gained 66 yards on the ground and scored Michigan's one touchdown.

Week 4: Wisconsin

In the fourth game of the season, Michigan played Wisconsin in Ann Arbor. Michigan came into the game unranked with a 1-2 record, while Wisconsin was undefeated and ranked No. 15 in the Coaches' Poll. Chuck Ortmann ran 16 yards for a touchdown in the first quarter and threw a 29-yard touchdown pass to Bill Putich in the second quarter to give Michigan a 14-0 lead at halftime. Don Dufek ran one yard for a touchdown in the third quarter. Dufek scored Michigan's final touchdown after intercepting a pass thrown by Wisconsin quarterback Bob Petruska. In the fourth quarter, Wisconsin closed the gap, scoring two touchdowns while playing against Michigan's reserves.

Week 5: at Minnesota

In its fifth game, Michigan traveled to Minneapolis to play Minnesota. After a scoreless first half, Michigan drove down the field culminating in a two-yard run by Don Dufek. Minnesota tied the game with a touchdown in the final two minutes to tie the game at 7-7. Dufek rushed for 63 yards, but the Minnesota team held Michigan to a total of only 46 yards rushing as Chuck Ortmann was held to -38 rushing yards. With the tie game, Michigan retained possession of the Little Brown Jug.

Week 6: Illinois

In the sixth game of the year, Michigan played Illinois in a swirling snowstorm at Michigan Stadium. The cold temperature and slippery playing surface kept the offensive units of both teams in check. Chuck Ortmann went 0 for 11 passing, and the Michigan offense was limited to 119 yards of total offense—all gained on the ground. Because of the inclement weather, the game was reduced to a punting duel between Don Laz of Illinois and

of Michigan. There were 25 punts in the game, 14 by Michigan and 11 by Illinois. Near the end of the first half, Illinois put together the only sustained drive of the game. Starting at its own 20-yard line, Illinois drove 80 yards for the game's only touchdown, converting on a ten-yard pass from Fred Major to Tony Klimek.

Week 7: Indiana

In the seventh game of the season, Michigan defeated Indiana 20-7 at Michigan Stadium. Michigan scored on the third play of the game when

intercepted a pass thrown by Lou D'Achille and returned it 33 yards for a touchdown. The Wolverines' offense received help from an unexpected source in Wes Bradford, a 155-pound, fifth-string scatback from

Troy, Ohio Troy is a city in and the county seat of Miami County, Ohio, Miami County, Ohio, United States, located north of Dayton, Ohio, Dayton. The population was 26,305 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census, making it the largest city in Miami Cou ...

. Bradford rushed for 105 yards on 15 carries and scored his first career touchdown on a 41-yard run in the second quarter. Don Dufek scored Michigan's final touchdown on a 54-yard run on the first running play of the second half.

Week 8: Northwestern

In the eighth game of the season, Michigan had its biggest offensive output of the year, defeating Northwestern 34-23 at Michigan Stadium. Having averaged only 13 points a game in the first seven-game, Michigan scored in touchdowns in all four quarters against the Wildcats. Michigan's offense was led by a running game that gained 291 net yards, including 110 yards from Don Dufek and 76 yards from Ralph Straffon. Dufek scored two touchdowns and also intercepted a

Dick Flowers Richard R. Flowers (August 13, 1927 – May 7, 2010) was an American football quarterback who played for one season in the National Football League (NFL). He played for the Baltimore Colts in 1953. He played college football at Northwestern. ...

' pass.

Week 9: at Ohio State (Snow Bowl)

The 1950 team is probably most remembered for its 9–3 victory over

Ohio State The Ohio State University, commonly called Ohio State or OSU, is a public land-grant research university in Columbus, Ohio. A member of the University System of Ohio, it has been ranked by major institutional rankings among the best public ...

in the famous Snow Bowl game played on November 25. The game was played at

Ohio Stadium Ohio Stadium is an American football stadium in Columbus, Ohio, on the campus of Ohio State University. It primarily serves as the home venue of the Ohio State Buckeyes football team and is also the site for the university's Spring Commencement c ...

Columbus Columbus is a Latinized version of the Italian surname "''Colombo''". It most commonly refers to: * Christopher Columbus (1451-1506), the Italian explorer * Columbus, Ohio, capital of the U.S. state of Ohio Columbus may also refer to: Places ...

in a blizzard, at 10 degrees above zero, on an icy field, and with winds gusting over 30 miles per hour. U-M did not get a first down or complete a pass in the blizzard, punted 24 times, and rushed for only 27 yards, but won 9–3 on a touchdown and a safety, both off blocked punts. Michigan back Don Dufek recalled: "It was very cold. We kept our hands under our armpits in the huddle. Our center (Carl Kreager) didn't wear any gloves. You couldn't get up a head of steam for anything. It was bad news, period." Both Michigan scores came off blocked punts, one resulting in a safety and the other in a touchdown. All-American "Brick" Wahl was responsible for the safety, blocking a punt by OSU's

Heisman Trophy The Heisman Memorial Trophy (usually known colloquially as the Heisman Trophy or The Heisman) is awarded annually to the most outstanding player in college football. Winners epitomize great ability combined with diligence, perseverance, and hard ...

winner

Vic Janowicz Victor Felix Janowicz (February 26, 1930 – February 27, 1996) was an American football halfback in the National Football League for the Washington Redskins. He played college football at Ohio State University and was drafted in the seve ...

. ''

The Michigan Daily ''The Michigan Daily'' is the weekly student newspaper of the University of Michigan. Its first edition was published on September 29, 1890. The newspaper is financially and editorially independent of the University's administration and other stu ...

'' reported the next day on Wahl's block: "In tallying the safety it was Michigan's captain Al Wahl, who crashed in Janowicz' well-exercised kicking leg. The ball bounced erratically to the right of the onrushing Maize and Blue lineman and was floundering less than a foot outside the end zone border when speedy Al Jackson caught up with it. Six inches closer and the Wolverines could have added six more points."

Rose Bowl: vs. California

The Wolverines then advanced to the Rose Bowl where they beat the previously undefeated California Bears (9–0–1) by a score of 14–6. Michigan was held scoreless and trailed 6–0 after three quarters, but Dufek took over in the fourth quarter. He ran for 113 yards in the game and scored two touchdowns in the final six minutes of the game. Dufek was named MVP of the game.

Statistical leaders

Scoring

Rushing

Passing

Receiving

Kickoff returns

Punt returns

Starting lineups

Offense

* Left end:

(6 games); Oswald Clark (4 games) * Left tackle: Thomas Johnson (6 games); John Hess (4 games) * Left guard: Peter Kinyon (9 games)Kinyon bio
* Center: Carl Kreager (5 games); Jon Padjen (5 games) * Right guard: Thomas Kelsey (5 games); Jim Wolter (4 games) * Right tackle: Robert Allen "Brick" Wahl (6 games); Ralph Stribe (3 games) * Right end:

(9 games) * Quarterback: Bill Putich (10 games) * Fullback:

(10 games) * Left halfback:

(9 games) * Right halfback: Leo Koceski (4 games); Don Peterson (2 games); Frank Howll (2 games)

Defense

* Left end:

(6 games); Merritt Green (4 games) * Left tackle: Thomas Johnson (10 games) * Left guard: Dick McWilliams (5 games); Robert Timm (2 games); Thomas Kelsey (1 game); John Powers (1 game); Allen Jackson (1 game) * Right guard: Allen Jackson (9 games); Dick McWilliams (1 game) * Right tackle: Robert Allen "Brick" Wahl (10 games) * Right end: Oswald Clark (9 games); Fred Pickard (1 game) * Linebacker:

Roger Zatkoff Roger Zatkoff (March 25, 1931 – November 4, 2021) was an American professional football player and businessman. A native of Hamtramck, Michigan, Zatkoff played college football for the Michigan Wolverines from 1950 to 1952 and was selected ...

(9 games); Ted Topor (1 game) * Linebacker:

(10 games) * Left halfback:

(9 games); Leo Koceski (1 game) * Right halfback: Don Peterson (3 games); Don Oldham (2 games); Frank Howell (2 games); Thomas Witherspoon (1); Leo Koceski (2 games) * Safety:

(7 games); Leo Koceski (3 games);

(1 game)

Awards and honors

* Captain: Robert Allen "Brick" Wahl *

All-Americans The All-America designation is an annual honor bestowed upon an amateur sports person from the United States who is considered to be one of the best amateurs in their sport. Individuals receiving this distinction are typically added to an All-Am ...

: Robert Allen "Brick" Wahl * All-Conference: Robert Allen "Brick" Wahl,

* Most Valuable Player:

* Meyer Morton Award:

Coaching staff

*Head coach:

*Assistant coaches:

Jack Blott Jack Leonard Blott (August 24, 1902 – June 11, 1964) was an All-American football center and place kicker for the University of Michigan Wolverines from 1922–1923. He was also a baseball catcher for the Wolverines from 1922–1924. After ...

George Ceithaml George Frank Ceithaml ( ; February 10, 1921 – May 24, 2012) was an American football quarterback and coach. He was the starting quarterback for Fritz Crisler's University of Michigan football teams in 1941 and 1942. Crisler later called C ...

, Forrest Jordan,

Cliff Keen Clifford Patrick Keen (June 13, 1901 – November 4, 1991) was an American coach who served as the head coach of the University of Michigan collegiate wrestling team from 1925 to 1970. He led the Michigan Wolverines to 13 Big Ten Conference cha ...

, Ernest McCoy,

Bill Orwig James Wilfred "Bill" Orwig (January 1, 1907 – July 30, 1994) was an American football and basketball player, coach, and college athletics administrator. He played college football and college basketball at the University of Michigan. He later s ...

, Don Robinson, Walter Weber, J. T. White *Trainer:

Jim Hunt James Baxter Hunt Jr. (born May 16, 1937) is an American politician and retired attorney who was the List of governors of North Carolina, 69th and 71st Governor of North Carolina (1977–1985, and 1993–2001). He is the longest-serving governo ...

*Manager: William Searle

References

External links

1950 Football Team -- Bentley Historical Library, University of Michigan Athletics History
{{Big Ten Conference football champions

Michigan Michigan () is a state in the Great Lakes region of the upper Midwestern United States. With a population of nearly 10.12 million and an area of nearly , Michigan is the 10th-largest state by population, the 11th-largest by area, and the ...

Michigan Wolverines football seasons Big Ten Conference football champion seasons Rose Bowl champion seasons

Michigan Wolverines football The Michigan Wolverines football team represents the University of Michigan in college football at the NCAA Division I Football Bowl Subdivision level. Michigan has the most all-time wins in college football history. The team is known for its ...