A lot of folks like to poke fun at Michigan, suggesting that so many of their wins came in the era pre-dating black athletes, the forward pass, leather helmets and the Rosetta Stone. But I have done some research, particularly in the era up to 1930, and our Catholepistemiad brethren have reason to be proud. Specifically, I discovered 91 victories leading up to 1930 that are worthy of mention.
The Vulvarines were:
1-0 versus Olivet, Adelbert, Ferris St, Carlisle, Kenyon, Wabash, Detroit Mercy, Carroll, Lawrence, Quantico Marines and mighty American Medical.
That's a total 11 wins against these stellar opponents.
2-0 versus Wittenberg, Lake Forest, Marietta, Hillsdale, Wittenberg, Ohio Northern, and perennial powerhouses Michigan Military Academy, Michigan Athletic Club and Physicians and Surgeons.
That's 18 more for a total of 29.
3-0 versus DePauw and Beloit taking us to 35.
4-0 versus Detroit Athletic Club, 5-0 versus Kalamazoo, and 6-0 versus Mt Union giving us a new total 50.
8-0 versus both Albion and Oberlin making our total 66.
Now add in a 24-0-2 record against Case and we are at 90.
But the crowning jewel - taking us to 91 - is none other than a 44-0 trouncing of Grand Rapids High in 1896.
I don't mean to suggest that Michigan glory stopped in 1930. There were great victories still to come - Camp Grant, Iowa Pre-Flight and two wins over Great Lakes Navy. But the pre-1930 era was one of glory that may never be matched.
