Re: 1977. 41-3*: I was at the 1977 Texas A&M game and still remember it as one of the most impressive Michigan wins I’ve seen. (LONG)

Posted on September 8, 2026 at 10:56:24 AM by BlueSquared

A&M came in undefeated and ranked #5, after beating #7 Texas Tech 33-17 on the road the week before. Michigan was #3, but had struggled in wins over Duke (21-9) and Navy (14-7) the previous two weeks.

A&M ran the wishbone, with George Woodard at fullback. I remember the Daily saying he weighed 275 pounds, an enormous running back in 1977. He would end up rushing for over 1,000 yards that season.

They also had Tony Franklin, the barefoot kicker who routinely made FGs from 50+ yards and had kicked a 64-yarder the previous year. I remember that being a big part of the discussion before the game—A&M could be in scoring range without getting very far into Michigan territory.

Franklin put A&M ahead 3-0. Michigan led only 7-3 at halftime.

Then Michigan outscored them 34-0 in the second half. A&M did not run a single offensive play in Michigan territory in the second half. Their deepest penetration was the Michigan 49, where Woodard fumbled.

Woodard carried 39 times for 153 yards. A&M completed one pass all day, for three yards, and threw two interceptions.

Michigan won 41-3.

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Thread:

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  - 1977. 41-3* - By Rich September 7, 2026 at 06:14:11 PM
    - Re: 1977. 41-3*: I was at the 1977 Texas A&M game and still remember it as one of the most impressive Michigan wins I’ve seen. (LONG) - By BlueSquared September 8, 2026 at 10:56:24 AM
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Re: 1977. 41-3*: I was at the 1977 Texas A&M game and still remember it as one of the most impressive Michigan wins I’ve seen. (LONG)