Michigan Football: Ranking the Wolverines top 10 bowl victories

1. Michigan beats Washington State in 1998 Rose Bowl

There have been a lot of great seasons throughout the history of Michigan football, however, few were as magical as the 1997 season.

When the season started, no one expected Michigan to be a national title contender. No one expected Charles Woodson to win the Heisman Trophy either, but he did after being a dominant force on both sides of the ball.

Against Ohio State, Woodson intercepted a pass, set up a touchdown with a long reception and returned a punt for a score in one of the most iconic plays in Michigan football history. He also had an incredible one-handed pick against Michigan State too. The Wolverines beat seven ranked teams, including six that were ranked in the top 15.

As the top-ranked team in the country, Michigan just needed to beat Washington State to wrap up the national championship. However, the eighth-ranked Cougars, led by Ryan Leaf had other ideas. Washington State jumped ahead 7-0 early and was driving for a 14-0 lead before Woodson intercepted Leaf in the end zone. It not only saved the game, but it also saved a national championship.

Brian Griese evened the score in the second quarter on a 53-yard touchdown pass to Tai Streets, making it 7-7 at the half. In the third, Washington State regained the lead on a 14-yard reverse but had its PAT blocked. Soon after, Griese hits Streets again for a score, this time from 56 yards out, giving Michigan a 14-13 lead.

Griese’s third touchdown to Jerame Tuman gave Michigan an eight-point lead. Yet, Leaf and the Cougars had the ball down 21-16 with less than a minute to go. Leaf got Washington State into range for a Hail Mary, however, the clock ran out before a final spike attempt. The Cougars didn’t get to run another play and Michigan football finished off a 12-0 season.

Days later, the Wolverines were awarded the AP National Championship. It was the perfect ending to a season that was perfect in every sense of the word.