Legends Patch Nominees: Jim Mandich

Since Desmond Howard became the first Michigan player to receive a Legends Patch, there has been much debate surrounding which players deserve the award as well.  In an effort to settle some of the debate, we will be breaking down a former Michigan football player that we believe should be analyzed as a nominee for a Legends Patch.  This does not mean our writers believe they should be formally nominated in some way, but only that their credentials should be reviewed. If you have an opinion please comment or contact our writers via Twitter.


Nominee: Jim Mandich
"Combined great pass catching with sturdy blocking at tight end to make virtually every All-American squad including Academic All-American. Caught 119 passes for 1494 yards and seven touchdowns in three-year career. Once had 10 receptions for 156 yards in single game and had eight catches for 79 yards in 1970 Rose Bowl. Elected captain of team and most valuable player. The 6-3, 220 pounder was an All-American prep player at Solon, Ohio." - Bentley Historical Library

Top Ten (1-5) Players From Ten Year War Part 2

The Ten Year War featured some of the best Wolverine athletes Michigan football has ever had to offer. In Part One of the countdown of the top ten Michigan players through the Ten Year War, there were many impressive names, including Rob Lytle and Randy Logan, but that was  just the first half. Now, we counting down numbers 1-5.

5. Tom Cutis (DB)
Tom Curtis was the greatest pass interceptor to ever play for the University of Michigan. In his three years on the football team, Curtis picked off an amazing 25 passes, including seven his sophomore season, which was a Big Ten record. Eight more INTs in his senior season, along with 45 solo tackles, was more than enough to honor Curtis as an All-American.

At the end of his career at Michigan, Curtis had intercepted 25 passes, returning them for an NCAA record 431 yards. curtis was also named All-Big Ten twice in his college career.

Tom Curtis carried over his career trends into "The Game" with the Buckeyes. Curtis was a constant threat to the OSU offense, picking off a couple passes in three seasons and recording 15 total tackles.

Remembering The 'Ten Year War' - 1969 Edition

The beginning of the Ten Year War.  This is the game that not only changed the rivalry, but also changed Michigan football forever.  This was certainly not the most hyped game in the Ten Year War or the closest, but it was probably the most important because of what it created and changed.  Without this game, there might have never been a Ten Year War, Michigan football's dominance in the decades following, or the great legacy of Bo Schembechler.


Background:
To say Michigan had been struggling before the 1969 season would really be an understatement, especially if one is looking at the team's performance against Ohio State.  Over the last nine games against OSU, Michigan had won just twice.  The Wolverines had also only beaten Buckeye teams coached by Woody Hayes a total of six times in eighteen seasons.  That gave Hayes a 67% winning percentage against Michigan.  Very impressive for such a long tenure.  The rivalry  in the preceding years had been fun for Buckeye fans, but had been horrible for Michigan fans.