The Ten Year War is viewed as the most iconic time period in Michigan football history by most fans and analysts because of how it changed "The Game" and the path of both Michigan and Ohio State. The face of those ten years is obviously Bo Schembechler and Woody Hayes, but there a large number of impactful players who had their say in "The Game" through this time. So we are counting down the top ten Wolverine players to strap on the winged helmet during the Ten Year War.
10. Marty Huff (LB)
Marty Huff played at LB for three years for the Michigan Wolverines, two of which during the Ten Year War (1969 and 1970). Huff was honored as an All-American in 1970 after one of the best single-year performances from a Michigan LB in school history. He recorded 124 tackles (one for loss) and five INTs for a total of 85 yards in his All-American season.
Through his two years competing in the Ten Year War, Huff recorded 250 tackles, along with 8 INTs. He was very well capable of defending both the run and the pass, called the signals for the defense, and won the John Maulbetsch Trophy a the top freshman in the country. Huff scored a TD as a sophomore, intercepting a pass and returning it 44-yards.
With no argument, Marty Huff had his best game against the Buckeyes during his All-American season of 1970. He racked up an incredible 13 total tackled, 10 of which were solo. He was a dominant force for the Wolverines in "The Game."
The 1969 and 1970 games in the Ten Year War were great, but the 1971 game was close fought and was a nail-biter all the way until the end. This game didn't have as many extra factors as its predecessors, but the actual play was exceptional. There had never been good feelings between Michigan and Ohio State, but the 1971 game showcased just how much this game meant to both teams, both during and after. Without the 1969 and 1970 games, the way this game unfolded probably wouldn't have happened, but this game was extremely important in the Ten Year War
Background:
After Bo's undefeated season had been ruined by Woody's team in Columbus in 1970, the preparation had begun quite early for 1971, in fact, right after Michigan got back to Ann Arbor. Michigan had used this preparation to build on the team's impressive play during the majority of the previous season. The 1971 Wolverines were simply dominant. They were 10-0 entering the Ohio State game and had held 8 of their opponents to one score or less. The only team that even finished within a touchdown was Purdue the week before "The Game".
10. Marty Huff (LB)
