The Lloyd Carr Era: My Personal Highlights

Trying to keep things looking up after a bookended 4 loss season...we here at MBN have decided to list our highlights of the Lloyd Carr era: 1995-2007.

1995
Lloyd's first win in heart-stopping fashion, 18-17 win against Virginia on a last second TD catch by Mercury Hayes from Scott Dreisbach. I was sitting at about the 20 yard line. It was 100 degrees and sunny. I must have lost 10 pounds that day. It was worth it.

A great way to end a disappointing 8-4 season, upsetting #2 ranked and undefeated OSU 31-23. Tim Biakabutuka's record 313 rushing yards was an amazing thing of beauty.

1996
Another huge win over a top ranked OSU team. This time on the road, 13-9.

1997
What else can we say, this was Lloyd's best year by far. Dominating defense led by Heisman winner Charles Woodson, capable but sometimes lackluster offense led by Brian Greise. Defeated every opponent that season. Big wins over Penn State, Ohio State, and Washington State in the Rose Bowl led to Michigan's first national title in 48 years.

1999
Not a banner year for Michigan, but a solid 10-2 season. It was my first Ohio State game. Got to see the phenom Tom Brady before he hit it big. Great win 24-17.

One could argue the Orange Bowl OT victory over Alabama was one of Lloyd's most impressive bowl wins.

2002
An overtime thriller versus Penn State in Ann Arbor, 27-24.

2003
One of Lloyd's most talented teams. A huge come from behind win at Minnesota, was the largest comeback in Michigan football history. Michigan wins 38-35.

Took a while to grow into their roles, but by the end of the season, they were good enough to give Lloyd his only win against Sir Teflon 35-21. Chris Perry turned out to be a great RB and Braylon Edwards became one of the best WRs ever at Michigan. And QB John Navarre got the OSU monkey off his back.

2004
A 3 overtime heart stopper in Ann Arbor against rival Michigan State that went way into the night, was maybe the most dramatic win in the Lloyd Carr era...a breakout game for freshman Chad Henne, and a serious highlight game for senior Braylon Edwards.

Mike Hart also had a banner season, 1,487 yards rushing, leading him to win the freshman Big 10 player of the year.

2005
A down year for Michigan, but "Henne to Manningham" will be remembered for generations. Michigan handed Penn State their only loss of the year in dramatic fashion on a last second touchdown pass to win the game 25-21.

2006
Lloyd's last great season. Big wins all year. A breakout win in South Bend destroying Notre Dame 47-21. Giving Wisconsin their only loss 27-13. Winning at Penn State 17-10 in one of the most physical contest in this series.

The showdown at Ohio State, even though a loss, is maybe the most hyped game in the Lloyd Carr era. The death of Bo the day before probably cast a shadow over this game for Lloyd, but was still a great game in terms of not giving up and playing a great team in a tough environment.