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The fifth installment of this week’s series looking back at Michigan football season openers takes us back to 1997. By 1997, much of the football world had taken to saying “The Block M stands for mediocrity.” Michigan had produced several four-loss seasons, and teams were no longer in awe of the maize and blue. 

The Wolverines started the 1997 campaign at home against Colorado, which had given the Wolverines fits in recent years. Pundits expected another close game, but this was a different group of Wolverines, and they were determined to dictate the tone of this game. Charles Woodston started things off by intercepting a Koy Detmer pass, and then Michigan QB Brian Griese connected with tight end Jerame Tuman, who bulled his way inside the 5-yard line. Fullback Chris Floyd then leaped over the pile and into the end zone, and Michigan took the early lead. A field goal by Kraig Baker just before halftime extended the lead to 10-0, but the Wolverines still hadn’t completely demonstrated their capabilities. 

Michigan continued to seize control in the third quarter. The offense used a methodical mix of running and passing to sustain long drives, while the defense hunted the Colorado offense mercilessly, foreshadowing its performance for the rest of the season. When it was over, Michigan had won, 27-3, leaving little doubt that this Michigan team much better was much better than it had been in recent seasons. Not even the most confident Michigan fan could anticipate what would occur over the next few months.