1951 Michigan Wolverines football team


The 1951 Michigan Wolverines football team was an American football team that represented the University of Michigan in the 1951 Big Ten Conference football season. In its fourth year under head coach Bennie Oosterbaan, Michigan compiled a 4–5 record, finished in fourth place in the Big Ten, and outscored opponents by a combined total of 135 to 122.
Left halfback/quarterback Bill Putich was the team captain, and fullback Don Peterson received the team's most valuable player award.
Halfback/safety Lowell Perry was selected by the Central Press Association as a second-team player on the 1951 College Football All-America Team. Three Michigan players received All-Big Ten honors: Lowell Perry ; offensive tackle Tom Johnson ; and linebacker Roger Zatkoff.
The team's statistical leaders included Bill Putich with 390 passing yards, Don Peterson with 549 rushing yards, and Lowell Perry with 395 receiving yards.

Schedule

Statistical leaders

Michigan's individual statistical leaders for the 1951 season include those listed below.

Rushing

Passing

Receiving

PlayerReceptionsYardsYds/RecpTDLong
Lowell Perry1639524.7371
Frederick Pickard1020420.4255
Ted Topor9819.00-

Kickoff returns

PlayerReturnsYardsYds/ReturnTDLong
Bill Putich38829.3036
Ted Topor37224.0027
Don Oldham35217.30-

Punt returns

PlayerReturnsYardsYds/ReturnTDLong
Lowell Perry1719711.6175
Bill Putich11716.500
Merritt Green11010.0010

Players

The starting lineup of the 1951 football team was made up of the following players. Players who started at least four games are shown with their names in bold.
Honors and awards for the 1951 season went to the following individuals.
Michigan's 1951 coaching, training, and support staff included the following persons.