The 2009 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 2009 NCAA Division I FBS football season. They played their home games at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan and competed in the Big Ten Conference. The team attempted to rebound from its worst season (loss wise) in its 130 year football history and succeeded at first, starting the season 4–0 and earning a No. 20 ranking in the polls. Over the final eight games the Wolverines went 1–7 however, ending the season with a 5–7 record and failing to qualify for a bowl game for the second straight year. 2008 and 2009 were Michigan's first back-to-back sub-.500 seasons since 1962 and 1963; they also failed to win a road game for the first time since 1962.
However, several individuals excelled. Brandon Graham received numerous post-season accolades including Chicago Tribune Silver Football as conference Co-MVP, several first and second team 2009 College Football All-America Team selections, and the 2010 Senior Bowl MVP. Graham was the national statistical champion in tackles for a loss (TFL) and the repeat Big Ten Champion. Zoltan Mesko also received several second team All-American recognitions and was a first team Academic All-American. Mesko was the Big Ten punting average statistical champion. After the season, co-captains Graham, Mesko and leading tackler Stevie Brown were drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft and immediately after the draft Donovan Warren signed as an undrafted free agent.
Read more about 2009 Michigan Wolverines Football Team: Preseason Preview, Recruiting, Practice Time Limit Investigation, Preseason Award Watch Lists, Rankings, Schedule, Radio, Statistics, Postseason Recognition, 2010 NFL Draft, Roster, See Also
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)