EAST LANSING – Michigan made a serious push for the Rose Bowl on
Saturday with a 27-20 win over Michigan State.
- Mira Levitan
- Wide receiver Steve Breaston congratulates Braylon Edwards after his second touchdown reception — a 16-yard post route –against the Spartans on Saturday. Michigan won the game 27-20. (DANNY MOLOSHOK/Daily)
With the victory, the Wolverines are now two wins away from
making their first trip to Pasadena since 1997.
After a week in which Michigan’s offensive tackles were called
out by Michigan State defensive end Greg Taplin, it was those
tackles, along with the rest of the offensive line, that opened up
constant holes for running back Chris Perry. The senior workhorse
ran a school-record 51 times for Michigan while compiling 219 yards
and one touchdown.
“I hope (Perry) wasn’t complaining,” Michigan coach Lloyd Carr
said. “He wants the football. He’s not a flashy guy, but what an
unbelievable football player he is. When we get into games where we
have to throw the football, he’s a devastating blocker. He runs
with power and can run outside, too. He’s a great back.”
Michigan moved up from No. 12 to the eighth-ranked team in both
the Associated Press and ESPN/USA Today coaches polls after the
win. The Wolverines will know its Bowl Championship Series standing
tonight when the rankings are revealed on ESPN at 6 p.m.