2009 Michigan Wolverines football team

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.

2009 Michigan Wolverines football
Conference	Big Ten Conference
Record	5–7 (1–7 Big Ten)
Head coach	Rich Rodriguez (2nd season)
Offensive coordinator	Calvin Magee (2nd season)
Offensive scheme	Spread option
Defensive coordinator	Greg Robinson (1st season)
Base defense	Multiple
MVP	Brandon Graham
Captains	Stevie Brown Brandon Graham Zoltan Mesko Mark Ortmann
Home stadium	Michigan Stadium
Seasons ← 2008 2010 →

2009 Big Ten Conference football standings

v t e	Conf.							Overall
Team		W		L					W		L
No. 5 Ohio State $		7	–	1					11	–	2
No. 7 Iowa %		6	–	2					11	–	2
No. 9 Penn State		6	–	2					11	–	2
Northwestern		5	–	3					8	–	5
No. 16 Wisconsin		5	–	3					10	–	3
Michigan State		4	–	4					6	–	7
Purdue		4	–	4					5	–	7
Minnesota		3	–	5					6	–	7
Illinois		2	–	6					3	–	9
Michigan		1	–	7					5	–	7
Indiana		1	–	7					4	–	8
$ – BCS representative as conference champion % – BCS at-large representative Rankings from AP Poll

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.

Preseason

In 2008 the Michigan Wolverines had possibly the worst season in the history of the program. The team finished with a 3–9 regular season record, failing to qualify for a postseason bowl game for the first time in 33 years. The Wolverines struggled to implement first-year head coach Rich Rodriguez's spread option offense; Michigan was last in the Big Ten in passing offense, scoring offense, total offense and turnover margin.

Going into 2009, there was optimism that Michigan, led by newly recruited mobile quarterback Tate Forcier, would be able to turn things around and have a winning season, or at the very least win their opening game for the first time since 2006. The team had 10 returning offensive starters and 5 returning defensive starters. Although to some Forcier was a foregone conclusion as the starting quarterback, the battle between him, incumbent Nick Sheridan, and Denard Robinson was anticipated to be the most competitive position battle in the Big Ten Conference according to College Football News. Although the 2008 defense had been a disappointment, Obi Ezeh and Brandon Graham were considered to be a solid nucleus to build around. The team also employed a new defensive coordinator, Greg Robinson, to help guide this defensive turnaround. The key losses for the team were S Brandon Harrison, DE Tim Jamison, DT Will Johnson, RB Sam McGuffie, DT Terrance Taylor, LB John Thompson, QB Steven Threet, CB Morgan Trent.

Recruiting

The Wolverines received several commitments from 4-star blue chip players. Among the recruits are Anthony LaLota of the Hun School in Princeton, New Jersey who is ranked as the fourth offensive tackle in the nation by Scout.com and sixth strong side defensive end by Rivals.com. LaLota appeared in the U.S. Army All-American game on January 3, 2009, in San Antonio, Texas. Other top recruits included a top-ten-rated dual-threat quarterback (Tate Forcier – Rivals #6) to run Rich Rodriguez's spread offense, and Justin Turner who was rated as the No. 3 safety.

Michigan's 2009 recruiting class was ranked 7th nationally by Rivals.com, and 10th by ESPN. Eight players initially committed to attend Michigan in 2009 but later decommitted and signed with a different college: Anthony Fera – K (PSU), Bryce McNeal – WR (Clemson), Kevin Newsome – QB (PSU), Dewayne Peace – WR (Arizona), Jordan Barnes – LB (Oklahoma State), Pearlie Graves – DT (Texas Tech), DeQuinta Jones – DT, and Shavodrick Beaver – QB (Tulsa)

Several recruits participated in the January 3 U.S. Army All-American game during which William Campbell announced his re-commitment to the program. Joining Campbell and LaLota in the All-America game were cornerback/safety Justin Turner, kicker Brendan Gibbons, and receivers Jeremy Gallon and Je'Ron Stokes. Several recruits began early enrollment at Michigan for the Spring 2009 semester, including quarterback Tate Forcier, five-star defensive tackle Will Campbell, running back Vincent Smith, defensive end Anthony LaLota, linebacker Brandin Hawthorne, defensive back Mike Jones and safety Vlad Emilien.

Recruits

College recruiting information

Name	Hometown	School	Height	Weight	40^‡	Commit date
Isaiah Bell LB	Youngstown, Ohio	Liberty (OH)	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	207 lb (94 kg)	–	Mar 31, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (81)
William Campbell DT	Detroit, Michigan	Cass (MI)	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	323.5 lb (146.7 kg)	–	Jan 3, 2009
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (79)
Vladimir Emilien DB	Lauderhill, Florida	Plantation (FL)	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	188 lb (85 kg)	4.66	Nov 24, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (80)
Tate Forcier QB	San Diego, California	Charter School/Scripps Ranch (CA)	6 ft 1 in (1.85 m)	184 lb (83 kg)	4.58	Aug 31, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (81)
Jeremy Gallon WR/Athlete	Apopka, Florida	Apopka (FL)	5 ft 8.5 in (1.74 m)	170 lb (77 kg)	–	Jun 5, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (77)
Brendan Gibbons K	West Palm Beach, Florida	Cardinal Newman (FL)	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	206 lb (93 kg)	–	Nov 13, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (77)
Cameron Gordon WR	Inkster, Michigan	Inkster (MI)	6 ft 2.5 in (1.89 m)	210.5 lb (95.5 kg)	–	Dec 11, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (78)
Thomas Gordon S/Athlete	Detroit, Michigan	Cass (MI)	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	202 lb (92 kg)	4.6	Sep 26, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (77)
Brandin Hawthorne OLB	Pahokee, Florida	Pahokee (FL)	6 ft 0.5 in (1.84 m)	189 lb (86 kg)	4.6	Aug 29, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (78)
Mike Jones S	Orlando, Florida	Edgewater (FL)	6 ft 3 in (1.91 m)	200 lb (91 kg)	4.5	Aug 1, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (77)
Teric Jones RB	Detroit, Michigan	Cass (MI)	5 ft 9.5 in (1.77 m)	190 lb (86 kg)	4.43	Mar 29, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (78)
Anthony LaLota DE	Princeton, New Jersey	Hun (NJ)	6 ft 5.5 in (1.97 m)	260 lb (120 kg)	4.645	Sep 12, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (80)
Taylor Lewan OT	Scottsdale, Arizona	Chaparral (AZ)	6 ft 6.5 in (1.99 m)	270 lb (120 kg)	4.645	Dec 14, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (80)
Denard Robinson CB/QB/Athlete	Deerfield Beach, Florida	Deerfield Beach (FL)	6 ft 0 in (1.83 m)	182 lb (83 kg)	4.44	Feb 4, 2009
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (81)
Craig Roh DE	Scottsdale, Arizona	Chaparral (AZ)	6 ft 5 in (1.96 m)	227.5 lb (103.2 kg)	4.675	Sep 19, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (83)
Michael Schofield OT	Orland Park, Illinois	Carl Sandburg (IL)	6 ft 6.5 in (1.99 m)	271 lb (123 kg)	4.675	Jun 16, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (77)
Vincent Smith RB	Pahokee, Florida	Pahokee (FL)	5 ft 7.5 in (1.71 m)	162 lb (73 kg)	4.62	Aug 29, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (77)
Je'Ron Stokes WR	Philadelphia, Pennsylvania	Northeast (PA)	6 ft 0.75 in (1.85 m)	178 lb (81 kg)	4.445	Feb 4, 2009
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (82)
Fitzgerald Toussaint RB	Youngstown, Ohio	Liberty (OH)	5 ft 10 in (1.78 m)	185 lb (84 kg)	4.5	Apr 18, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (79)
J. T. Turner S/CB	Massillon, Ohio	Washington (OH)	6 ft 2 in (1.88 m)	185.5 lb (84.1 kg)	4.49	Mar 28, 2008
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (80)
Quinton Washington OG	St. Stephen, South Carolina	Timberland (SC)	6 ft 3.5 in (1.92 m)	318.5 lb (144.5 kg)	5.6	Feb 3, 2009
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (82)
Adrian Witty CB/S	Deerfield Beach, Florida	Deerfield Beach (FL)	5 ft 11 in (1.80 m)	180 lb (82 kg)	–	Feb 4, 2009
	Recruit ratings: Scout:    Rivals:    (40)
Overall recruit ranking:   Scout: 14    Rivals: 8    ESPN: 10
In these cases, the average was taken. ESPN grades are on a 100-point scale. Sources: "Michigan Football Commitments". Rivals. Retrieved September 17, 2009. "2009 Michigan Football Commits". Scout. Retrieved September 17, 2009. "ESPN". ESPN. Retrieved September 17, 2009. "Scout.com Team Recruiting Rankings". Scout. Retrieved September 17, 2009. "2009 Team Ranking". Rivals.com. Retrieved September 17, 2009. Ann Arbor, MI							ABC, ESPN2	W 31–7	109,019
September 12	3:30 p.m.	No. 18 Notre Dame*		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)	ABC	W 38–34	110,278
September 19	12:00 p.m.	Eastern Michigan*	No. 25	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	BTN	W 45–17	107,903
September 26	12:00 p.m.	Indiana	No. 23	Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	ESPN2	W 36–33	108,118
October 3	12:00 p.m.	at Michigan State	No. 22	Spartan Stadium East Lansing, MI (rivalry)	BTN	L 20–26 ^OT	78,629
October 10	8:00 p.m.	at No. 12 Iowa		Kinnick Stadium Iowa City, IA	ABC	L 28–30	70,585
October 17	12:00 p.m.	Delaware State*		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	BTN	W 63–6	106,304
October 24	3:30 p.m.	No. 13 Penn State		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (rivalry)	ABC, ESPN	L 10–35	110,377
October 31	3:30 p.m.	at Illinois		Memorial Stadium Champaign, IL (rivalry)	ABC, ESPN2	L 13–38	60,119
November 7	12:00 p.m.	Purdue		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI	BTN	L 36–38	108,543
November 14	12:00 p.m.	at No. 21 Wisconsin		Camp Randall Stadium Madison, WI	BTN	L 24–45	80,540
November 21	12:00 p.m.	No. 9 Ohio State		Michigan Stadium Ann Arbor, MI (The Game)	ABC	L 10–21	110,922
*Non-conference game Homecoming Rankings from AP Poll released prior to the game All times are in Eastern time

Radio

Radio coverage for all games was on The Michigan Wolverines Football Network, and on Sirius XM Satellite Radio, as well as online at The Michigan Sports Network Online Stream. The radio announcers were (WJR talk show host) Frank Beckmann with play-by-play, Jim Brandstatter with color commentary, and Doug Karsch with sideline reports.

Game summaries

Western Michigan

Western Michigan at Michigan

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Broncos	0	0	0	7	7
• Wolverines	14	17	0	0	31

• Date: September 5
• Location: Michigan Stadium
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Game start: 3:30 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:15
• Game attendance: 109,019
• Referee: R. Tobert
• TV announcers (ABC/ESPN2): Mike Patrick (Play-by-play), Craig James (Color) & Quint Kessenich (Sideline)

In the season opener, the Wolverines played the Western Michigan Broncos at Michigan Stadium. The Wolverines scored first, midway through the first quarter, with a 27-yard touchdown (TD) pass from Tate Forcier to Junior Hemingway. They added to their lead five minutes later when Denard Robinson ran in a TD from 43 yards out. In the second quarter, Michigan added 17 more points: two TDs and a field goal. First was a 7-yard TD pass from Tate Forcier to Kevin Koger. 6 minutes later, Jason Olesnavage kicked a 44-yard field goal. Junior Hemingway scored Michigan's final points when he caught a 44-yard TD pass from Tate Forcier, putting the Wolverines up 31–0 at halftime. Western Michigan missed a field goal just before the end of the half.

The second half was largely uneventful. Michigan was content to hold their lead; they essentially stopped passing in the fourth quarter, with Forcier being replaced by backup David Cone midway through the period. Western Michigan finally got on the board with a fourth-quarter 73-yard TD pass from Tim Hiller to Juan Nunez.

The win stopped a streak of two consecutive season opening losses. The 2007 Michigan Wolverines football team, then ranked No. 5 in the nation, lost their season opener in shocking fashion to two-time defending Division I-FCS champion Appalachian State. The 2008 Michigan Wolverines football team lost their opener to Utah, who would go on to finish as the only undefeated team in Division I-FBS, winning the Mountain West Conference and the 2009 Sugar Bowl over Alabama.

Statistics	WMU	MICH
First downs	15	24
Total yards	301	439
Rushing yards	38	242
Passing yards	275	197
Turnovers	3	1
Time of possession	25:40	34:20

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Western Michigan	Passing	Tim Hiller	22/38, 259 yards, TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Brandon West	13 rushes, 41 yards
	Receiving	Juan Nunez	7 receptions, 151 yards, TD
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	13/20, 179 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Denard Robinson	11 rushes, 74 yards, TD
	Receiving	Junior Hemingway	5 receptions, 103 yards, 2 TD

No. 18 Notre Dame

No. 18 Notre Dame at Michigan

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
No. 18 Fighting Irish	3	17	0	14	34
• Wolverines	14	3	7	14	38

• Date: September 12
• Location: Michigan Stadium
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Game start: 3:30 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:45
• Game attendance: 110,278
• Referee: Bill LeMonnier
• TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Matt Millen (Color) & Holly Rowe (Sideline)

In week 2, Michigan renewed their long-time rivalry with the visiting Notre Dame Fighting Irish. On the opening drive, Notre Dame drove the field for an unsuccessful field goal attempt. Michigan scored first late in the first quarter when Brandon Minor ran in a 2-yard TD. Notre Dame responded with a field goal by Nick Taush. Less than twenty seconds later, however, Michigan answered another touchdown on a 94-yard kickoff return by Darryl Stonum. Notre Dame came back to take the lead in the second quarter with back-to-back touchdown passes, 4 yards to Golden Tate and 11 yards to Michael Floyd. After another three-and-out by Michigan, the Irish made their way down the field but were stopped by the Wolverine defense, forcing them to kick a 42-yard field goal. Michigan got the ball back with less than 4 minutes in the half and marched down the field, but with little time left on the clock they had to settle to end the first half with a 39-yard field goal.

Michigan dominated the third quarter, constantly stopping the Irish and controlling the ball most of the period. The Wolverines scored the only points of the quarter on a 3-yard TD pass to Kevin Koger. Early in the fourth quarter, after another three-and-out by Notre Dame, Forcier ran in a TD himself from 31 yards out on 4th and 3. Notre Dame came back later in the quarter, starting with a 21-yard touchdown pass to Tate. Following the touchdown the Irish attempted and failed to score a two-point conversion, leaving themselves down five. After Michigan had an unsuccessful drive, Notre Dame took the lead with a 2-yard TD run by Armando Allen, who then scored on their second 2-point conversion attempt, putting the Irish ahead with less than 5 minutes remaining. Michigan responded by marching the length of the field, consuming most of the remaining time. They eventually found themselves 5 yards away from the goal line with 22 seconds left. Two plays later the Wolverines would score the game-winning touchdown on a 5-yard pass from Forcier to Greg Mathews.

The victory gave the Wolverines their first 2–0 start since 2006. Michigan's all-time record versus Notre Dame improved to 21–15–1 as a result of the victory. This was the highest scoring game in the history of the rivalry, with a total of 72 points between the teams.

Statistics	ND	MICH
First downs	27	21
Total yards	490	430
Rushing yards	154	190
Passing yards	336	249
Turnovers	1	1
Time of possession	31:25	28:35

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Notre Dame	Passing	Jimmy Clausen	25/42, 336 yards, 3 TD
	Rushing	Armando Allen	21 rushes, 139 yards, TD
	Receiving	Michael Floyd	7 receptions, 131 yards, TD
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	23/33, 240 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Brandon Minor	16 rushes, 106 yards, TD
	Receiving	Greg Matthews	5 receptions, 68 yards, TD

Eastern Michigan

Eastern Michigan at No. 25 Michigan

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Eagles	3	14	0	0	17
• No. 25 Wolverines	10	14	14	7	45

• Date: September 19
• Location: Michigan Stadium
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Game start: 12:00 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:05
• Game attendance: 107,903
• Referee: M. Cannon
• TV announcers (BTN): Wayne Larrivee (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color) & Charissa Thompson (Sideline)

In week 3, the Wolverines hosted the Eastern Michigan Eagles from nearby Ypsilanti. Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter with a 37-yard field goal by Jason Olesnavage. The Eagles tied the score with 43-yard field goal by Joe Carithers. Michigan regained the lead when Carlos Brown ran in a 9-yard TD near the end of the quarter. Eastern Michigan re-tied the score in the second quarter with an 11-yard TD run by Andy Schmitt. Michigan responded with 2 TDs: first a 5-yard TD run by Michael Shaw, then a 90-yard TD run by Carlos Brown, the third longest TD run from scrimmage in Michigan football history. The Eagles scored their final points of the game just before halftime with a 5-yard TD run by Dwayne Priest. Michigan dominated the second half, beginning with a 13-yard TD run by Martavious Odoms. A little over a minute later QB Denard Robinson ran in a 13-yard TD. In the 4th quarter Odoms ran in another TD from 36 yards out.

With the win Michigan started 3–0 for the first time since 2006. The win also made Michigan's all-time record against Eastern Michigan 9–0; and 26–1 all time against MAC schools. Eastern Michigan would finish the 2009 season with a winless record.

Statistics	EMU	MICH
First downs	17	17
Total yards	285	448
Rushing yards	179	380
Passing yards	112	87
Turnovers	2	2
Time of possession	40:02	19:58

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Eastern Michigan	Passing	Andy Schmitt	13/22, 97 yards, INT
	Rushing	Dwayne Priest	27 rushes, 91 yards, TD
	Receiving	Marvon Sanders	4 receptions, 32 yards
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	7/13, 68 yards
	Rushing	Carlos Brown	13 rushes, 187 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Martavius Odoms	2 receptions, 33 yards

Indiana

Indiana at No. 22 Michigan

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Hoosiers	14	9	3	7	33
• No. 22 Wolverines	14	7	0	15	36

• Date: September 26
• Location: Michigan Stadium
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Game start: 12:00 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:24
• Game attendance: 108,118
• Referee: D. Lipski
• TV announcers (ESPN2): Pam Ward (Play-by-play) & Ray Bentley (Color)

On their homecoming weekend, the Wolverines hosted the Indiana Hoosiers. Indiana opened the scoring with a 25-yard TD run by Tandon Doss. Michigan responded with 2 TDs by Carlos Brown, first a 61-yard TD catch, then a 41-yard TD run. Indiana tied it back up with an 11-yard TD rush by Darius Willis. In the second quarter, Indiana kicked field goals on consecutive possessions, from 24 and 20 yards. Michigan responded with a 12-yard TD run by Brandon Minor. Indiana retook the lead with its 3rd field goal of the quarter, this one from 30 yards, making the halftime score 23–21 Indiana.

The only points of the third quarter came from a 32-yard Indiana field goal. Michigan regained the lead in the fourth with a 7-yard rush by Forcier who leaped over a defender into the endzone. He also completed a quarterback sneak for a 2-point conversion the next play, giving Michigan a 29–26 lead. Indiana took the lead back on the next offensive play with an 85-yard run for a TD by Darius Willis. Michigan regained the final lead with a 26-yard Martavius Odoms TD catch, and sealed their win soon after with a controversial interception by Donovan Warren.

This was the 16th consecutive time Michigan has beaten Indiana, and the 24th consecutive conference opening win for the Wolverines at home. Michigan started the season 4–0 for the first time since 2006.

Statistics	IU	MICH
First downs	20	20
Total yards	467	372
Rushing yards	197	149
Passing yards	282	230
Turnovers	1	2
Time of possession	30:52	29:08

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Indiana	Passing	Ben Chappell	21/38, 270 yards, INT
	Rushing	Darius Willis	16 rushes, 152 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Tandon Doss	5 receptions, 104 yards
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	11/21, 184 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Carlos Brown	11 rushes, 83 yards, TD
	Receiving	Carlos Brown	1 reception, 61 yards, TD

At Michigan State

No. 20 Michigan at Michigan State

Team	1	2	3	4	OT	Total
No. 20 Wolverines	3	3	0	14	0	20
• Spartans	7	3	3	7	6	26

• Date: October 3
• Location: Spartan Stadium
  East Lansing, Michigan
• Game start: 12:00 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:15
• Game attendance: 78,629
• Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), Overcast
• Referee: Ron Torbert
• TV announcers (BTN): Wayne Larrivee (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color) & Charissa Thompson (Sideline)

In week 5, Michigan took their first road trip of the season to East Lansing, Michigan to play their in-state rivals the Michigan State Spartans for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. After an interception, Michigan scored first with a 36-yard field goal early in the first quarter. The Spartans countered with a 1-yard TD run by Larry Caper. Each team had a field goal in the 2nd quarter: Michigan had a 42-yarder, then State had a 26 yarder, putting the Spartans up 13–6 at halftime.

Michigan State added to their lead at the start of the 2nd half with a 15-yard TD run by Glenn Winston. Michigan responded in the 4th quarter with a 60-yard touchdown by Darryl Stonum, and tied it up just before time expired with a 92-yard drive capped by a 9-yard TD pass by Forcier to Roy Roundtree, taking the game to overtime. On its opening drive of overtime Forcier led Michigan down to the 8-yard line but then threw a tipped interception in the end zone, ending their threat. MSU's Larry Caper ended the game with a 23-yard TD run on 3rd down and 12, breaking three Michigan tackles that would have forced the Spartans to kick a field goal for the win.

The Spartans outgained the Wolverines 417 to 251 in total yards and won the rushing battle 197 to 28. It is the 37th time in the last 40 meetings that the team who has won the rushing battle won the game. Michigan State won by six points: the last six meetings between the two teams in East Lansing have been decided by seven points or less, or a difference of 25 points in all six games combined.

Statistics	MICH	MSU
First downs	14	20
Total yards	251	417
Rushing yards	28	197
Passing yards	261	229
Turnovers	2	3
Time of possession	39:46	20:14

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	17/32, 223 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Tate Forcier	13 rushes, 27 yards
	Receiving	Darryl Stonum	5 receptions, 97 yards, TD
Michigan State	Passing	Kirk Cousins	15/21, 152 yards, 2 INT
	Rushing	Kirk Cousins	7 rushes, 75 yards
	Receiving	B. J. Cunningham	5 receptions, 73 yards

At No. 12 Iowa

Michigan at No. 12 Iowa

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Wolverines	14	0	7	7	28
• No. 12 Hawkeyes	10	10	3	7	30

• Date: October 10
• Location: Kinnick Stadium
  Iowa City, Iowa
• Game start: 8:00 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:17
• Game attendance: 70,585
• Game weather: 33 °F (1 °C), Partly Cloudy, WNW 9 MPH
• Referee: Todd Geerling
• TV announcers (ABC): Brent Musburger (Play-by-play), Kirk Herbstreit (Color) & Lisa Salters (Sideline)

Week 6 brought the Wolverines to Iowa City, Iowa for a primetime duel against the Iowa Hawkeyes. Michigan went up early in the 1st with an interception that was returned 40 yards by Donovan Warren for a touchdown. Iowa responded a few minutes later with a 34-yard TD pass to Tony Moeaki from Ricky Stanzi and took the lead with a 28-yard Daniel Murray field goal soon after. Michigan responded late in the quarter when Brandon Minor ran for a touchdown from 3 yards. Iowa added 10 more points in the 2nd quarter: first a 41-yard field goal, then a 1-yard TD run by Brandon Wegher, making the halftime score 20–14 Iowa.

The Hawkeyes opened the third quarter by booting a 40-yard field goal. Michigan responded with a 1-yard TD run late in the 3rd by Minor. Stanzi and Moeaki connected again for a 42-yard Iowa TD in the 4th. Michigan scored on a 3-yard TD run by QB Denard Robinson with about 4 minutes left and held Iowa to a 3-play drive, getting the ball back just down by 2 points (28–30). In the final minute of the game, Michigan drove down the field about 30 yards on an attempted drive to kick a game-winning field goal or TD, but Robinson threw a deep interception, sealing the Hawkeyes' victory.

Michigan turned the ball over five times and fell to 1–5 in Big Ten road games under Rich Rodriguez. Michigan QB Tate Forcier left the game with 7 minutes remaining in the fourth quarter; it was later discovered that he sustained a concussion during the game. Backup quarterback Denard Robinson served as an able replacement, leading the Wolverines on the TD drive to bring them to within 2 until he threw the game-losing interception on the final drive.

Statistics	MICH	IOWA
First downs	18	17
Total yards	319	367
Rushing yards	195	83
Passing yards	134	299
Turnovers	5	1
Time of possession	32:15	27:45

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	8/19, 94 yards, INT
	Rushing	Brandon Minor	2 rushes, 95 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Martavious Odoms	4 receptions, 76 yards
Iowa	Passing	Ricky Stanzi	20/38, 284 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Adam Robinson	10 rushes, 70 yards
	Receiving	Tony Moeaki	6 receptions, 105 yards, 2 TD

Delaware State

Delaware State at Michigan

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Hornets	0	3	0	3	6
• Wolverines	28	21	0	14	63

• Date: October 17
• Location: Michigan Stadium
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Game start: 12:00 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:10
• Game attendance: 106,304
• Referee: D. Capron
• TV announcers (BTN): Matt Devlin (Play-by-play), Mark Campbell (Color) & Brent Stover (Sideline)

In week 7, Michigan hosted the Delaware State Hornets from Division-I FCS, in the first ever meeting between the two teams. Michigan dominated throughout the game. They scored 7 unanswered touchdowns in the first half, four in the first quarter alone: a Michael Shaw 2-yard run, a 6-yard run by Vincent Smith, a blocked punt that was picked up by Brandon Graham for a score, and a 38-yard catch by Kelvin Grady. In the second quarter, the Wolverines added three more touchdowns, on a 4-yard run by QB Denard Robinson, a 28-yard catch by Martell Webb, and a 7-yard run by Kevin Grady. Delaware State finally got on the board just before halftime with a 26-yard field goal by Riley Flickinger.

The second half was more sedate. Neither team scored in the third quarter. In the fourth Delaware State kicked a second field goal, this time from 24 yards. Michigan's Michael Cox responded with two more touchdowns, from 57 and later 3 yards.

Several Michigan school records were broken or tied in the blowout win. The Wolverines' 727 yards of total offense set a new team record; the 442 total offensive yards in the first half alone also set a team record. Their 57-point win tied the second-biggest margin of victory for them since 1950, and tied for the eighth-largest margin of victory in school history. The 49 first half points was the team's second highest ever. The 28 point first quarter also tied a school record. Because of the effectiveness of the offense, the team did not punt the ball once, the first time this has happened since 1978.

Statistics	DSU	MICH
First downs	11	34
Total yards	216	727
Rushing yards	65	461
Passing yards	160	266
Turnovers	0	1
Time of possession	30:10	29:50

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Delaware State	Passing	Nick Elko	18/34, 151 yards
	Rushing	Nick Williams	10 rushes, 48 yards
	Receiving	Justin Wilson	4 receptions, 55 yards
Michigan	Passing	Nick Sheridan	7/9, 88 yards
	Rushing	Vincent Smith	17 rushes, 166 yards, TD
	Receiving	Kelvin Grady	2 receptions, 48 yards, TD

No. 11 Penn State

No. 11 Penn State State at Michigan

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• No. 11 Nittany Lions	10	9	13	3	35
Wolverines	7	3	0	0	10

• Date: October 24
• Location: Michigan Stadium
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Game start: 3:30 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:13
• Game attendance: 110,377
• Referee: John O'Neill
• TV announcers (ABC/ESPN): Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Matt Millen (Color) & Holly Rowe (Sideline)

In week 8, Michigan hosted the Penn State Nittany Lions at rain soaked Michigan Stadium. Michigan got an early lead after the first drive of the game when Brandon Minor ran in a TD from one yard out. Penn State tied the score with a 10-yard TD catch by Graham Zug from Daryll Clark, and took the lead for good on a 34-yard field goal by Collin Wagner. In the second quarter Michigan surrendered a safety after a bad snap in the end zone. On the ensuing possession, the Nittany Lions scored on a 60-yard TD pass to Andrew Quarless. Michigan responded with a 23-yard field goal, making the halftime score 19–10.

Penn State dominated the second half, shutting out the Wolverines. The Nittany Lions added 13 points to their lead off of two Graham Zug TD catches in the third quarter, from 11 and 17-yard respectively. Penn State capped off their victory with a 29-yard field goal in the 4th.

Michigan suffered their first home loss of the season. This was the first time the Wolverines had lost to Penn State at home since 1996, ending a five-game losing streak for the Nittany Lions in Ann Arbor. Penn State defeated Michigan for the second straight season, its first win streak versus the Wolverines since a three-game streak from 1994 to 1996.

Statistics	PSU	MICH
First downs	18	17
Total yards	396	250
Rushing yards	166	110
Passing yards	242	166
Turnovers	0	4
Time of possession	34:48	25:12

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Penn State	Passing	Daryll Clark	16/27, 230 yards, 4 TD
	Rushing	Evan Royster	20 rushes, 100 yards
	Receiving	Andrew Quarless	2 receptions, 91 yards, TD
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	13/30, 140 yards, INT
	Rushing	Brandon Minor	12 rushes, 48 yards, TD
	Receiving	Greg Matthews	7 receptions, 70 yards

At Illinois

Michigan at Illinois

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Wolverines	7	6	0	0	13
• Fighting Illini	7	0	21	10	38

• Date: October 31
• Location: Memorial Stadium
  Champaign, Illinois
• Game start: 3:30 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:03
• Game attendance: 60,119
• Game weather: 46 °F (8 °C), Clear, N 15 MPH
• Referee: Dave Witvoet
• TV announcers (ABC/ESPN2): Mike Patrick (Play-by-play) & Craig James (Color)

In week 9, the Wolverines traveled to Champaign, Illinois for a Halloween afternoon contest with the Illinois Fighting Illini. Illinois scored first midway through the first quarter with a 3-yard TD run by Arrelious Benn. Michigan tied it up with a 2-yard TD run by Carlos Brown. The Wolverines kicked two field goals in the second quarter, from 29 and 42 yards out respectively, making the score at halftime 13–7 in their favor.

For the second straight game, Michigan was held scoreless in the second half. Illinois held the Wolverines on a goal line stand; on the following possession, Illini RB Mikel LeShoure ran in a 70-yard TD. A few minutes later, London Davis caught a 2-yard TD pass. QB Isiah Williams ran in a TD himself from 3 yards out for Illinois' third score of the quarter. In the fourth quarter, Illinois kicked a 23-yard field goal and capped off their scoring with a 79-yard TD run by Jason Ford. It was Michigan's first loss at Illinois since 1983.

Statistics	MICH	ILL
First downs	17	20
Total yards	377	500
Rushing yards	113	377
Passing yards	286	158
Turnovers	3	0
Time of possession	35:06	24:54

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	13/23, 257 yards
	Rushing	Carlos Brown	25 rushes, 94 yards, TD
	Receiving	Roy Roundtree	4 receptions, 92 yards
Illinois	Passing	Juice Williams	8/11, 123 yards, TD
	Rushing	Mikel LeShoure	21 rushes, 150 yards, TD
	Receiving	Jeff Cumberland	2 receptions, 51 yards

Purdue

Purdue at Michigan

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• Boilermakers	10	0	21	7	38
Wolverines	10	14	6	6	36

• Date: November 7
• Location: Michigan Stadium
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Game start: 12:00 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:15
• Game attendance: 108,543
• Referee: T. Geerlings
• TV announcers (BTN): Wayne Larrivee (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color) & Charissa Thompson (Sideline)

In week 10, Michigan hosted the Purdue Boilermakers. In the first quarter, Purdue scored first with a 35-yard TD catch by Ralph Bolden. Michigan tied the score with a 29-yard TD run by Brandon Minor. Purdue retook the lead with a 41-yard field goal by Carson Wiggs. Michigan tied the score soon after with a 51-yard field goal. In the second quarter, Michigan scored 2 touchdowns: a 55-yard rush by Brandon Minor, and a 43-yard catch by Ray Roundtree, giving the Wolverines a 14-point advantage at halftime.

Once again, Michigan collapsed in the second half. In the third quarter, Purdue's Ralph Bolden scored his second TD of the game with a 19-yard run. Michigan QB Forcier responded with a 6-yard TD run, but the point after touchdown attempt failed. Ralph Bolden scored his third touchdown of the day soon after with a 10-yard rush. Next, Purdue's Cortez Smith caught a 54-yard TD pass. In the fourth quarter, Purdue QB Joey Elliott ran in an 8-yard TD. Michigan's Minor then ran in a TD from 1-yard out. The Wolverines attempted to tie the game but Forcier failed to reach the end zone on a 2-point conversion, sealing the victory for the Boilermakers. It was Michigan's first home loss to Purdue since 1966.

Statistics	PUR	MICH
First downs	22	22
Total yards	494	427
Rushing yards	127	215
Passing yards	370	237
Turnovers	2	1
Time of possession	34:10	25:50

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Purdue	Passing	Joey Elliott	28/39, 367 yards, 2 TD, 2 INT
	Rushing	Ralph Bolden	16 rushes, 98 yards, 2 TD
	Receiving	Cortez Smith	4 receptions, 85 yards, TD
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	15/24, 212 yards, TD
	Rushing	Brandon Minor	19 rushes, 154 yards, 3 TD
	Receiving	Roy Roundtree	10 receptions, 126 yards, TD

At No. 20 Wisconsin

Michigan at No. 20 Wisconsin

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
Wolverines	7	10	7	0	24
• No. 20 Badgers	7	14	14	10	45

• Date: November 14
• Location: Camp Randall Stadium
  Madison, Wisconsin
• Game start: 12:00 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:03
• Game attendance: 80,540
• Game weather: 51 °F (11 °C), Partly Cloudy, S 8 MPH
• Referee: Bill LeMonnier
• TV announcers (BTN): Wayne Larrivee (Play-by-play), Chris Martin (Color) & Charissa Thompson (Sideline)

For their final road game of the season, the Wolverines traveled to Madison, Wisconsin to play the Wisconsin Badgers. Wisconsin scored first with a 22-yard TD pass by Scott Tolzien to Garrett Graham. Michigan tied the score with a 21-yard Tate Forcier TD pass to Vincent Smith. In the second quarter, the teams traded the lead. First, Michigan took the lead with a 37-yard Jason Olesnavage field goal. Wisconsin then went ahead with an 8-yard TD pass to Nick Toon. Michigan went back ahead when Ryan Van Bergen picked up Scott Tolzien's fumble (forced by Brandon Graham) and ran it back 14 yards for a touchdown. Wisconsin responded with a 1-yard TD run by John Clay, making the halftime score 21–17 Wisconsin.

In the third quarter, Toon scored another TD off a 15-yard catch. Michigan responded with a 10-yard catch by Ray Roundtree. Wisconsin then scored 17 unanswered points, starting with a 7-yard TD catch by Lance Kendricks. In the fourth quarter the Badgers sealed their victory with a 1-yard TD run by Tolzien and a 28-yard field goal by Philip Welch.

The game was Michigan's third straight loss at Wisconsin. It was also Michigan's 6th straight conference loss, the first time this has happened since the 1958–59 seasons. The Wolverines' record fell to 5–6; they needed to win next week to become bowl eligibile.

Statistics	MICH	WIS
First downs	15	28
Total yards	265	469
Rushing yards	71	229
Passing yards	212	265
Turnovers	1	2
Time of possession	35:49	24:11

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	20/26, 188 yards, 2 TD, INT
	Rushing	Denard Robinson	5 rushes, 36 yards
	Receiving	Roy Roundtree	7 receptions, 56 yards, TD
Wisconsin	Passing	Scott Tolzien	16/24, 240 yards, 4 TD, INT
	Rushing	John Clay	26 rushes, 151 yards, TD
	Receiving	Nick Toon	5 receptions, 98 yards, 2 TD

No. 9 Ohio State

No. 9 Ohio State at Michigan

Team	1	2	3	4	Total
• No. 9 Buckeyes	7	7	7	0	21
Wolverines	0	3	7	0	10

• Date: November 21
• Location: Michigan Stadium
  Ann Arbor, Michigan
• Game start: 12:00 pm
• Elapsed time: 3:10
• Game attendance: 110,922
• Game weather: 52 °F (11 °C), Mostly Cloudy, W 12 MPH
• Referee: D. Capron
• TV announcers (ABC): Sean McDonough (Play-by-play), Matt Millen (Color) & Holly Rowe (Sideline)

In the last game of the season, Michigan hosted their archrivals the No. 9 nationally ranked Ohio State Buckeyes, in the 106th meeting between the two teams. Ohio State scored first when Michigan QB Forcier fumbled while scrambling in the end zone; the ball was recovered by Ohio State's Cameron Heyward for a TD. Michigan's only score of the first half was a 46-yard field goal. Ohio State's Brandon Saine ran in a 29-yard TD late in the second quarter to make it 14–3 at halftime.

In the third quarter Michigan closed to within four off of Vincent Smith's 18-yard TD catch. Ohio State re-extended their lead to eleven a few minutes later with a 12-yard TD catch by Daniel Herron. Michigan attempted to come back in the fourth quarter, but all of their drives except the last were ended by interceptions. The Wolverines came closest with eight minutes left, when Forcier was intercepted in the end zone by Buckeye CB Devon Torrence. On their last play of the game, the Wolverines were penalized for being in an illegal formation with five players in the backfield; this penalty was declined, giving the ball back to Ohio State on downs and ending the game after the Buckeyes ran out the clock.

It was Ohio State's sixth straight win over Michigan, their longest winning streak of the series. QB Tate Forcier had perhaps his worst game this season, throwing four interceptions and turning over a fumble for a TD; prior to this game he had only thrown six interceptions all year. He became just the second Michigan quarterback to throw four interceptions against Ohio State in the last 60 years. Michigan's six-game losing streak to Ohio State is the third-longest streak to a single opponent in school history. The loss left Michigan's final record at 5–7, short of the six wins needed for bowl eligibility. During the game, Brandon Graham posted 5 solo tackles for a loss, to clinch the national statistical championship.

Statistics	OSU	MICH
First downs	18	16
Total yards	318	309
Rushing yards	251	80
Passing yards	104	234
Turnovers	1	5
Time of possession	32:56	27:04

Team	Category	Player	Statistics
Ohio State	Passing	Terrelle Pryor	9/17, 67 yards, TD, INT
	Rushing	Daniel Herron	19 rushes, 96 yards
	Receiving	DeVier Posey	5 receptions, 38 yards
Michigan	Passing	Tate Forcier	23/38, 226 yards, TD, 4 INT
	Rushing	Vincent Smith	8 rushes, 32 yards
	Receiving	Roy Roundtree	9 receptions, 116 yards

Statistics

The offense rebounded from their 2008 performance to finish third in the Big Ten in scoring. However, Michigan ranked last in the Big Ten and 115th out of 120 Football Bowl Subdivision schools in turnover margin.

Graham was the national statistical champion in tackles for a loss (TFL) per game. Mesko led the Big Ten in punting average and Graham led the conference in total tackles for a loss. Graham posted 26 TFLs in 12 games, which led the nation with 2.17 average tackles for a loss per game (ahead of conference rival O'Brien Schofield who was second with 1.884). Graham also defended his Big Ten total TFLs championship over Schofield by a 26–24.5 margin. Mesko led the Big Ten in punting average and was eighth in the nation with a 44.46 average.

The per game team rankings below include 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams and 11 Big Ten Conference teams:

Category	National Rank	Actual	National Leader	Actual	Conference Rank	Big Ten Conference Leader	Actual
Rushing Offense	25	186.17	Nevada	344.92	4	Wisconsin	203.85
Passing Offense	81	198.33	Houston	433.71	9	Northwestern	286.54
Total offense	59	384.50	Houston	563.36	7	Wisconsin	416.92
Scoring Offense	41	29.50	Houston	42.21	3	Wisconsin	31.77
Rushing Defense	91	171.92	Texas	72.36	10	Wisconsin	88.23
Pass Efficiency Defense	70	131.79	Nebraska	87.28	8	Iowa	89.99
Total Defense	82	393.33	TCU	239.69	9	Ohio St.	262.31
Scoring Defense	77	27.50	Nebraska	10.43	8	Penn St.	12.23
Net Punting	3	40.93	Georgia	41.95	1	Michigan	40.93
Punt Returns	62	8.67	LSU	18.85	3	Minnesota	14.67
Kickoff Returns	23	23.80	TCU	29.24	3	Michigan St.	25.85
Turnover Margin	115	−1.00	Air Force	1.69	11	Ohio St.	1.31
Pass Defense	67	221.42	Eastern Mich.	150.50	7	Iowa	152.92
Passing Efficiency	76	124.09	Florida	167.31	8	Michigan St.	145.01
Sacks	68	1.83	Pittsburgh	3.62	9	Penn St.	2.85
Tackles For Loss	20	7.00	Rutgers	8.69	3	Penn St.	8.08
Sacks Allowed	83	2.33	Boise St.	.36	8	Michigan St.	1.08

The per game rankings below include players who have played in 75% of team's games and are ranked in the top 100 national leaders and top 25 conference leaders:

Category	Player	National Rank	Actual	National Leader	Actual	Conference Rank	Big Ten Conference Leader	Actual
Rushing	Brandon Minor		50.20	Ryan Mathews	150.67	11	John Clay	116.69
	Carlos Brown		43.64			14
	Vincent Smith		30.67			18
	Denard Robinson		29.25			19
Passing Efficiency (Min. 15 Att./Game)	Tate Forcier	64	128.15	Tim Tebow	164.17	9	Scott Tolzien	142.99
Total offense	Tate Forcier	80	190.83	Case Keenum	416.36	10	Mike Kafka	286.54
	Brandon Minor		50.20			22
	Denard Robinson		44.92			24
	Carlos Brown		43.64			25
Receptions Per Game	Roy Roundtree		2.91	Freddie Barnes	11.92	21	Keith Smith (Purdue)	7.58
Receiving Yards Per Game	Roy Roundtree		39.45	Danario Alexander	137.00	22	Smith (Purdue)	91.67
Interceptions	Donovan Warren	T-49	.33	Rahim Moore	.77	T-6	Sherrick McManis	.50
	Jonas Mouton		.18			T-18
Punting (Min. 3.6 Punts/Game)	Zoltan Mesko	8	44.46	Drew Butler	48.05	1	Mesko (Michigan)	44.46
Punt Returns (Min. 1.2 Ret./Game)				Greg Reid	18.43		Colin Sandeman	9.00
Kickoff Returns (Min. 1.2 Ret./Game)	Darryl Stonum	T-32	25.67	Ray Fisher	37.35	3	Fisher (Indiana)	37.35
Field goals	Jason Olesnavage	T-85	.92	Kai Forbath	2.15	10	Daniel Murray	1.46
Scoring	Jason Olesnavage		6.25	Toby Gerhart	13.23	10	Clay (Wisconsin)	8.31
	Brandon Minor		4.80			T-13
All-Purpose Runners	Darryl Stonum	100	100.00	Damaris Johnson	224.42	6	Tandon Doss	138.83
Sacks	Brandon Graham	14	.88	Von Miller	1.31	4	Ryan Kerrigan	1.08
	Ryan Van Bergen		.42			15
Tackles	Stevie Brown		6.67	Carmen Messina	13.50	20	Greg Jones	11.85
Tackles For Loss	Brandon Graham	1	2.17	Graham (Michigan)	2.17	1	Graham (Michigan)	2.17
	Mike Martin		.71			T-23

Postseason recognition

At the conclusion of the season, Graham earned the Chicago Tribune Silver Football Big Ten co-MVP award. Graham and Mesko earned numerous 2009 College Football All-America Team recognitions. Several Michigan players earned 2009 All-Big Ten Conference recognition: Graham and Mesko were first-team (coaches and media). Donovan Warren (first-team media and second-team coaches) and Schilling (honorable mention coaches and media) were also recognized. Mesko was a first-team Academic All-American. Graham also earned the MVP award at the January 30, 2010 Senior Bowl.

Graham was co-winner of the Chicago Tribune Silver Football as the Big Ten co-MVPs with Penn State's Daryll Clark, marking the first time the award has been shared. Three Michigan players, Warren (Junior cornerback), Brandon Graham (Senior defensive end), and Mesko (Senior punter) were named to the All Big Ten First Team, and Stephen Schilling (Senior left guard) received honorable mention. Offensive lineman David Moosman also received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award. Mesko was one of fifteen FBS athletes selected as a first-team Academic All-American. Michigan had 10 athletes recognized as fall term of the 2009–10 Academic All-Conference selections for being letterwinners who are in at least their second academic year at their institution and carry a cumulative grade point average: Matt Cavanaugh, Jon Conover, John Ferrara, J.B. Fitzgerald, Will Heininger, Zac Johnson, Zoltan Mesko, Tim North, Jason Olesnavage, and Mike Therman. Seniors Zoltan Mesko (2nd team WCFF, Scout, Rivals, AP; honorable mention SI, CFN, PFW) and Brandon Graham (1st team Scout, Rivals; 2nd team WCFF, AP, SI, CFN; honorable mention PFW) were named All-Americans by the Walter Camp Football Foundation, Associated Press, Sports Illustrated, Pro Football Weekly, Rivals.com & Scout.com. Graham was also a first team selection by ESPN and a second team selection by the Sporting News. Brandon Graham earned MVP honors at the January 30, 2010 Senior Bowl with five tackles, two sacks, one forced fumble.

In December 2009, Warren declared himself eligible for the 2010 NFL draft. Other athletes to participate at the NFL Scouting Combine were Graham, Mesko and Minor. Graham, Mesko and Stevie Brown were drafted 13th, 150th and 251st overall, respectively. Warren went undrafted but signed with the New York Jets as an undrafted free agent.

2010 NFL draft

Co-captains Graham, Mesko and Brown were drafted in the 2010 NFL Draft, and immediately following the draft Donovan Warren was signed by the New York Jets. Other draft weekend free agent signees included Mathews and Brandon Minor with the Chicago Bears, Mark Ortmann with the Carolina Panthers, Moosman with the Arizona Cardinals and Carlos Brown with the New Orleans Saints.

Round	Pick #	NFL team	Player	Position
1	13	Philadelphia Eagles ^(from San Francisco via Denver)	Brandon Graham	Defensive end
5	150	New England Patriots ^(from Houston)	Zoltan Mesko	Punter
7	251	Oakland Raiders	Stevie Brown	Safety

Roster

2009 Michigan Wolverines roster
Quarterbacks 5 Tate Forcier – Freshman 8 Nick Sheridan – Junior 14 Nader Furrha – Freshman 16 Denard Robinson – Freshman 17 David Cone – Junior 20 Jack Kennedy – Freshman Running backs 2 Vincent Smith – Freshman 4 Brandon Minor – Senior 15 Michael Cox – Freshman 20 Michael Shaw – Sophomore 23 Carlos Brown – Senior 24 Kevin Grady – Senior 28 Fitzgerald Toussaint – Freshman 32 O'Neil Swanson – Freshman 49 Benjamin Sutton – Junior Fullbacks 36 Johnny Childers – Freshman 44 Mark Moundros – Junior 49 John McColgan – Sophomore Slot receivers 7 Terrence Robinson – Freshman 10 Jeremy Gallon -Freshman 12 Roy Roundtree - Freshman 19 Kelvin Grady - Sophomore 26 Nick Koenigsknecht - Junior 27 Jordan Owens -Freshman 30 Doug Rogan - Sophomore 37 Ricky Reyes - Senior Wide receivers 6 Je'Ron Stokes-Freshman 9 Martavious Odoms-Sophomore 13 Greg Mathews-Senior 18 James Rogers-Junior 21 Junior Hemingway- Sophomore 22 Darryl Stonum-Sophomore 40 Zac Baker-Senior 82 LaTerryal Savoy-Senior 83 Jon Conover- Junior 84 Cameron Gordon-Freshman 85 Joe Reynolds-Freshman 89 Patrick Collins- Sophomore Tight ends 46 Jon Bills- Sophomore 80 Martell Webb-Junior 86 Kevin Koger-Sophomore 88 Brandon Moore- Freshman		Offensive line 50 David Molk – Sophomore 50 Ohene Opong-Owusu- Senior 52 Stephen Schilling – Junior 54 Jareth Glanda-Freshman 56 Ricky Barnum- Freshman 57 Elliot Mealer- Freshman 59 Tom Lindley-Freshman 60 David Moosman- Senior 61 Zac Ciullo- Sophomore 62 Tim McAvoy- Senior 63 Rocko Khoury- Freshman 65 Patrick Omameh- Freshman 66 Christian Brandt-Freshman 67 Adam Barker-Freshman 69 Erik Gunderson-Freshman 70 Bryant Nowicki- Junior 71 Mark Ortmann- Senior (C) 72 Mark Huyge- Sophomore 74 John Ferrara- Junior 75 Michael Schofield-Freshman 76 Quinton Washington-Freshman 77 Taylor Lewan-Freshman 79 Perry Dorrestein- Junior 91 Tom Pomarico- Sophomore Linebackers 3 Stevie Brown-Senior (C) 4 Brandon Smith- Freshman 7 Brandin Hawthorne-Freshman 8 Jonas Mouton - Junior 25 Kenny Demens- Freshman 26 Isaiah Bell-Freshman 27 Mike Jones-Freshman 36 Rusheed Furrha- Sophomore 42 J.B. Fitzgerald-Sophomore 45 Obi Ezeh- Junior 52 Kevin Leach- Sophomore 58 Brandon Herron- Sophomore 59 Paul Gyarmati- Freshman Outside linebackers 81 Steve Watson- Sophomore 88 Craig Roh-Freshman 96 Mike Therman- Junior		Defensive ends 39 Will Heininger - Sophomore 55 Brandon Graham -Senior (C) 67 Nathan Brink -Freshman 89 Tim North - Senior 90 Anthony LaLota -Freshman 99 Adam Patterson - Junior Defensive tackles 53 Ryan Van Bergen- Sophomore 62 Dominique Ware- Sophomore 68 Mike Martin-Sophomore 73 William Campbell-Freshman 92 Greg Banks- Junior 95 Renaldo Sagesse-Junior Cornerbacks 2 J.T. Turner-Freshman 6 Donovan Warren-Junior 12 J.T. Floyd- Freshman 14 Teric Jones-Freshman 17 Tony Anderson- Sophomore 19 Zac Johnson- Sophomore 42 Al Backey-Freshman Safeties 5 Vladimir Emilien-Freshman 15 Thomas Gordon-Freshman 21 Jordan Reilly- Sophomore 23 Floyd Simmons- Freshman 28 Matthew Cavanaugh- Freshman 29 Troy Woolfolk-Junior 31 Jared Van Slyke- Sophomore 32 Jordan Kovacs- Freshman 35 Karl Tech- Sophomore 40 Mike Williams- Sophomore Punters 30 Chris Berry- Junior 41 Zoltan Mesko- Senior (C) Place kickers 34 Brendan Gibbons -Freshman 43 Bryan Wright- Junior 93 Kris Pauloski-Freshman 97 Scott Schrimsher- Sophomore Kickers 46 Seth Broekhuizen-Freshman 92 Jason Olesnavage- Senior Long snappers 66 George Morales- Freshman 94 Curt Graman-Freshman	Head coach Rich Rodriguez Coordinators/Assistant coaches Calvin Magee -Associate head coach, Offensive Coordinator Greg Robinson – Defensive coordinator Tony Dews – Wide receivers coach Greg Frey – Offensive line coach Tony Gibson – Assistant head coach, secondary coach Jay Hopson – Linebackers coach Fred Jackson – Running backs coach Rod Smith – Quarterbacks coach Bruce Tall – Defensive line coach Legend (C) Team captain Redshirt Roster Archived December 1, 2010, at the Wayback Machine Last update: 2009-12-11

On December 12, 2008, RB Sam McGuffie announced he was leaving Michigan for a school closer to home because of family issues. On February 16, 2009, starting quarterback Steven Threet told Michigan he would transfer before the start of the 2009 season. On October 27, 2009, starting cornerback Boubacar Cissoko was kicked off the team for missing class, workouts and study table according to his high school coach Thomas Wilcher. He also stated that he expected Cissoko to seek a transfer.