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There Are Tom Brady Days to Michigan Football

Ten days. That's all that remains until opening Saturday in Ann Arbor. All the off season hi jinx, NCAA tomfoolery, hit pieces, scandals, and replays of painful losses will just float away come sunrise on that day. Michigan Stadium has sat dormant for too long, the sidelines empty, clamoring for the rumble of band, team and fans. Our countdown series continues down the home stretch, honoring the players and games of Michigan lore.

By Kevin Bunkley
Tom Szczerbowski

Who could have predicted that Tom Brady, a two-year starter with little fanfare at Michigan, would become one of the most beloved quarterbacks of the last two decades. Not only did he have the task of succeeding Brian Griese, but he also had to fend off the challenge from Drew Henson taking his job. Statistically, Brady was in the middle of the pack of Michigan quarterbacks all-time for his career marks, but he made it count in the 1999 season. Losing only to Illinois and Michigan State, Brady got Michigan into their first BCS game. The catch was that it was an Orange Bowl against mighty Alabama, before Alabama was Unstoppable Freak of Terror Alabama. They had Shaun Alexander on that team, but it was Brady who ripped their defense to shreds. In the process, he set a Michigan record for single-game completions (34) and got the Wolverines a stunning overtime win after Alabama's kicker missed a PAT.