2011 Michigan Wolverines football team

In 2010, Michigan became bowl eligible for the first time since 2007 and faced the Mississippi State Bulldogs in the Gator Bowl, which Michigan lost 52–14. The 2010 Wolverines finished the season ranked eighth nationally in total offense with quarterback Denard Robinson setting several individual records. However, the defensive unit finished 110th in total defense.{{cite web|title=2010 Michigan Football Ranking Summary|publisher=NCAA|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?org=418&year=2010&week=19|access-date=December 21, 2010}}

On January 4, 2011, after Michigan's loss in the Gator Bowl, and following a 15–22 record in three seasons under head coach Rich Rodriguez, athletic director Dave Brandon announced that Rodriguez had been fired and a national search was underway to select a new head coach.{{cite web|author=Schmehl, James|title=Report: Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez to be fired|publisher=Mlive|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2011/01/report_michigan_coach_rich_rod.html|date=January 4, 2011|access-date=January 4, 2011}}{{cite news|author=Rohan, Tim|title=Rodriguez officially fired as head football coach|newspaper=The Michigan Daily|date=January 5, 2011|access-date=January 7, 2011|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/content/rodriguez-officially-fired-head-football-coach-0}} Brady Hoke was hired as Michigan's new head coach on January 11.{{cite web|title=Brady Hoke named University of Michigan's new football coach|publisher=Mlive|url=http://www.mlive.com/wolverines/index.ssf/2011/01/brady_hoke_to_be_introduced_as.html|date=January 11, 2011|access-date=January 11, 2011}} Hoke's hiring triggered speculation that Denard Robinson would transfer, as it was believed that Hoke would run a pro-style offense with Michigan's new offensive coordinator Al Borges, but Robinson announced one day after Hoke's hiring that he would return to Michigan for the 2011 season.{{cite news|author=Burns, Mark|title=Hoke says Denard Robinson will stay at Michigan|newspaper=The Michigan Daily|date=January 13, 2011|access-date=January 19, 2011|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/content/report-denard-robinson-stay-michigan|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110121045959/http://www.michigandaily.com/content/report-denard-robinson-stay-michigan|archive-date=2011-01-21|url-status=dead}} On defense, Michigan hired defensive coordinator Greg Mattison from the Baltimore Ravens. Mattison had previously been the defensive coordinator for Michigan's 1995 and 1996 teams.{{cite web|title=Hoke Hires Ravens Coordinator Greg Mattison to Run Wolverines Defense|publisher=CBS Interactive|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/011811aab.html|date=January 18, 2011|access-date=January 19, 2011}} Following Hoke's hiring, the team was dubbed "Team 132" in recognition of the 132 seasons of Michigan football.

During the first eight months of 2011, seven Michigan players announced plans to transfer to other schools. The first to go was backup quarterback Tate Forcier who announced on January 22 that he was leaving the team, having previously been declared academically ineligible for the Gator Bowl.{{cite news|author=Spar, Nick|title=Forcier confirms he is no longer on football team|newspaper=The Michigan Daily|date=January 19, 2011|access-date=January 19, 2011|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/content/forcier-confirms-he-no-longer-football-team|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110124010329/http://michigandaily.com/content/forcier-confirms-he-no-longer-football-team|archive-date=2011-01-24|url-status=dead}} The other departures were (1) starting safety Ray Vinopal, who cited personal reasons for transferring to Pittsburgh,{{cite web|author=Rothstein, Michael|title=Notebook: Michigan football safety Ray Vinopal leaves team and other notes|publisher=AnnArbor.com|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/michigan-football-safety-ray-vinopal-leaves-team-and-other-notes/|date=March 23, 2011|access-date=March 26, 2011}}{{cite web|title=Youngstown Vindicator: Former Michigan safety Ray Vinopal transferring to Pittsburgh|publisher=AnnArbor.com|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/former-michigan-safety-ray-vinopal-transferring-to-pittsburgh/|date=March 24, 2011|access-date=March 26, 2011}} (2) cornerback Cullen Christian who also transferred to Pittsburgh,{{cite web|title=Michigan reportedly loses another CB|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/25782/michigan-reportedly-loses-another-cb|date=April 22, 2011|access-date=May 17, 2011| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110424095539/http://espn.go.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/25782/michigan-reportedly-loses-another-cb| archive-date= 24 April 2011 | url-status= live}}{{cite web|title=Report: Michigan cornerback Cullen Christian will transfer to Pitt|work=AnnArbor.com|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/report-michigan-cornerback-cullen-christian-will-transfer-to-pitt/|date=April 25, 2011|access-date=June 21, 2012}} (3) wide receiver D.J. Williamson,{{cite web|author=Rothstein, Michael|title=Wide receiver D.J. Williamson leaving Michigan football program|publisher=AnnArbor.com|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/michigan-wide-receiver-dj-williamson-leaving-football-program/|date=May 24, 2011|access-date=June 2, 2011}} (4) incoming offensive guard Tony Posada,{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/spokesman-true-freshman-offensive-lineman-tony-posada-has-left-the-michigan-football-program/|title=Spokesman: True freshman offensive lineman Tony Posada has left the Michigan football program|access-date=August 23, 2011|date=August 22, 2011|publisher=AnnArbor.com|author=Meinke, Kyle}} (5) wide receiver Je'Ron Stokes who transferred to Bowling Green,{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/receiver-jeron-stokes-becomes-second-player-in-2-days-to-leave-michigan-football-team/|title=Receiver Je'Ron Stokes becomes second player in 2 days to leave Michigan football team|access-date=August 23, 2011|date=August 23, 2011|publisher=AnnArbor.com|author=Meinke, Kyle}}{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/ex-michigan-football-player-jeron-stokes-lands-at-bowling-green/|title=TOLEDO BLADE: Ex-Michigan football player Je'Ron Stokes lands at Bowling Green|access-date=September 7, 2011|date=September 7, 2011|publisher=AnnArbor.com}} and (6) incoming tight end Chris Barnett.{{cite web|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/blog/barnett-becomes-third-defector-during-fall-camp|title=Barnett becomes third defector during fall camp|access-date=August 25, 2011|date=August 25, 2011|publisher=The Michigan Daily|author=Nesbitt, Stephen J.|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120927223029/http://www.michigandaily.com/blog/barnett-becomes-third-defector-during-fall-camp|archive-date=2012-09-27|url-status=dead}}

On August 7, 2011, Hoke announced that wide receiver Darryl Stonum (the team's second leading receiver in 2010) was suspended and would be redshirted due to drunken driving related violations. Additionally, due to an unspecified team rules violations, punter Will Hagerup (who had been suspended for one game in 2010) was suspended for the first four games, while wide receiver Terrence Robinson was suspended for the first game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/6842359/darryl-stonum-michigan-wolverines-redshirt-2-others-suspended|title=Michigan WR Darryl Stonum to redshirt|access-date=August 8, 2011|date=August 7, 2011|publisher=ESPN|author=Rittenberg, Adam}}

On August 28, 2011, the team named tight end Kevin Koger, defensive tackle Mike Martin, and center David Molk as its co-captains for the 2011 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082811aab.html|title=Players Vote Koger, Molk, Martin Captains of 2011 Michigan Team|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=August 28, 2011|date=August 28, 2011}} Michigan returned 17 of 22 starters from the 2010 team — ten on offense and seven on defense. In addition to Vinopal, Michigan was forced to replace starters offensive guard Stephen Schilling, linebacker Jonas Mouton, cornerback James Rogers, and defensive Greg Banks, as well as back-up linebacker Obi Ezeh, who was a former starter for the Wolverines. Other 2010 Wolverines in NFL training camps included Martell Webb and Perry Dorrestein.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072711aab.html|title=Three Former Wolverines Sign NFL Free Agent Contracts|access-date=December 15, 2011|date=July 27, 2011|work=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-date=August 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110801030354/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/072711aab.html|url-status=dead}} A total of 26 former Wolverine student-athletes were on opening day 53-man NFL active rosters.{{cite web|title=FB: Big Ten Schools Feature 234 Former Players on NFL Rosters|publisher=CBS Interactive|url=http://www.bigten.org/blog/2011/09/fb-big-ten-schools-feature-234-former-players-on-nfl-rosters.html|access-date=October 3, 2011|date=September 7, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121006093615/http://www.bigten.org/blog/2011/09/fb-big-ten-schools-feature-234-former-players-on-nfl-rosters.html|archive-date=October 6, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

Six Michigan players were listed on preseason watch lists: (1) Denard Robinson for the Walter Camp Award (best college player),{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071811aaa.html|title=Quarterback Robinson Selected to Davey O'Brien, Walter Camp Watch Lists|access-date=July 18, 2011|date=July 18, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110722165349/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071811aaa.html|archive-date=July 22, 2011|url-status=dead}} Maxwell Award (best offensive player), and Davey O'Brien Award (best quarterback), Paul Hornung Award (most versatile player),{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080811aaa.html|title=Robinson the Lone Quarterback on Paul Hornung Award Watch List|access-date=August 8, 2011|date=August 8, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110901040818/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080811aaa.html|archive-date=September 1, 2011|url-status=dead}} and Manning Award (best quarterback),{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081511aac.html|title=Robinson Tabbed Manning Award Watch List Member|access-date=August 17, 2011|date=August 15, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825162523/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/081511aac.html|archive-date=August 25, 2012|url-status=dead}} (2) Mike Martin for the Bednarik Trophy (best defensive player), Outland Trophy (best interior lineman),{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/michigan-seniors-david-molk-mike-martin-on-outland-trophy-watch-list/|title=Michigan seniors David Molk, Mike Martin on Outland Trophy watch list|access-date=July 9, 2011|date=July 8, 2011|publisher=AnnArbor.com}} and Lombardi Award (best lineman),{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071211aaa.html|title=Martin, Molk Named to Rotary Lombardi Award Watch List|access-date=July 13, 2011|date=July 12, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|archive-date=July 14, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110714015055/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/071211aaa.html|url-status=dead}} (3) David Molk for the Outland Trophy, Lombardi Award, and Rimington Trophy (best center),{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/michigan-center-david-molk-named-to-rimington-trophy-watch-list/|title=Michigan center David Molk named to Rimington Trophy Watch List|access-date=July 18, 2011|date=May 19, 2011|publisher=AnnArbor.com}} (4) Kevin Koger for the John Mackey Award (best tight end),{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/070811aab.html|title=Four Wolverines Named to Preseason Watch Lists|access-date=July 9, 2011|date=July 8, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711143140/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/070811aab.html|archive-date=July 11, 2011|url-status=dead}} (5) Roy Roundtree for the Fred Biletnikoff Award (best wide receiver), and (6) Ryan Van Bergen for the Ted Hendricks Award (best defensive end).{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080911aad.html|title=Van Bergen Named to Watch List for Ted Hendricks Award|access-date=August 9, 2011|date=August 9, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com}}

Michigan's recruiting class was ranked No. 27 by Scout and No. 21 by Rivals.{{cite web|url=http://michigan.scout.com/a.z?s=162&p=9&c=14&yr=2011|title=2011 Team Rankings|access-date=June 24, 2012|publisher=Scout|work=Scout.com}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/recruiting/teamrank/2011/all/all|title=2011 Team Rankings|access-date=June 24, 2012|publisher=Yahoo|work=Rivals.com}} It was not ranked by ESPN.{{cite web|url=http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/classrankings?classyear=2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120811064743/http://insider.espn.go.com/college-sports/football/recruiting/classrankings?classyear=2011|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 11, 2012|title=2011 Team Rankings|access-date=June 24, 2012|publisher=ESPN}} The program received 20 letters of intent on National Signing Day, February 2, 2011.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/020211aab.html|title=Michigan Inks 20 Student-Athletes to National Letters of Intent|date=February 2, 2011|access-date=June 24, 2012|work=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Start|40=yes|collapse=no|year=2011}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Chris Barnett

| position = TE

| hometown = Hurst, Texas

| highschool = L.D. Bell H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 6

| weight = 247

| 40 = 4.535

| commitdate = February 2, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 4

| espn grade = 78

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit =Russell Bellomy

| position = QB

| hometown = Arlington, Texas

| highschool = Martin H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 181.5

| 40 = 4.63

| commitdate = January 25, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 78

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Brennen Beyer

| position = DE

| hometown = Canton, Michigan

| highschool = Plymouth H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 4

| weight = 220

| 40 = 4.6

| commitdate = April 15, 2010

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| espn grade = 79

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Greg Brown

| position = DB

| hometown = Fremont, Ohio

| highschool = Fremont Ross H.S.

| feet = 5

| inches = 10

| weight = 187.5

| 40 = 4.4

| commitdate = September 2, 2009

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 77

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Chris Bryant

| position = OT

| hometown = Chicago, Illinois

| highschool = Simeon Career Academy

| feet = 6

| inches = 5

| weight = 330

| 40 = 5.3

| commitdate = January 28, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 4

| espn grade = 77

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Tamani Carter

| position = CB

| hometown = Pickerington, Ohio

| highschool = Pickerington H.S. Central

| feet = 5

| inches = 11.5

| weight = 175

| 40 = 4.48

| commitdate = January 19, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 74

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Frank Clark

| position = DE/LB/TE

| hometown = Cleveland, Ohio

| highschool = Glenville H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 210

| 40 = 4.53

| commitdate = February 2, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 77

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Blake Countess

| position = DB

| hometown = Olney, Maryland

| highschool = Our Lady of Good Counsel H.S.

| feet = 5

| inches = 10

| weight = 172.5

| 40 = 4.475

| commitdate = December 17, 2010

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| espn grade = 80

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Justice Hayes

| position = RB

| hometown = Grand Blanc, Michigan

| highschool = Grand Blanc H.S.

| feet = 5

| inches = 10

| weight = 178.5

| 40 = 4.425

| commitdate = November 22, 2010

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 4

| espn grade = 79

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Keith Heitzman

| position = DE/TE

| hometown = Columbus, Ohio

| highschool = Hilliard Davidson H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 3

| weight = 229.5

| 40 = 4.9

| commitdate = January 21, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 75

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Delonte Hollowell

| position = DB

| hometown = Detroit, Michigan

| highschool = Cass Tech H.S.

| feet = 5

| inches = 8

| weight = 163

| 40 = 4.615

| commitdate = January 17, 2010

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 79

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Kellen Jones

| position = LB

| hometown = Houston, Texas

| highschool = St. Pius X H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 1

| weight = 209.5

| 40 = 4.65

| commitdate = July 29, 2010

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 79

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Jack Miller

| position = C

| hometown = Perrysburg, Ohio

| highschool = St. John's Jesuit H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 4.25

| weight = 266.5

| 40 = 4.8

| commitdate = June 29, 2010

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 78

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Desmond Morgan

| position = LB

| hometown = Holland, Michigan

| highschool = West Ottawa H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 1

| weight = 225

| 40 = 4.675

| commitdate = December 13, 2010

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 78

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Antonio Poole

| position = LB

| hometown = Cincinnati, Ohio

| highschool = Winton Woods H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 1.5

| weight = 217.5

| 40 = –

| commitdate = January 25, 2011

| scout stars = 4

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 78

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Tony Posada

| position = OT

| hometown = Tampa, Florida

| highschool = Plant H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 5.5

| weight = 320

| 40 = 5.4

| commitdate = August 11, 2010

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 78

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Thomas Rawls

| position = RB

| hometown = Flint, Michigan

| highschool = Flint Northern H.S.

| feet = 5

| inches = 10

| weight = 215

| 40 = 4.5

| commitdate = February 1, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 76

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Chris Rock

| position = DE

| hometown = Columbus, Ohio

| highschool = Desales H.S.

| feet = 6

| inches = 5

| weight = 245

| 40 = 4.9

| commitdate = May 28, 2010

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 3

| espn grade = 78

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Raymon Taylor

| position = CB/ATH

| hometown = Highland Park, Michigan

| highschool = Highland Park Community H.S.

| feet = 5

| inches = 10.5

| weight = 171

| 40 = 4.43

| commitdate = January 22, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 4

| espn grade = 77

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit Entry

| recruit = Matt Wile

| position = K

| hometown = San Diego, California

| highschool = Francis W. Parker School

| feet = 6

| inches = 2

| weight = 210

| 40 = –

| commitdate = January 22, 2011

| scout stars = 3

| rivals stars = 2

| espn grade = 74

}}

{{College Athlete Recruit End

| 40 = yes

| year = 2011

| rivals ref title = Michigan Football Commitments

| scout ref title = 2011 Michigan Football Commits

| espn ref title = ESPN

| rivals school = michigan

| scout s = 162

| espn schoolid = 130

| scout overall = 27

| rivals overall = 21

| espn overall =

| access-date = February 2, 2011

| bball =

}}

{{CFB schedule

| rankyear = 2011

| poll = AP

| timezone = Eastern

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 3

| time = 3:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Western Michigan

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| tv = ABC, ESPN2

| score = 34–10

| attend = 110,506

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 10

| time = 8:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Notre Dame

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| gamename = rivalry, College GameDay

| tv = ESPN

| score = 35–31

| attend = 114,804

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 17

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| opponent = Eastern Michigan

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| tv = BTN

| score = 31–3

| attend = 110,343

| source = {{cite web|last=Dickens|first=Justin|title=Big Rushing Day, Stout D Carry Michigan Past EMU|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091711aaa.html|access-date=September 17, 2011}}

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = September 24

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| rank = 22

| opponent = San Diego State

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| tv = BTN

| score = 28–7

| attend = 110,707

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 1

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank = 19

| opponent = Minnesota

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| gamename = Little Brown Jug

| tv = BTN

| score = 58–0

| attend = 111,106

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 8

| time = 7:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 12

| opponent = Northwestern

| site_stadium = Ryan Field

| site_cityst = Evanston, IL

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = BTN

| score = 42–24

| attend = 47,330

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 15

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| away = y

| rank = 11

| opponent = Michigan State

| opprank = 23

| site_stadium = Spartan Stadium

| site_cityst = East Lansing, MI

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = ESPN

| score = 14–28

| attend = 77,515

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = October 29

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| homecoming = y

| rank = 17

| opponent = Purdue

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| tv = ESPN2

| score = 36–14

| attend = 112,115

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 5

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = l

| away = y

| rank = 13

| opponent = Iowa

| site_stadium = Kinnick Stadium

| site_cityst = Iowa City, IA

| tv = ESPN

| score = 16–24

| attend = 70,585

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 12

| time = 3:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| away = y

| rank = 22

| opponent = Illinois

| site_stadium = Memorial Stadium

| site_cityst = Champaign, IL

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = ABC/ESPN

| score = 31–14

| attend = 60,670

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 19

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank = 20

| opponent = Nebraska

| opprank = 16

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| tv = ESPN

| score = 45–17

| attend = 113,718

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = November 26

| time = 12:00 p.m.

| w/l = w

| rank = 17

| opponent = Ohio State

| site_stadium = Michigan Stadium

| site_cityst = Ann Arbor, MI

| gamename = rivalry

| tv = ABC

| score = 40–34

| attend = 114,132

| source =

}}

|{{CFB schedule entry

| date = January 3, 2012

| time = 8:30 p.m.

| w/l = w

| nonconf = y

| neutral = y

| rank = 13

| opponent = Virginia Tech

| opprank = 11

| site_stadium = Mercedes-Benz Superdome

| site_cityst = New Orleans, LA

| gamename = Sugar Bowl, College GameDay

| tv = ESPN

| score = 23–20

| overtime = OT

| attend = 64,512

| source =

}}

}}

{{See also|2011 NCAA Division I FBS football rankings}}

Michigan began the season unranked in the Top 25 of both the AP Poll and the Coaches' Poll, but by midseason had risen to #10 in the Coaches' Poll and #11 in the AP Poll.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/7|title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 7 (Oct. 9)|publisher=ESPN|date=October 9, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2012}} After its loss to Michigan State, Michigan fell to #17 in the Coaches' Poll and #18 in the AP Poll.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/8|title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 8 (Oct. 16)|publisher=ESPN|date=October 16, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2012}} Michigan rose to #13 in the AP and Coaches' Polls and #15 in the BCS Poll before its game against Iowa, falling after the loss to #22 in the AP Poll, #21 in the Coaches' Poll, and #24 in the BCS Poll.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/10|title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 10 (Oct. 30)|publisher=ESPN|date=October 30, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2012}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/11|title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 11 (Nov. 6)|publisher=ESPN|date=November 6, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2012}} Michigan finished the regular season ranked #12 in the Coaches' Poll, and #13 in the AP and BCS Polls.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/15|title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Week 15 (Dec. 4)|publisher=ESPN|date=December 4, 2011|access-date=June 23, 2012}} Following its win over Virginia Tech in the Sugar Bowl, Michigan ended the season ranked #9 in the Coaches' Poll and #12 in the AP Poll.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/year/2011/week/1/seasontype/3|title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings – Postseason|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 23, 2012}}

{{NCAA Division I FBS football rankings

| finalpollweek = 15 | harrisfirstweek = 6 | bcsfirstweek = 7

| AP_pre = RV

| coaches_pre = RV

| AP_1 = RV

| coaches_1 = RV

| AP_2 = RV

| coaches_2 = RV

| AP_3 = 22

| coaches_3 = 21

| AP_4 = 19

| coaches_4 = 19

| AP_5 = 12

| coaches_5 = 11

| AP_6 = 11

| coaches_6 = 10

| harris_6 = 10

| AP_7 = 18

| coaches_7 = 17

| harris_7 = 17

| bcs_7 = 18

| AP_8 = 17

| coaches_8 = 17

| harris_8 = 16

| bcs_8 = 18

| AP_9 = 13

| coaches_9 = 13

| harris_9 = 13

| bcs_9 = 15

| AP_10 = 22

| coaches_10 = 21

| harris_10 = 21

| bcs_10 = 24

| AP_11 = 20

| coaches_11 = 18

| harris_11 = 18

| bcs_11 = 18

| AP_12 = 17

| coaches_12 = 16

| harris_12 = 16

| bcs_12 = 15

| AP_13 = 17

| coaches_13 = 16

| harris_13 = 16

| bcs_13 = 16

| AP_14 = 13

| coaches_14 = 12

| harris_14 = 12

| bcs_14 = 13

| AP_15 = 12

| coaches_15 = 9

}}*Source: ESPN.com: 2011 NCAA Football Rankings{{cite web| url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/rankings/_/week/1 |title=2011 NCAA Football Rankings |publisher=ESPN |access-date=June 23, 2012}}

{{see also|2011 Western Michigan Broncos football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Western Michigan at Michigan

| Visitor = Broncos

| Host = Wolverines

| V1 = 7 | V2 =3 | V3 =0 | V4 = 0

| H1 = 0 | H2 =20 | H3 =14 | H4 = 0

| Date = September 3

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =3:30 p.m.

| ElapsedTime = 3:35

| Attendance = 110,506

| Weather = {{convert|87|F}}, Rain/Thunderstorms, W {{convert|7|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee = Todd Geerlings

|TVAnnouncers=Mike Patrick, Craig James & Jeannine Edwards

|TVStation= ABC/ESPN2

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090311aaa.html|title=Herron, Toussaint Strike Twice, Michigan Whips WMU in Shortened Opener|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=September 3, 2011|archive-date=September 5, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110905050715/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090311aaa.html|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Western Michigan–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110829aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304193240/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110829aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=7:49 |Team=WMU |Event= Antoin Scriven 1-yard run (John Potter kick)|Score= WMU 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:16 |Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 1-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=6:58 |Team=MICH |Event=Brandon Herron 94-yard interception return (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 14–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=1:49 |Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 2-yard run (kick blocked) |Score= MICH 20–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 0:43|Team=WMU |Event=John Potter 36-yard field goal |Score= MICH 20–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= 9:27|Team=MICH |Event=Brandon Herron 29-yard fumble return (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 27–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 3|Time=6:01 |Team=MICH |Event=Michael Shaw 44-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 34–10|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In the opening game of the season, Michigan hosted the Western Michigan Broncos. When the teams last met in 2009, the Wolverines won 31–7.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292480130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190518180052/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292480130|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 18, 2019|title=Michigan uses solid offense to take down Western Michigan|access-date=January 17, 2011|date=September 5, 2009|publisher=ESPN}}

File:Western Michigan vs. Michigan 2011 15 (game suspended).jpg

In a game shortened by lightning, Michigan defeated Western Michigan 34–10. Western Michigan scored the only points of the first quarter with a one-yard touchdown run by Antoin Scriven. Michigan answered with three consecutive touchdowns in the second quarter: a one-yard run by Fitzgerald Toussaint, a 94-yard interception return by Brandon Herron (the longest interception return for a touchdown in Michigan program history), and a two-yard touchdown run by Toussaint. Following Michigan's third touchdown, the extra point attempt was blocked. The Broncos scored their final points of the game on a 36-yard field goal by John Potter just before halftime. In the third quarter, Herron returned a fumble 29 yards for a touchdown, and Michael Shaw scored on a 44-yard touchdown run (the longest touchdown run of his career). After two rain delays in the third quarter, the game was stopped due to lightning in the area and Michigan was awarded the win.{{cite news|title=Michigan football stadium cleared due to lightning, game ended|agency=Reuters|access-date=September 3, 2011|date=September 3, 2011|url=https://www.reuters.com/article/us-weather-football-michigan-idUSTRE78225U20110903}} The temperature on the field at kickoff was over {{convert|137|F}}, and by the end of the game it had dropped to {{convert|84|F}}, a difference of {{convert|53|F}}. This was the first Michigan football game to be ended due to weather before all 60 minutes were played and the second game in Michigan Stadium history that featured a weather delay (the first coming in a 2006 game against Central Michigan).

Jordan Kovacs and Brandon Herron led the defense. Kovacks forced the fumble that was returned for a touchdown, had two quarterback sacks and ten tackles, and was named the Lott Trophy's IMPACT Player of the Week.{{cite news|title=Kovacs Named Lott IMPACT Player of the Week|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 6, 2011|date=September 6, 2011|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090611aaa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120825162842/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090611aaa.html|archive-date=August 25, 2012|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312460130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170412064958/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312460130|url-status=dead|archive-date=April 12, 2017|title=Michigan beats Western Michigan after game called in 3rd quarter|access-date=September 4, 2011|date=September 3, 2011|publisher=ESPN}}{{cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/mfb/playerDetail.jsp?yr=2011&org=418&player=32|title=Player: Jordan Kovacs – Uniform #: 32 Position: DB Class: JR|access-date=November 21, 2010|publisher=National Collegiate Athletic Association}} Herron became the first Michigan player to post two defensive touchdowns and the first since Tom Harmon to have two return touchdowns of any kind in a game.{{cite news|title=Postgame Notes: Michigan 34, Western Michigan 10|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 5, 2011|date=September 3, 2011|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/090311aag.html}} In recognition of his efforts, Herron was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week, Walter Camp National Defensive Player of the Week, National Defensive Performer of Week 1 and National Linebacker Performer of the Week by College Football Performance Awards (CFPA), and Big Ten Defensive Player of the Week by College Sports Madness. He was also nominated for Defensive Performance of the Year by Intersport.{{cite news|title=Herron Nominated for Defensive Performance of the Year|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 26, 2011|date=September 14, 2011|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091411aac.html}}{{cite news|title=Five Big Ten Schools Earn First Weekly Football Honors of 2011 Season: Illinois, Michigan, Nebraska, Penn State and Wisconsin Players Nab Opening Laurels|publisher=CBS Interactive|access-date=September 26, 2011|date=September 5, 2011|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090511aaa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907022708/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/090511aaa.html|archive-date=September 7, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

The NCAA originally determined that it would not count player and team statistics for the game, because three quarters had not been completed.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/6953798/ncaa-count-stats-michigan-wolverines-western-michigan-broncos-rain-shortened-games|title=NCAA won't count rain-shortened stats|access-date=September 12, 2011|date=September 10, 2011|publisher=ESPN|author=Bennett, Brian}} At the end of November 2011, the NCAA reversed the decision and determined that statistics from the game would be counted.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/story/_/id/7300183/stats-storm-shortened-michigan-western-michigan-game-count-ncaa-rules|title=Stats from storm-shortened game count

|access-date=November 30, 2011|date=November 30, 2011|publisher=ESPN|author=Rothstein, Michael}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Notre Dame Fighting Irish football team|Michigan–Notre Dame football rivalry}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Notre Dame at Michigan

| Visitor = Notre Dame

| Host = Michigan

| V1 = 14 | V2 = 3 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 7

| H1 = 0 | H2 = 7 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 28

| Date = September 10

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime = 8:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:30

| Attendance =114,804

| Weather = {{convert|67|F}}, ESE {{convert|4|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee = Tom Tomczyk

|TVAnnouncers= Brent Musburger, Kirk Herbstreit & Erin Andrews

|TVStation= ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/091111aaa.html|title=Boxscore: Michigan 35, Notre Dame 31|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=September 11, 2011|date=September 10, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Notre Dame–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110905aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304091211/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110905aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter= 1|Time=9:05 |Team=ND |Event= Theo Riddick 7-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick)|Score=ND 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=1:56 |Team=ND |Event=Cierre Wood 4-yard run (David Ruffer kick) |Score= ND 14–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:18 |Team=MICH |Event=Junior Hemingway 43-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= ND 14–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 1:40|Team=ND |Event=David Ruffer 38-yard field goal |Score= ND 17–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= 2:13|Team=ND |Event=TJ Jones 15-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick) |Score= ND 24–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=14:54 |Team=MICH |Event= Denard Robinson 1-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick)|Score= ND 24–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:47 |Team=MICH |Event=Jeremy Gallon 14-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= ND 24–21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:12 |Team=MICH |Event=Vincent Smith 21-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 28–24}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 4|Time=0:30 |Team=ND |Event=Theo Riddick 29-yard pass from Tommy Rees (David Ruffer kick) |Score=ND 31–28}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:02 |Team=MICH |Event= Roy Roundtree 16-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick)|Score= MICH 35–31|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Following its opener against Western Michigan, Michigan renewed its rivalry with the Notre Dame Fighting Irish. In the first night game in Michigan Stadium history, both teams wore "throwback-style" jerseys.{{cite web|title=Notre Dame night game at Michigan to be throwback|publisher=Chicago Breaking Sports|url=http://www.chicagobreakingsports.com/sports/cbsports-notre-dame-notes-michigan-game-to-be-throwback-20110401,0,281050.story|access-date=June 9, 2011|date=April 4, 2011}} Michigan's jerseys did not entirely match any worn in team history; however, they incorporated "design elements from different eras of Michigan football."{{cite web|title=Legacy Football Jersey Unveiled for Under the Lights Game with Irish |publisher=University of Michigan Athletic Media Relations|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/061011aaa.html|access-date=September 13, 2011|date=June 6, 2011}} During the previous meeting, Denard Robinson set a school record for total yardage in a single game at 502 yards, as Michigan defeated Notre Dame 28–24 in a wild affair.{{cite web|title=Recap Week 2 Michigan at Notre Dame|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=302540087|date=September 11, 2010|access-date=January 28, 2011|publisher=ESPN}} Due to the significance of the game, ESPN announced on August 5 that College GameDay would be held in Ann Arbor for the first time since November 17, 2007, when Michigan hosted Ohio State, which was Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr's final regular season game before he retired.{{cite web|title=ESPN College GameDay Coming to Ann Arbor for Contest with Notre Dame|publisher=CBS Interactive|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/080511aaa.html|access-date=August 5, 2011|date=August 5, 2011}} At the game, 1991 Heisman Trophy winner Desmond Howard was honored in recognition of his recent induction into the College Football Hall of Fame. A 1991 consensus All-American, Howard became the first receiver in history to lead the Big Ten Conference in scoring, and he set or tied five NCAA records and 12 single-season Michigan records during his senior year.{{cite web|title=Desmond Howard Recognition|publisher=CBS Interactive|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/desmond-hof-2011.html|access-date=September 10, 2011}} Charles Woodson was also honored. A C-47 conducted the pre-game flyover and two parachuters from the 101st Airborne Division entered the stadium at halftime.{{cite web|author=Stephen J. Nesbitt|title=Notebook: Howard honored before record crowd at Big House|publisher=The Michigan Daily|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/notebook-desmond-howard-honored-michigan-stadium-record-crowd|access-date=November 18, 2011|date=September 11, 2011}}

File:Notre Dame vs. Michigan 2011 13 (Michigan on offense).jpg

Michigan came back from a 17-point deficit to defeat Notre Dame 35–31, scoring the winning touchdown with two seconds remaining. Notre Dame started the scoring with two consecutive touchdowns in the first quarter, with the first coming from a seven-yard catch by Theo Riddick, and the second from a four-yard run by Cierre Wood. Michigan's only points of the first half came on a 43-yard reception by Junior Hemingway in the second quarter. Notre Dame answered with a 38-yard field goal by David Ruffer just before halftime to extend its lead to ten points. The score at halftime was 17–7 in favor of Notre Dame. The only points of the third quarter were when Notre Dame's T. J. Jones caught a 15-yard touchdown pass. In the fourth quarter Michigan rallied from behind, scoring three consecutive touchdowns: first a one-yard run by Denard Robinson after Stephen Hopkins fumbled at the goal line, then a 47-yard catch by Jeremy Gallon, then a 21-yard catch by Vincent Smith to give them their first lead of the game. Notre Dame responded almost immediately, as Theo Riddick scored his second touchdown of the game less than a minute later on a 29-yard catch. Michigan received the ball on its 20-yard line with 30 seconds remaining, and drove 80 yards in 28 seconds with Roy Roundtree scoring the game-winning touchdown with two seconds left in the game.{{cite web|title=Michigan scores with two seconds left, stuns Irish|publisher=ESPN|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312530130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160915034600/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312530130|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 15, 2016|access-date=September 11, 2011|date=September 10, 2011}}

Michigan's 17-point comeback against Notre Dame tied for the third-biggest comeback in Michigan history and tied for the second-biggest comeback at Michigan Stadium. The game's announced crowd of 114,804 set the all-time attendance record for a football game—college or NFL—and broke the Michigan Stadium attendance record. The previous Michigan Stadium record was 113,411 spectators, established at the 2010 "Big Chill at the Big House" ice hockey game.{{cite web|title=Postgame Notes: Michigan 35, Notre Dame 31|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/091111aai.html|access-date=September 11, 2011|date=September 10, 2011}} In recognition of his performance during the game, the Big Ten named Denard Robinson its Offensive Player of the Week, while the Davey O'Brien Award named him its Quarterback of the Week. He was also named Rivals.com's Big Ten and National Player of the Week and won the Capital One Cup Impact Performance of the Week.{{cite web|title=Robinson Earns Trio of Weekly Honors|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091211aaf.html|access-date=September 13, 2011|date=September 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110913062359/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091211aaf.html|archive-date=September 13, 2011|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|title=Robinson Wins Capital One Cup Impact Performance of the Week|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091511aaa.html|access-date=September 26, 2011|date=September 15, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110924033724/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/091511aaa.html|archive-date=September 24, 2011|url-status=dead}} The team was recognized as the Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of Week.{{cite web|title=FB: Michigan Named Tostitos Fiesta Bowl National Team of Week|publisher=CBS Interactive|url=http://www.bigten.org/blog/2011/09/fb-michigan-named-tostitos-fiesta-bowl-national-team-of-week.html|access-date=October 3, 2011|date=September 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20150907191211/http://www.bigten.org/blog/2011/09/fb-michigan-named-tostitos-fiesta-bowl-national-team-of-week.html|archive-date=September 7, 2015|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Eastern Michigan Eagles football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Eastern Michigan at Michigan

| Visitor = Eagles

| Host = Wolverines

| V1 =0 | V2 =3| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 =0 | H2 =14| H3 =14| H4 =3

| Date = September 17

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =12:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =2:56

| Attendance =110,304

| Weather ={{convert|55|F}}, Cloudy, NE {{convert|10|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee =Mike Conlin

|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hart, Derek Rackley & Lisa Byington

|TVStation=BTN

}}

• Sources:{{cite news|title=Eastern Michigan–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110912aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304051417/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110912aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=2 |Time=14:55 |Team=EMU |Event=Kody Fulkerson 21-yard field goal |Score= EMU 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:28 |Team=MICH |Event=Kevin Koger 9-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 7–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 0:39|Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 11-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 14–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time= 9:17|Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 1-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 21–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=1:05 |Team=MICH |Event= Drew Dileo 19 yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick)|Score= MICH 28–3}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:32 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 21-yard field goal |Score= MICH 31–3|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In the third week of the season, Michigan hosted the Eastern Michigan Eagles. Michigan won the previous meeting between the two schools in 2009 by a 45–17 score.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292620130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190519224927/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=292620130|url-status=dead|archive-date=May 19, 2019|title=Brown's career-high 187 rushing yards help Michigan tie 2008 win total|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=September 19, 2009|publisher=ESPN}}

Michigan defeated Eastern Michigan 31–3. In the first quarter, Eastern Michigan sustained five drives into Michigan territory, but their drives stalled on a fumble, an interception, and a stop by the Michigan defense on fourth down from the one-yard line. On the first play of the second quarter, the Eagles took a 3–0 lead on a 21-yard field goal by Kody Fulkerson. Michigan did not score until the 9:28 mark in the second quarter with a nine-yard touchdown pass from Denard Robinson to Kevin Koger. The Wolverines added to the lead later in the second quarter on an 11-yard touchdown run by Robinson giving Michigan a 14–3 lead at halftime. In the third quarter, Michigan added two more touchdowns on a one-yard touchdown run by Fitzgerald Toussaint and a 19-yard touchdown catch by Drew Dileo. The final points of the game came on a 21-yard field goal by Brendan Gibbons in the fourth quarter.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=312600130|title=Eastern Michigan at Michigan Box Score|publisher=ESPN|date=September 17, 2011|access-date=September 17, 2011}}

In holding Eastern Michigan to three points, Michigan put in its best performance in scoring defense since a 38–0 shutout of Notre Dame on September 15, 2007. The defense also held the Eagles to 29 passing yards – the lowest total for a Michigan opponent since Rice recorded 15 passing yards in 1999. Denard Robinson rushed for 198 yards. Robinson's 52-yard run early in the second quarter was his longest to that point of the season, later eclipsed by a 53-yard run against San Diego State. After Robinson completed seven of 18 passes with an interception, the Associated Press called it "another lackluster passing performance." Vincent Smith also contributed 118 rushing yards rushing on nine carries. The Wolverines improved to 10–0 in the all-time series against Eastern Michigan.

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 San Diego State Aztecs football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = San Diego State at Michigan

| Visitor = Aztecs

| Host = #22 Wolverines

| V1 = 0 | V2 = 0 | V3 = 7 | V4 = 0

| H1 = 14 | H2 = 7 | H3 = 0 | H4 = 7

| Date = September 24

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime = 12:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime = 3:08

| Attendance =110,707

| Weather ={{convert|62|F}}, Cloudy, S {{convert|7|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee = Dave Witvoet

|TVAnnouncers= Eric Collins, Chris Martin & Dionne Miller

|TVStation= BTN

}}

• Sources:{{cite news|title=San Diego State–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110919aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304075515/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110919aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=10:08 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 5-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | |Quarter=1 |Time=6:22|Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 53-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 14–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | |Quarter=2 |Time=0:31|Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 1-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 21–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | |Quarter=3 |Time=0:04|Team=SDSU |Event=Colin Lockett 16-yard pass from Ryan Lindley (Abelardo Perez kick) |Score= MICH 21–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |LastEntry=yes |Quarter=4 |Time=6:29|Team=MICH |Event=Vincent Smith 7-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 28–7}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In its final game of non-conference play, Michigan hosted the San Diego State Aztecs. This meeting was the first between the two schools since 2004, and came nine months after Brady Hoke left San Diego State for Michigan. During the previous meeting, Michigan escaped a potential upset by San Diego State, winning 24–21.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242620130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926181753/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=242620130|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 26, 2021|title=Recap Week 4 San Diego State at Michigan|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=September 18, 2004|publisher=ESPN}}

Michigan defeated San Diego State 28–7. Denard Robinson scored all three touchdowns in the first half: a five-yard run and then a 53-yard run in the first quarter, and then in the second quarter on a one-yard run. In the third quarter, San Diego State scored its only points of the game with a 16-yard catch by Colin Lockett following a fumble by Michigan's Stephen Hopkins. In the fourth quarter, Michigan sealed its victory with a seven-yard touchdown run by Vincent Smith.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312670130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20191102222946/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=312670130|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 2, 2019|title=Denard Robinson runs for 200 yards, 3 TDs as Brady Hoke beats former team|access-date=September 24, 2011|date=September 24, 2011|publisher=ESPN}}

Robinson carried the ball 21 times for 200 yards and three touchdowns and also passed for 93 yards. It was Robinson's third career 200-yard rushing game and matched his career best for rushing touchdowns. Robinson became one of only three Wolverines players to register three or more 200-yard rushing games in program history. Mike Hart (2004–07) holds the record with five, while Ron Johnson (1966–68) also has three. Robinson passed Illinois' Isiah Williams to move into the second spot among the Big Ten Conference's career leaders in rushing yards by a quarterback.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/092411aag.html|title=Postgame Notes: Michigan 28, San Diego State 7|access-date=September 24, 2011|date=September 24, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com}} Robinson earned Big Ten Conference Co-Offensive Player of the Week recognition.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092611aaa.html|title=Illinois, Iowa, Michigan and Penn State Collect Weekly Football Laurels: Quarterbacks Denard Robinson and Matt McGloin Share Offensive Honors|access-date=September 26, 2011|date=September 26, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110930033825/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/092611aaa.html|archive-date=September 30, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Minnesota Golden Gophers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Minnesota at Michigan
(Little Brown Jug)

| Visitor = Golden Gophers

| Host = #19 Wolverines

| V1 =0 | V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =0

| H1 =14 | H2 =24| H3 =10| H4 =10

| Date = October 1

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =12:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:15

| Attendance =111,106

| Weather ={{convert|52|F}}, Partly Sunny, N {{convert|25|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee =Dennis Lipski

|TVAnnouncers=Eric Collins, Chris Martin & Dionne Miller

|TVStation=BTN

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100111aaa.html|title=Smith Earns Rare Feat, U-M Blanks Minnesota to Retain Little Brown Jug

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 1, 2011|date=October 1, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Minnesota–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20110926aaa.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=11:25 |Team=MICH |Event=Vincent Smith 3-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=6:00 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 6-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 14–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:52 |Team=MICH |Event=Drew Dileo 17-yard pass from Vincent Smith (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 21–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=9:38 |Team=MICH |Event=Vincent Smith 28-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 28–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:07 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 25-yard field goal |Score= MICH 31–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:45 |Team=MICH |Event=Kevin Koger 18-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 38–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=8:18 |Team= MICH|Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 1-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 45–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:04 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 32-yard field goal |Score= MICH 48–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time= 9:17|Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 38-yard field goal |Score= MICH 51–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:58 |Team=MICH |Event=Courtney Avery 83-yard fumble return (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score=MICH 58–0 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

In its first game of the Big Ten season, Michigan hosted the Minnesota Golden Gophers for the Little Brown Jug. Michigan won the previous meeting between the two schools in 2008 29–6.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283130135|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20170924093359/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283130135|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2017|title=Recap Week 11 Michigan at Minnesota|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=November 8, 2008|publisher=ESPN}}

Michigan dominated in all aspects of the game and defeated Minnesota 58–0. In the first quarter Vincent Smith ran in a three-yard touchdown, which was followed by a Denard Robinson nine-yard touchdown run. In the second quarter Drew Dileo caught a 17-yard pass from Vincent Smith, which was followed by a Vincent Smith 28-yard touchdown reception, his second touchdown of the game. Michigan's next scoring play came on a 25-yard field goal by Brendan Gibbons. Just before halftime, Kevin Koger caught an 18-yard pass for a touchdown. After the break, Fitzgerald Touissant rushed for a one-yard touchdown. Next came two more field goals from Gibbons: first from 32 yards, then in the fourth quarter from 38 yards. Michigan scored its final points when Courtney Avery picked up a Minnesota fumble and ran it back 83 yards for a touchdown.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=312740130|title=Box Score Week 5 – Minnesota at Michigan|access-date=October 1, 2011|date=October 1, 2011|publisher=ESPN}}

The game was Michigan's first shutout of a Big Ten opponent since a 20–0 win at Penn State on October 6, 2001, and its first shutout of any opponent since a 38–0 win against Notre Dame on September 15, 2007. The 58–0 win over the Golden Gophers was Michigan's largest margin of victory over Minnesota in the series' history. The previous best was 51 (58–7) in 1993. The game also marked Michigan's largest margin of victory over any opponent since a 69–0 victory over Northwestern in October 1975. (Michigan also defeated Indiana by an identical 58–0 score in October 2000.) Vincent Smith became the first running back in FBS to pass for a touchdown and have touchdowns rushing and receiving since C. J. Spiller on November 14, 2009, against North Carolina State. He is the fifth Big Ten player to do so since 1996 and the first since Mike Kafka, who accomplished the feat for Northwestern on September 19, 2009. Michigan outgained Minnesota 580 to 177. Minnesota's total yardage was the lowest allowed by Michigan since the game against Minnesota in 2008. Michigan rushed for 363 yards of offense, its third straight game of rushing for more than 300 yards. This is the first time this has occurred since the 1987 season.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100111aaj.html|title=Postgame Notes: #19 Michigan 58, Minnesota 0|access-date=October 1, 2011|date=October 1, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Northwestern Wildcats football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Michigan at Northwestern

| Visitor = #12 Wolverines

| Host = Wildcats

| V1 =7 | V2 =7| V3 =14| V4 =14

| H1 =14 | H2 =10| H3 =0| H4 =0

| Date = October 8

| Location = Ryan Field
Evanston, Illinois

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime = 7:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:16

| Attendance =47,330

| Weather ={{convert|72|F}}, Clear, E {{convert|3|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee =Scott McElwee

|TVAnnouncers=Tom Hart, Derek Rackley & Lisa Byington

|TVStation=BTN

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100811aab.html|title=Michigan Scores 28 Unanswered Points to Hold Off Northwestern

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 8, 2011|date=October 8, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Michigan–Northwestern Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111003aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304092842/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111003aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=10:55 |Team=MICH |Event=Steve Watson 9-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=1 |Time=8:50 |Team=NW |Event=Kain Colter 15-yard run (Jeff Budzien kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=1 |Time=4:10 |Team=NW |Event=Treyvon Green 7-yard run (Jeff Budzien kick) |Score= NW 14–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=2 |Time=4:13 |Team=MICH |Event=Jeremy Gallon 25-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= Tied 14–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=2 |Time=2:21 |Team=NW |Event=Adonis Smith 2-yard run (Jeff Budzien kick) |Score= NW 21–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=NW |Event=Jeff Budzien 20-yard field goal |Score= NW 24–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=3 |Time=10:52 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 2-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= NW 24–21}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=3 |Time=2:58 |Team=MICH |Event=Devin Gardner 1-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 28–24}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=4 |Time=14:55 |Team=MICH |Event=Michael Shaw 2-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 35–24}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |LastEntry=yes| Quarter=4 |Time=2:19 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 5-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 42–24}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After the battle for the Little Brown Jug, Michigan traveled to Evanston, Illinois, for the first time since 2007 to play the Northwestern Wildcats. During the previous meeting between the schools in 2008, Northwestern won 21–14.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283200130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20181113030041/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=283200130|url-status=dead|archive-date=November 13, 2018|title=Recap Week 12 Northwestern at Michigan|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=November 15, 2008|publisher=ESPN}}

Michigan scored 28 unanswered points to erase a ten-point deficit and defeat Northwestern 42–24. Michigan scored first on a nine-yard reception by Steve Watson. Northwestern replied with a 15-yard touchdown run by Kain Colter, and then took the lead on a seven-yard run by Treyvon Green. In the second quarter, Michigan's Jeremy Gallon caught a 25-yard touchdown reception. The Wildcats responded with a two-yard touchdown run by Adonis Smith, and scored their final points of the game with a 20-yard field goal by Jeff Budzien. Michigan dominated the second half with four unanswered touchdowns. In the third quarter, Denard Robinson scored on a two-yard run, then Devin Gardner scored on a one-yard run. In the fourth quarter, Michael Shaw scored on a two-yard run, and Denard Robinson capped the victory with a five-yard run.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=312810077|title=Box Score Week 6 – Michigan at Northwestern|access-date=October 8, 2011|date=October 8, 2011|publisher=ESPN}}

Michigan's 541 yard offensive performance was the second straight week the offense gained more than 500 yards of offense, and was the second highest total of the season, only beaten by the previous week's total of 581 yards against Minnesota. Denard Robinson's 337 yards of passing were one yard shy of his career high; he threw for 338 yards against Notre Dame on September 10, 2011. Michigan started a season 6–0 for the first time since 2006.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100911aaa.html|title=Postgame Notes: #12 Michigan 42, Northwestern 24|work=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=October 8, 2011|access-date=October 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111011174257/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/100911aaa.html|archive-date=October 11, 2011|url-status=dead}} Jordan Kovacs had two solo tackles for a loss, both on fourth down.{{cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/box_score/stats_20111008aaa.pdf|title=Box Score (Final): 2011 Michigan Football: #12 Michigan vs Northwestern (Oct 08, 2011 at Evanston, Ill.)|access-date=October 11, 2011|date=October 8, 2011|publisher=CSTV.com|archive-date=December 15, 2013|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20131215083856/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/box_score/stats_20111008aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}} Brady Hoke's 6–0 start was the first 6–0 start by a first-year Michigan coach since Bennie Oosterbaan did so in 1948.{{cite web|author=Lopresti, Mike|url=https://www.usatoday.com/sports/columnist/lopresti/story/2011-10-09/Alabama-Oklahoma-LSU-Wisconsin-Stanford-unbeatens/50711206/1|title=13 nice things about the lucky 13 college football unbeatens|access-date=October 9, 2011|date=October 9, 2011|work=USA Today}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Michigan State Spartans football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Michigan at Michigan State
(Paul Bunyan Trophy)

| Visitor = #11 Wolverines

| Host = #23 Spartans

| V1 =7 | V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =7

| H1 =7 | H2 =0| H3 =14| H4 =7

| Date = October 15

| Location = Spartan Stadium
East Lansing, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =12:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:27

| Attendance =77,515

| Weather ={{convert|50|F}}, Mostly cloudy/gusty, WNW {{convert|24|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee =Bill LeMonnier

|TVAnnouncers=Dave Pasch, Chris Spielman, Urban Meyer & Quint Kessenich

|TVStation=ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101511aaa.html|title=Michigan's Comeback Falls Short at No. 23 Michigan State

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 15, 2011|date=October 15, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Michigan–Michigan State Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111010aaa.pdf|archive-date=December 27, 2015|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20151227234621/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111010aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=8:50 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 15-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=1 |Time=5:08 |Team=MICH STATE |Event=Edwin Baker 1-yard run (Dan Conroy kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=3 |Time=11:07 |Team=MICH STATE |Event=Keshawn Martin 10-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Conroy kick) |Score= MSU 14–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=3 |Time=0:25 |Team=MICH STATE |Event= Keshawn Martin 13-yard pass from Kirk Cousins (Dan Conroy kick) |Score= MSU 21–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry | Quarter=4 |Time=9:49 |Team=MICH |Event=Roy Roundtree 34-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MSU 21–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |LastEntry=yes| Quarter=4 |Time=4:31 |Team=MICH STATE |Event=Isaiah Lewis 39-yard interception return (Dan Conroy kick) |Score= MSU 28–14}}

{{AFB game box end}}

After its game against Northwestern, Michigan traveled to East Lansing to battle their in-state rival, the Michigan State Spartans, for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Michigan was searching for its first win against Michigan State since 2007. Michigan State won the previous meeting 34–17.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302820130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210924161552/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302820130|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 24, 2021|title=Recap Week 6 Michigan State at Michigan|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=October 9, 2010|publisher=ESPN}} The Wolverines wore legacy road uniforms for the game with Michigan State, which were the road version of the uniform worn against Notre Dame. It was the first time that Michigan wore all white road uniforms since the 1976 Orange Bowl against Oklahoma. Michigan State also wore special alternate uniforms colored dark green, bronze and black.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101511aab.html|title=Postgame Notes: #23 Michigan State 28, #11 Michigan 14|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 15, 2011|date=October 15, 2011}}

Michigan State continued its recent dominance over Michigan, winning 28–14. The first half was relatively quiet, with each team only scoring one touchdown in the first quarter. Michigan's Denard Robinson ran in one from 15 yards out, with Michigan State responding with a one-yard touchdown run by Edwin Baker. After halftime, State's Kirk Cousins threw a 10-yard touchdown pass to Keshawn Martin to take the lead. The Spartans added more points with another touchdown catch by Martin, this one from 13 yards out. In the fourth quarter, Michigan scored their only points of the second half with a 34-yard touchdown catch and run by Roy Roundtree. State sealed their victory with a 39-yard interception return touchdown by Isaiah Lewis, handing Michigan their first loss of the season.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=312880127|title=Week 7 Box Score – Michigan at Michigan State|access-date=October 15, 2011|date=October 15, 2011|publisher=ESPN}}

The game was Michigan's first against a ranked opponent in the 2011 season. Michigan's record against Michigan State in the overall series dropped to 68–35–2, while its record in games involving the Paul Bunyan Trophy dropped to 35–23–2. Denard Robinson's passing performance put him over 4,000 yards in his career, the 10th Michigan quarterback to do so, and his rushing performance moved him past Tim Biakabutuka for 10th place. Punter Will Hagerup placed four of his seven punts inside Michigan State's 20-yard line, and three of those inside the 15-yard line. The victory was Michigan State's fourth in a row against Michigan, the first time Michigan State had done this since a streak between 1959 and 1962.{{cite web|url=http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101511aah.html|title=Post-Game Notes: Michigan|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MSUSpartans.com|access-date=October 18, 2011|date=October 15, 2011|archive-date=October 17, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111017122153/http://www.msuspartans.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/101511aah.html|url-status=dead}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Purdue Boilermakers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Purdue at Michigan
(Homecoming game)

| Visitor = Boilermakers

| Host = #17 Wolverines

| V1 = 7| V2 =0| V3 =0| V4 =7

| H1 =7 | H2 =15| H3 =7| H4 =7

| Date = October 29

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =12:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:04

| Attendance =112,115

| Weather = Mostly cloudy, {{convert|48|F}}, SW {{convert|12|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee = Alex Kemp

|TVAnnouncers=Beth Mowins, Mike Bellotti & Shelley Smith

|TVStation=ESPN2

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102911aab.html|title=Toussaint Spearheads U-M to Victory over Purdue

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 29, 2011|date=October 29, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Purdue–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111024aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304112938/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111024aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=13:36 |Team=PUR |Event=Gary Bush 48-yard pass from Caleb TerBush (Carson Wiggs kick) |Score= PUR 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=7:30 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 2-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:13 |Team=MICH |Event=Safety, Caleb TerBush tackled by Mike Martin in end zone |Score= MICH 9–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2|Time=11:23 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 37-yard field goal |Score= MICH 12–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=5:36 |Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 2-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 19–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 22-yard field goal |Score= MICH 22–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=2:48 |Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 59-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 29–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=12:32 |Team=MICH |Event=Michael Shaw 37-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 36–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:15 |Team=PUR |Event=O.J. Ross 19-yard pass from Robert Marve (Carson Wiggs kick) |Score=MICH 36–14 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Following its trip to East Lansing and its bye week, Michigan hosted the Purdue Boilermakers for its homecoming game. During the previous meeting between the two schools, Michigan defeated Purdue 27–16 in a turnover filled game caused by heavy rain.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303172509|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926192138/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303172509|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 26, 2021|title=Recap week 11 Michigan at Purdue|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=November 13, 2010|publisher=ESPN}} The game ball was delivered via jet pack, as Michigan's homecoming theme for the year was space.{{cite web|author=Rohan, Tim|url=http://www.michigandaily.com/sports/sportsmonday-column-rocketman?page=0,1|title=SportsMonday Column: The flight of the Rocketman

|work=The Michigan Daily|access-date=November 18, 2011|date=October 30, 2011}}

Michigan defeated Purdue 36–14. Purdue scored its only points of the first half when Caleb TerBush threw a 48-yard touchdown pass to Gary Bush. Michigan dominated the game following the Purdue score. The Wolverines responded to Purdue's touchdown with a touchdown of their own, a two-yard run by Denard Robinson, which was its fifth consecutive opening drive touchdown. In the second quarter, Michigan scored a safety when Mike Martin tackled Caleb TerBush in the end zone. A few minutes later, Michigan's Brendan Gibbons kicked a 37-yard field goal. Michigan added more points with a two-yard touchdown run by Fitzgerald Toussaint. The final score of the first half was a 22-yard Michigan field goal with no time left on the clock. After the intermission, Michigan scored the only points of the third quarter when Fitzgerald Toussaint scored his second touchdown of the game, this time on a 59-yard rush. The teams traded scores in the final quarter. First Michigan's Michael Shaw ran in a touchdown from 37 yards out, which was followed by Purdue's Robert Marve throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to O.J. Ross.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=313020130|title=Week 9 Box Score Purdue at Michigan|access-date=October 29, 2011|date=October 29, 2011|publisher=ESPN}} With the win, Michigan's record against Purdue improved to 43–14.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102911aae.html|title=Postgame Notes: #17 Michigan 36, Purdue 14|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=October 29, 2011|date=October 29, 2011|archive-date=November 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111101042415/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/102911aae.html|url-status=dead}}

Junior quarterback Denard Robinson completed 9-of-14 passes for 170 yards and carried the ball 15 times for 63 yards and a touchdown. He scored his 29th career rushing touchdown on a two-yard run midway through the first quarter. Robinson moved to ninth place among Michigan's all-time leaders in the category, where he is tied with Butch Woolfolk (1978–81). Robinson has scored at least one rushing touchdown in seven straight games. Fitzgerald Toussaint recorded career highs in carries (20) and rushing yards (170) and matched a career best with two rushing touchdowns. Toussaint's second touchdown—a 59-yard rush in the third quarter—was the longest rush for a touchdown of his career, but missed his overall career long by two yards (61 yards vs. Bowling Green, September 25, 2010). The Apollo 15 flight crew, which consisted of all Michigan graduates, was honored during the first quarter.

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Iowa Hawkeyes football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Michigan at Iowa

| Visitor = #13 Wolverines

| Host = Hawkeyes

| V1 =6 | V2 =0| V3 =3| V4 =7

| H1 =7 | H2 =10| H3 =0| H4 =7

| Date = November 5

| Location = Kinnick Stadium
Iowa City, Iowa

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =12:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:11

| Attendance =70,585

| Weather = {{convert|44|F}}, Partly Cloudy, SSE {{convert|13|mph|abbr=on}},

| Referee =Dan Capron

|TVAnnouncers=Dave Pasch, Chris Spielman & Quint Kessenich

|TVStation=ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110511aaa.html|title=Wolverines Fall Three Yards Short at Iowa

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 5, 2011|date=November 5, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Michigan–Iowa Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111031aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304121315/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111031aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=10:29 |Team=IOWA |Event=Marcus Coker 4-yard run (Mike Meyer kick) |Score= IOWA 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=2:14 |Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 5-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Two-point run conversion failed) |Score= IOWA 7–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=6:58 |Team=IOWA |Event=Brad Herman 1-yard pass from James Vandenberg (Mike Meyer kick) |Score= IOWA 14–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2|Time=2:11 |Team=MICH |Event=Mike Meyer 42-yard field goal |Score= IOWA 17–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=6:19 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 32-yard field goal |Score= IOWA 17–9}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:42 |Team=IOWA |Event=Marcus Coker 13-yard run (Mike Meyer kick) |Score= IOWA 24–9}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|LastEntry=yes |Quarter=4 |Time=7:53 |Team=MICH |Event=Kevin Koger 7-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score=IOWA 24–16}}

{{AFB game box end}}

For its ninth game, Michigan traveled to Iowa City to meet the Iowa Hawkeyes. Iowa won the 2010 game, 38–28.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302890130|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926200003/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=302890130|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 26, 2021|title=Recap Week 7 Iowa at Michigan|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=October 16, 2011|publisher=ESPN}}

Iowa defeated Michigan 24–16 after Michigan was unable to score a touchdown from the three-yard line at the end of the game. Iowa scored first with a four-yard touchdown run by Marcus Coker. Michigan responded with a five-yard touchdown catch by Fitzgerald Toussaint, their only points of the first half; however, the extra point was botched due to a bad snap. In the second quarter, Iowa's Brad Herman caught a one-yard pass from James Vandenberg for a touchdown. Iowa's Mike Meyer then kicked a 42-yard field goal to add to the Hawkeyes' lead. After halftime, Michigan's Brendan Gibbons scored the only points of the 3rd quarter with a 32-yard field goal. Iowa then scored its only points of the second half when Marcus Coker scored his second touchdown of the day, this time with a 13-yard rush. Michigan responded with a seven-yard touchdown catch by Kevin Koger.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=313092294|title=Week 9 Michigan at Iowa|access-date=November 5, 2011|date=November 5, 2011|publisher=ESPN}}

Junior Hemingway had 64 yards on five catches to pass Adrian Arrington and take over 20th place with 1,453 career yards. Fitzgerald Toussaint made his first career touchdown reception on just the third catch of his career. Denard Robinson moved to ninth place all-time on the Michigan career rushing yards list, with his then total of 2,933 yards surpassing Gordon Bell's total of 2,900 yards.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/110511aae.html |title=Postgame Notes: Iowa 24, #13 Michigan 16|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 5, 2011|date=November 5, 2011}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Illinois Fighting Illini football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Michigan at Illinois

| Visitor = #22 Wolverines

| Host = Fighting Illini

| V1 =7 | V2 =7| V3 =3| V4 =14

| H1 =0 | H2 =0| H3 =7| H4 =7

| Date = November 12

| Location = Memorial Stadium
Champaign, Illinois

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =3:30 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:23

| Attendance =60,670

| Weather ={{convert|59|F}}, Overcast/Breezy, S {{convert|21|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee =John O'Neill

|TVAnnouncers=Justin Kutcher & Craig James

|TVStation=ABC/ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/illum11.html#GAME.NEW|title=#22 Michigan 31, Illinois 14|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=FightingIllini.com|access-date=November 12, 2011|date=November 12, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140210170643/http://www.fightingillini.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/2011-2012/illum11.html#GAME.NEW|archive-date=2014-02-10|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Michigan–Illinois Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111107aaa.pdf}}{{Dead link|date=April 2023 |bot=InternetArchiveBot |fix-attempted=yes }}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=13:15 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 9-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=12:49 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 2-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 14–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:31 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 27-yard field goal |Score= MICH 17–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3|Time=0:19 |Team=ILL |Event=Nathan Scheelhaase 13-yard run (Derek Dimke kick) |Score= MICH 17–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=9:58 |Team=MICH |Event=Martavious Odoms 27-yard pass from Devin Gardner (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 24–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=3:12 |Team=ILL |Event=Jason Ford 1-yard run (Derek Dimke kick) |Score= MICH 24–14}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry|LastEntry=yes |Quarter=4 |Time=2:24 |Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 27-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score=MICH 31–14}}

{{AFB game box end}}

Following its trip to Iowa, Michigan played on the road for the second consecutive week against the Illinois Fighting Illini. In 2010, the Wolverines and Illini had played in the highest combined scoring game in Michigan Stadium history, with Michigan prevailing 67–65 in triple overtime.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=303100130|title=Recap week 10 Illinois at Michigan|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=November 6, 2010|publisher=ESPN}}

Michigan dominated the game, defeating Illinois 31–14. Michigan scored two touchdowns in the first half. Fitzgerald Toussaint ran for 121 yards in the first quarter, including a 65-yard run on the second play of the game to set up a nine-yard touchdown run by Denard Robinson. In the second quarter, Robinson scored his second rushing touchdown of the game on a two-yard run. Michigan lost another scoring opportunity in the second quarter after tight end Kevin Koger gained 40 yards on a pass from Robinson. Robinson ran for an apparent touchdown from the eight-yard line, but the call was reversed when replay officials ruled that Robinson had stepped out of bounds at the two-yard line. On fourth down from the one-yard line, Robinson was stopped after a low snap slowed his momentum. A fumble by Robinson ended another drive, and Brendan Gibbons missed a 38-yard field goal with one minute left in the half. Michigan's defense held Illinois to 30 total yards in the first half. In the third quarter, Gibbons kicked a 27-yard field goal, but Illinois responded with a touchdown on a one-yard run by Nathan Scheelhaase. Denard Robinson left the game in the third quarter after sustaining a blow to his wrist. In the fourth quarter, J.T. Floyd intercepted a Scheelhaase pass and returned it 43 yards into Illinois territory. Shortly thereafter, backup quarterback Devin Gardner threw a 27-yard touchdown pass to Martavious Odoms to put Michigan ahead 24–7. Illinois closed the gap to 24–14 on an 18-play drive capped by a one-yard touchdown run by Jason Ford. After the touchdown, the Illini attempted an onside kick, but Michigan recovered, and Toussaint ran 27 yards for Michigan's fourth and final touchdown.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=313160356|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210926195225/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=313160356|url-status=dead|archive-date=September 26, 2021|title=Denard Robinson knocked out of Michigan's victory over Illinois|access-date=November 15, 2011|publisher=ESPN}}

Michigan's defense forced three turnovers, sacked the Illinois quarterback four times, and held Illinois' offense to 37 rushing yards on 33 attempts for an average of 1.1 yards per carry. Mike Martin led the defense with nine tackles. After the game, Michigan's defensive coordinator Greg Mattison became emotional as he told reporters: "That was a Michigan defense. ... Nobody knows what went on inside of these guys and for them to stick together and to play like they played tonight, and like they have tried in every game, it says a lot about them."{{cite news|author=Michael Rothstein|title=Michigan defense shuts down Illini: Wolverines force three turnovers, limit Illinois to just 214 total yards in 31–14 win|date=November 12, 2011|publisher=ESPN|access-date=June 22, 2012|url=https://www.espn.com/colleges/michigan/football/story/_/id/7227322/michigan-wolverines-defense-shuts-illinois-fighting-illini}} Defensive end Ryan Van Bergen, who recorded 2.5 sacks, three tackles for loss and seven tackles overall, was named the Big Ten's Co-Defensive Player of the Week.{{cite news|title=Van Bergen Named Big Ten Co-Defensive Player of the Week

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 18, 2011|date=November 14, 2011|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111411aaa.html}} Toussaint's 65-yard touchdown run and his total of 192 rushing yards were career highs.{{cite news|title=Postgame Notes: #22 Michigan 31, Illinois 14|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 17, 2011|date=November 12, 2011|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111211aae.html}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Nebraska Cornhuskers football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Nebraska at Michigan

| Visitor = #17 Cornhuskers

| Host = #20 Wolverines

| V1 =7 | V2 =3| V3 =7| V4 =0

| H1 =10 | H2 =7| H3 =14| H4 =14

| Date = November 19

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =12:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:30

| Attendance =113,718

| Weather ={{convert|47|F}}, Partly Cloudy, S {{convert|17|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee =Dennis Lipski

|TVAnnouncers= Dave Pasch, Chris Spielman, Urban Meyer & Quint Kessenich

|TVStation=ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/111911aaa.html|title=Boxscore: #20 Michigan 45, #17 Nebraska 17

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=November 19, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Nebraska–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111114aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304113213/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111114aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=8:17 |Team=MICH |Event=Jeremy Gallon 7-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 1|Time=2:03 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 42-yard field goal |Score= MICH 10–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=1:17 |Team=NEB |Event=Brandon Kinnie 54-yard pass from Taylor Martinez (Brett Maher kick) |Score= MICH 10–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=12:12 |Team=NEB |Event=Brett Maher 51-yard field goal |Score= Tied 10–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time= 6:05|Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 14-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score=MICH 17–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=11:23 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 1-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 24–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=5:03 |Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 1-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 31–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=0:53 |Team= NEB|Event=Ameer Abdullah 3-yard run (Brett Maher kick) |Score= MICH 31–17}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:14 |Team=MICH |Event=Martavious Odoms 38-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 38–17}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:33 |Team=MICH |Event=Fitzgerald Toussaint 31-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score=MICH 45–17 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

File:Nebraska vs. Michigan 2011 06 (card stunt and flyover).jpg

In the penultimate game of the 2011 regular season, Michigan hosted the Nebraska Cornhuskers, competing in their first season as a member of the Big Ten Conference and appearing in Michigan Stadium for the first time since 1962.{{cite web|author=Ubben, David|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/big12/post/_/id/12634/huskers-vs-big-ten-opponents|title=Huskers vs. Big Ten opponents|access-date=January 17, 2011|date=September 5, 2009|publisher=ESPN}} The teams had last met in the 2005 Alamo Bowl, which Nebraska won 32–28.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=253620158|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20161002021244/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=253620158|url-status=dead|archive-date=October 2, 2016|title=Nebraska erases eleven-point deficit to win Alamo Bowl|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=December 28, 2005|publisher=ESPN}} In celebration of Military Appreciation Day, Michigan held a card stunt and had a flyover of four F-16 fighter jets prior to kickoff, and the Wolverines wore American flag patches on their jerseys. Michigan also honored former head coach Lloyd Carr at the game.{{cite news|title=U-M to Honor Military, Coach Carr Prior to Saturday's Noon Game|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 17, 2011|date=November 16, 2011|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/111611aaj.html}}

Michigan dominated Nebraska, winning 45–17. Michigan took an early lead when Jeremy Gallon caught a six-yard touchdown pass and then added three more points when Brendan Gibbons kicked a 42-yard field goal. Late in the first quarter, Nebraska narrowed the gap when Brandon Kinnie caught a 54-yard touchdown pass from Taylor Martinez. In the second quarter, each team scored once. The Cornhuskers' Brett Maher kicked a 51-yard field goal, and Denard Robinson responded with a 14-yard touchdown run. Michigan led 17–10 at halftime. At the start of the third quarter, Nebraska's Kenny Bell fumbled while returning the opening kickoff, and Michigan recovered the ball. The turnover led to a one-yard touchdown run by Denard Robinson. Fitzgerald Toussaint also scored on a one-yard touchdown run in the third quarter. Later in the third quarter, Nebraska closed the gap to 31–17 on a three-yard touchdown run by Ameer Abdullah. Josh Furman also blocked a punt in the third quarter, the first punt block by Michigan since 2009. In the fourth quarter, Michigan outscored Nebraska 14–0 with a 38-yard touchdown catch by Martavious Odoms and a 31-yard run by Toussaint.

Michigan's defense held Nebraska to three successful conversions on 13 third downs. The Wolverines ran 80 plays in the game and maintained possession for 41 minutes and 13 seconds during the 60 minutes of play. Denard Robinson was honored for the sixth time in his career as the Big Ten's Offensive Player of the Week, having run for two touchdowns, passed for two more, and accounted for 263 yard of total offense (180 passing yards and 83 rushing yards), more than the entire Nebraska team.{{cite news|title=Robinson Shares Big Ten Offensive Player of the Week|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|date=November 21, 2011|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112111aaa.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111123111554/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112111aaa.html|archive-date=November 23, 2011|url-status=dead}} Michigan improved to 4–2–1 in its all-time series against Nebraska.{{cite news|title=Postgame Notes: #20 Michigan 45, #17 Nebraska 17|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 19, 2011|date=November 19, 2011|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/111911aah.html}}

{{Clear}}

{{see also|2011 Ohio State Buckeyes football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Ohio State at Michigan
(Michigan–Ohio State rivalry game)

| Visitor = Buckeyes

| Host = #17 Wolverines

| V1 = 7 | V2 = 17| V3 = 0| V4 = 10

| H1 = 16 | H2 = 7| H3 = 7| H4 = 10

| Date = November 26

| Location = Michigan Stadium
Ann Arbor, Michigan

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =12:00 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:35

| Attendance =114,132

| Weather ={{convert|55|F}}, Partly Cloudy, S {{convert|15|mph|abbr=on}}

| Referee =Bill LeMonnier

|TVAnnouncers=Dave Pasch, Chris Spielman & Quint Kessenich

|TVStation=ABC

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/112611aab.html|title=Boxscore: #17 Michigan 40, Ohio State 34|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 26, 2011|date=November 26, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201031305/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/112611aab.html|archive-date=2011-12-01|url-status=dead}}{{cite news|title=Ohio State–Michigan Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=November 21, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111121aaa.pdf|archive-date=December 16, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111216030839/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111121aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=12:43 |Team=OSU |Event=Corey Brown 54-yard pass from Braxton Miller (Drew Basil kick) |Score= OSU 7–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=9:15 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 41-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= Tied 7–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=7:41 |Team=MICH |Event=Safety, holding penalty on Mike Adams in end zone |Score= MICH 9–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=1 |Time=3:02 |Team=MICH |Event=Junior Hemingway 26-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 16–7}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=10:37 |Team=OSU |Event=Drew Basil 45-yard field goal |Score= MICH 16–10}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=7:51 |Team=OSU |Event=Braxton Miller 19-yard run (Drew Basil kick) |Score= OSU 17–16}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=3:16 |Team=MICH |Event=Denard Robinson 6-yard run (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 23–17}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter= 2|Time=1:21 |Team=OSU |Event=DeVier Posey 43-yard pass from Braxton Miller (Drew Basil kick) |Score= OSU 24–23}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:05 |Team=MICH |Event=Martavious Odoms 20-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 30–24}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=12:50 |Team=OSU |Event=Drew Basil 21-yard field goal |Score= MICH 30–27}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=8:32 |Team=MICH |Event=Kevin Koger 4-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 37–27}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=7:09 |Team=OSU |Event=Dan Herron 4-yard run (Drew Basil kick) |Score= MICH 37–34}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=1:59 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 43-yard field goal |Score= MICH 40–34|LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

The Wolverines completed the regular season at home with the 108th Michigan–Ohio State rivalry game against the Ohio State Buckeyes. Ohio State won the 2010 game 37–7,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303310194|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20210616210337/https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=303310194|url-status=dead|archive-date=June 16, 2021|title=Buckeyes maul Michigan for 7th straight win over rival|access-date=January 28, 2011|date=November 27, 2010|publisher=ESPN}} but later vacated the win as part of its self-imposed sanctions after it was discovered that five players had received improper benefits and had played while ineligible.{{cite news|title=Ohio State at Risk of Losing Bragging Rights|newspaper=The Wall Street Journal|date=May 4, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|url=https://www.wsj.com/articles/SB10001424052748703922804576301223515720468?mod=googlenews_wsj}}{{cite web|title=Ohio State vacates 2010 wins, puts self on probation|publisher=CNN|date=July 8, 2011|access-date=July 13, 2011|url=http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/08/ohio-state-vacates-2010-wins-puts-self-on-probation/?hpt=hp_t2|archive-date=July 11, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110711054937/http://news.blogs.cnn.com/2011/07/08/ohio-state-vacates-2010-wins-puts-self-on-probation/?hpt=hp_t2|url-status=dead}} This was the first time the schools met with both having head coaches in their first season since 1929, when Harry Kipke became the head coach at Michigan and Sam Willaman became the head coach at Ohio State.{{cite web|author=Rothstein, Michael|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/ohio-state-coach-jim-tressels-resignation-closes-an-era-in-the-michigan-ohio-state-rivalry/|title=OPINION: Jim Tressel's resignation closes an era in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry|access-date=May 31, 2011|date=May 30, 2011|publisher=AnnArbor.com}}

File:Ohio State vs. Michigan football 2011 04 (Michigan on offense).jpg

Michigan defeated Ohio State for the first time in eight years, winning 40–34. Ohio State took the lead in the first quarter when Corey Brown caught a 54-yard touchdown pass from Braxton Miller. Michigan tied it up when Denard Robinson ran 41 yards for a touchdown and took the lead when Ohio State's Mike Adams committed a holding penalty in the end zone for a safety. Michigan extended its lead to 16–7 when Junior Hemingway caught a 26-yard pass for a touchdown. In the second quarter, Ohio State's Drew Basil completed a 45-yard field goal, and the Buckeyes took a 17–16 lead when Braxton Miller ran 19 yards for a touchdown. Michigan regained the lead on a six-yard touchdown run by Denard Robinson. Ohio State responded with a 43-yard touchdown pass to DeVier Posey and led 24–23 at halftime. In the third quarter, Martavious Odoms scored for Michigan on a 20-yard touchdown pass. After a muffed punt by Michigan's Will Hagerup at the end of the third quarter, Drew Basil kicked a 21-yard field goal early in the fourth quarter. Michigan responded with a four-yard touchdown catch by Kevin Koger, and Daniel Herron ran for an Ohio State touchdown from four yards out. Michigan scored the final points of the game on a career-long 43-yard field goal by Brendan Gibbons. The Wolverines sealed the victory when Courtney Avery intercepted a Braxton Miller pass with 39 seconds remaining.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=313300130|title=Week 13 Box Score – Ohio State at Michigan|publisher=ESPN|date=November 26, 2011|access-date=November 26, 2011}}

Denard Robinson completed 14 of 17 passes for 167 yards and three touchdowns and rushed for 170 yards and two touchdowns. He became the first Michigan player in the modern era to score two rushing and two passing touchdowns in consecutive games. Fitzgerald Toussaint also rushed for 120 yards to pass the 1,000 yard mark, giving the Wolverines a duo of 1,000-yard rushers for the first time since 1975 when Gordon Bell and Rob Lytle accomplished the feat. The Wolverines improved to 58–44–6 in the all-time series against the Buckeyes. With the victory, Michigan also concluded its first undefeated season at home since 2006, along with its first ever eight win season at home. Brady Hoke became the second Michigan head coach to win 10 games in his first season, with the first being Fielding Yost.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/112611aak.html|title=Postgame Notes: #17 Michigan 40, Ohio State 34|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|date=November 26, 2011|access-date=November 26, 2011}}

{{Clear}}

{{Main|2012 Sugar Bowl}}

{{see also|2011 Virginia Tech Hokies football team}}

{{AFB game box start

| Title = Virginia Tech vs Michigan
(Sugar Bowl)

| Visitor = #13 Wolverines

| Host = #17 Hokies

| V1 = 0 | V2 = 10| V3 = 7| V4 = 3| VOT = 3

| H1 = 3 | H2 = 3| H3 = 11| H4 = 3| HOT = 0

| Date = January 3

| Location = Mercedes-Benz Superdome
New Orleans, Louisiana

|TimeZone=EST

| StartTime =8:30 p.m.

| ElapsedTime =3:26

| Attendance =64,512

| Weather =Indoors

| Referee =Jay Stricherz

|TVAnnouncers=Brad Nessler, Todd Blackledge & Holly Rowe

|TVStation=ESPN

}}

• Sources:{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/stats/010412aaa.html|title=Boxscore: #13 Michigan 23, #17 Virginia Tech 20 (OT)

|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=January 4, 2012|date=January 4, 2012}}{{cite news|title=Michigan–Virginia Tech Pre-game Notes|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=December 17, 2011|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111213aaa.pdf|archive-date=March 4, 2016|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160304120623/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/release/release_20111213aaa.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |FirstEntry=yes |Quarter=1 |Time=7:04 |Team= VT|Event=Justin Myer 37-yard field goal |Score= VT 3–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=14:10 |Team=VT |Event=Justin Myer 43-yard field goal |Score= VT 6–0}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:49 |Team=MICH |Event=Junior Hemingway 45-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score= MICH 7–6}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=2 |Time=0:00 |Team=MICH |Event= Brendan Gibbons 24-yard field goal|Score=MICH 10–6 }}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=9:43 |Team=MICH |Event= Junior Hemingway 18-yard pass from Denard Robinson (Brendan Gibbons kick) |Score=MICH 17–6 }}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=3 |Time=4:48 |Team=VT |Event= Justin Myer 36-yard field goal|Score=MICH 17–9 }}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=10:22 |Team=VT |Event=Logan Thomas 1-yard run (Logan Thomas to Marcus Davis pass) |Score= Tied 17–17}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=4:00 |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 39-yard field goal |Score=MICH 20–17}}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=4 |Time=0:02 |Team=VT |Event=Justin Myer 25-yard field goal |Score=Tied 20–20 }}

{{AFB Game Box Scoring Entry |Quarter=OT |Time= |Team=MICH |Event=Brendan Gibbons 37-yard field goal |Score=MICH 23–20 |LastEntry=yes}}

{{AFB game box end}}

On December 4, Michigan was selected to play in the Sugar Bowl against the Virginia Tech Hokies. It was Michigan's first BCS bowl game since the 2006 season, when Michigan was defeated by the USC Trojans in the 2007 Rose Bowl. The meeting between the Hokies and the Wolverines was the first between the two schools.{{Cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120411aaa.html|title=Wolverines to Match Up with Virginia Tech in Allstate Sugar Bowl|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|date=December 4, 2011|access-date=December 5, 2011}} Virginia Tech was forced to use its third-string kicker during the game, as first-string kicker Cody Journell was suspended for the game as a result of an arrest for breaking-and-entering,{{Cite web|author=Gianotto, Mark|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/hokies-journal/post/virginia-tech-k-cody-journell-charged-with-felony-suspended-indefinitely/2011/12/22/gIQAh9kaBP_blog.html|title=Virginia Tech K Cody Journell charged with felony, suspended indefinitely|work=The Washington Post|date=December 22, 2011|access-date=January 6, 2012}} while second-string kicker Tyler Weiss was suspended from the game and sent home for missing curfew.{{Cite web|author=Gianotto, Mark|url=https://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/hokies-journal/post/virginia-tech-kicker-tyler-weiss-sent-home-from-sugar-bowl/2011/12/29/gIQAJrYFPP_blog.html|title=Virginia Tech kicker Tyler Weiss sent home from Sugar Bowl|work=The Washington Post|date=December 29, 2011|access-date=January 6, 2012}}

Virginia Tech dominated the majority of the first half. In the first quarter, Virginia Tech's third-string kicker Justin Myer kicked a 37-yard field goal, which was the only scoring play of the quarter. Myer added a 43-yard field goal in the second quarter. At the end of the half, however, Denard Robinson threw a 45-yard touchdown pass to Junior Hemingway to give Michigan a 7–6 lead and on the ensuing kickoff, Michigan's J.B. Fitzgerald forced a fumble, which Michigan recovered. Michigan's Brendan Gibbons kicked a 24-yard field goal as time expired. In the third quarter, Michigan scored another touchdown on a Denard Robinson to Junior Hemingway pass, this time from 18 yards out. This scoring drive followed an interception by linebacker Frank Clark. Virginia Tech responded with another Justin Myer field goal, this time from 36 yards away. In the fourth quarter, Virginia Tech's quarterback Logan Thomas trimmed Michigan's lead to two points, and then promptly tied the game throwing a successful two-point conversion to Marcus Davis. Michigan responded with a 39-yard Brendan Gibbons field goal, but Virginia Tech tied the game with two seconds remaining via a 25-yard field goal by Myer. In overtime, Virginia Tech seemingly scored the go-ahead touchdown on a Logan Thomas to Danny Coale pass, but video review overturned the play. The next play saw Myer miss a 37-yard field goal. Michigan received the ball and saw Gibbons kick the game-winning 37-yard field goal.{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=320030259|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20190102050418/http://www.espn.com/college-football/recap?gameId=320030259|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 2, 2019|title=Brendan Gibbons' OT FG boots Michigan past Va. Tech, to Sugar Bowl title|publisher=ESPN|date=January 3, 2012|access-date=January 6, 2012}}

The game was Michigan's fifth BCS bowl appearance. With the victory, Michigan won the only BCS bowl that it had not yet won, improved its bowl record to 20–21, and improved its record against the ACC to 19–3. Michigan also moved to 2–0 in overtime in bowl games, with the previous victory coming in the 2000 Orange Bowl. Hemingway, who caught both Michigan touchdowns,{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/college-football/boxscore?gameId=320030259|title=(13) Michigan 23 (11–2, 6–2 Big Ten); (11) Virginia Tech 20 (11–3, 7–1 ACC)|publisher=ESPN|access-date=January 4, 2012|date=January 3, 2012}} was named the Sugar Bowl MVP. Brady Hoke became the eighth coach to lead a team to a BCS bowl and third to win a BCS bowl in his first season.{{cite news|title=Postgame Notes: #13 Michigan 23, #17 Virginia Tech 20 (OT)|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=January 4, 2012|date=January 4, 2012|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/recaps/010412aaf.html}}

{{Clear}}

At the conclusion of the season, several Wolverines players and coaches received national and/or conference honors. David Molk received the Rimington Trophy as the best center in college football.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120811aab.html|title=Molk Wins Rimington Trophy, Walter Camp First Team All-America Honors|access-date=December 9, 2011|date=December 8, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|archive-date=January 1, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120101042256/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120811aab.html|url-status=dead}} He was also a consensus All-American,{{cite web|url=http://www.bigten.org/blog/2011/12/five-big-ten-standouts-named-consensus-all-americans.html|title=Five Big Ten Standouts Named Consensus All-Americans|access-date=December 24, 2011|date=December 20, 2011|work=BigTen.org|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120104222446/http://www.bigten.org/blog/2011/12/five-big-ten-standouts-named-consensus-all-americans.html|archive-date=January 4, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} receiving first-team honors from the Associated Press,{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/wires/12/14/2060.ap.fbc.ap.all.america.team.0929/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109050355/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/wires/12/14/2060.ap.fbc.ap.all.america.team.0929/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 9, 2012|title=AP All-America Team, List|access-date=December 14, 2011|date=December 14, 2011|publisher=CNN Sports Illustrated}} Football Writers Association of America,{{cite web|url=http://www.sportswriters.net/fwaa/news/2011/allamerica111210.html|title=FWAA Names 2011 All-America Team|access-date=December 10, 2011|date=December 10, 2011|publisher=Football Writers Association of America}} Scout.com,{{cite web|url=http://collegefootball.scout.com/2/1136379.html|title=FoxSportsNext.com 2011 All-America Team|access-date=December 9, 2011|date=December 9, 2011|publisher=Scout.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107212345/http://collegefootball.scout.com/2/1136379.html|archive-date=2012-01-07|url-status=dead}} Sporting News,{{cite web|url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-12-14/sporting-news-all-american-team|title=Sporting News' All-American team|access-date=December 15, 2011|date=December 15, 2011|work=Sporting News|archive-date=January 8, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120108064812/http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-12-14/sporting-news-all-american-team|url-status=dead}} and the Walter Camp Football Foundation. Molk also received the inaugural Rimington–Pace Big Ten Offensive Lineman of the Year award.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112811aam.html|title=Molk Named Top Offensive Lineman to Headline Big Ten Awards|access-date=November 29, 2011|date=November 28, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201032534/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112811aam.html|archive-date=December 1, 2011|url-status=dead}}

Brady Hoke won the Hayes–Schembechler Coach of the Year, as selected by conference coaches, and the Dave McClain Coach of the Year, as picked by the media.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113011aaa.html|title=Hoke Voted Big Ten Coach of the Year by Media and Coaches|access-date=November 30, 2011|date=November 30, 2011|work=MGoBlue.com|publisher=CBS Interactive|archive-date=December 1, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111201031129/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/113011aaa.html|url-status=dead}} Hoke was also a finalist for national coach of the year honors in the Bear Bryant Award,{{cite news|title=Mike Gundy of Oklahoma State Named 2011 Paul "Bear" Bryant Coach of the Year|publisher=Bryant Awards|url=http://www.bryantawards.com/news-room/|access-date=June 24, 2012|date=January 24, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120331082035/http://www.bryantawards.com/news-room/|archive-date=2012-03-31|url-status=dead}} Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award, and Eddie Robinson Coach of the Year award.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120611aaa.html|title=Hoke Chosen as Finalist for Liberty Mutual Coach of the Year Award|access-date=December 7, 2011|date=December 6, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/120511aab.html|title=Hoke Selected Finalist for National Coach of the Year Award|access-date=December 7, 2011|date=December 5, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com}} Defensive coordinator Greg Mattison was selected as one of five finalists for the 2011 Broyles Award.{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112811aae.html|title=Defensive Coordinator Mattison a Finalist for Broyles Award|access-date=November 29, 2011|date=November 28, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com}}

Three Michigan players received second-team All-Big Ten honors: (1) Mike Martin by both the coaches and the media, (2) Denard Robinson by the media, and (3) Taylor Lewan by the coaches. Lewan also received honorable mention All-American recognition by the Pro Football Weekly,{{cite web|url=http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/12/12/pfw-2011-all-america-team |title=PFW 2011 All-America team |access-date=December 13, 2011 |date=December 12, 2011 |work=Pro Football Weekly |author=Nawrocki, Nolan |url-status=dead |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120204005447/http://www.profootballweekly.com/2011/12/12/pfw-2011-all-america-team |archive-date=February 4, 2012 }} and Robinson received the same recognition from Sports Illustrated.{{cite web|url=http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/12/13/postseason-all-america-team/index.html|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120109050316/http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2011/football/ncaa/12/13/postseason-all-america-team/index.html|url-status=dead|archive-date=January 9, 2012|title=SI.com's 2011 All-Americas|access-date=December 14, 2011|date=December 13, 2011|work=Sports Illustrated}} Jake Ryan, Desmond Morgan, Matt Wile and Blake Countess all earned 2011 Big Ten All-Freshman team recognition from both ESPN.com and BTN.com, while Ryan, Morgan and Countess earned 2011 College Football News All-Freshman honorable mention honors as well.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/41139/espn-coms-big-ten-all-freshman-team-2|title=ESPN.com's Big Ten All-Freshman team|access-date=January 5, 2012|date=December 13, 2011|publisher=ESPN|author=Rittenberg, Adam and Brian Bennett}}{{cite web|url=http://btn.com/2011/12/12/btn-coms-2011-big-ten-all-freshman-team/|title=BTN.com's 2011 Big Ten All-Freshman Team|access-date=January 5, 2012|date=December 12, 2011|publisher=Big Ten Network|author=Dienhart, Tom}}{{cite web|url=http://cfn.scout.com/2/1137274.html|title=2011 CFN All-Freshman Defensive Team|access-date=January 5, 2012|date=December 9, 2011|publisher=Scout.com|work=College Football News|author=Cirminiello, Richard|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120107185848/http://cfn.scout.com/2/1137274.html|archive-date=2012-01-07|url-status=dead}} Countess was also a Sporting News All-Freshman selection, while Ryan was a second team Rivals.com All-Freshman selection.{{cite web|url=http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-12-13/sporting-news-freshmen-all-americans-sammy-watkins-marqise-lee|title=Early impact: These freshmen were at the head of their class|access-date=December 3, 2012|date=December 13, 2011|work=Sporting News|archive-date=July 5, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120705001104/http://aol.sportingnews.com/ncaa-football/story/2011-12-13/sporting-news-freshmen-all-americans-sammy-watkins-marqise-lee|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=https://sports.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/news?slug=ys-college_football_freshman_all_america_120811|title=Watkins leads Freshman All-America Team|access-date=December 3, 2012|date=December 9, 2011|publisher=Rivals.com}} Safety Jordan Kovacs was named a quarterfinalist for the Lott Trophy and a semifinalist for the 2011 Burlsworth Trophy.{{cite web|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/football-20111031.pdf|title=Big Ten Football Weekly Release – October 31, 2011|access-date=November 3, 2011|date=October 31, 2011|publisher=Big Ten Conference|archive-date=April 20, 2014|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140420002404/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/big10/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/football-20111031.pdf|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112211aaa.html|title=Kovacs Named Semifinalist for Burlsworth Trophy|access-date=November 28, 2011|date=November 22, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111127093607/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112211aaa.html|archive-date=November 27, 2011|url-status=dead}} He also received the Big Ten Sportsmanship Award for the Michigan program.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112811aad.html|title=Big Ten Announces 2011 All-Big Ten Teams and Select Individual Award Winners|access-date=November 29, 2011|date=November 28, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=BigTen.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20111129235824/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/112811aad.html|archive-date=November 29, 2011|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}}

Several Michigan players were invited to post-season all-star games: Junior Hemingway Kevin Koger to the 2012 East–West Shrine Game,{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/kevin-koger-junior-hemingway-listed-on-roster-for-east-west-shrine-game/|title=Kevin Koger, Junior Hemingway listed on roster for East–West Shrine Game|access-date=January 11, 2012|date=January 11, 2012|work=AnnArbor.com|author=Meinke, Kyle}}{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/bigten/post/_/id/43613/big-ten-all-star-roster-updates|title=Big Ten all-star roster updates|access-date=January 11, 2012|date=January 11, 2012|publisher=ESPN|author=Rittenberg, Adam}} David Molk and Mike Martin to the 2012 Senior Bowl, Michael Shaw to the Casino del Sol All-Star Game, Marell Evans to the NFLPA Collegiate Bowl, and Martavious Odoms to the Battle of Florida All-Star Game.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/colleges/michigan/football/story/_/id/7483026/michigan-wolverines-seniors-prep-all-star-showcases|title=Koger eager for all-star showcase: Tight end joins Hemingway at East–West Shrine Game, hope to earn combine invite|access-date=January 21, 2012|date=January 20, 2012|publisher=ESPN|author=Rothstein, Michael}}

Michigan finished the season ranked third in the Big Ten in total offense and second in scoring offense. Defensively, the team improved dramatically finishing fourth in total defense in the Big Ten and 17th in the country.{{cite web|url=http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?org=418&year=2011&week=20|title=Team Ranking|access-date=January 12, 2012|publisher=NCAA}}

Denard Robinson led the Big Ten in total offense for the second consecutive year and finished fifth in the conference in rushing with an average of 90.46 rushing yards per game. Jeremy Gallon finished third in the conference with an average of 10.11 yards per punt return. Kenny Demens led the team in tackles with 7.23 per game.

The per game team rankings below include 120 Football Bowl Subdivision teams and 12 Big Ten Conference teams.

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

{{American football roster/Header|year=2011|team=Michigan Wolverines|teamcolors=y

|offensive_players=

{{American football roster/Player|first=Vincent|last=Smith|num=2|pos=RB|class=J|link=y|dab=Vincent Smith (American football)}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Russell|last=Bellomy|num=3|pos=QB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Wilson|num=4|pos=QB|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Justice|last=Hayes|num=5|pos=RB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Devin|last=Gardner|num=7|pos=QB|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Alex|last=Swieca|num=8|pos=QB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Martavious|last=Odoms|num=9|pos=WR|class=S|link=n}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jeremy|last=Gallon|num=10|pos=WR|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Roy|last=Roundtree|num=12|pos=WR|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ben|last=Fry|num=13|pos=QB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jack|last=Kennedy|num=14|pos=QB|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Michael|last=Cox|num=15|pos=RB|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Denard|last=Robinson|num=16|pos=QB|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jeremy|last=Jackson|num=17|pos=WR|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jihad|last=Rasheed|num=18|pos=RB|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kelvin|last=Grady|num=19|pos=WR|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Michael|last=Shaw|num=20|pos=RB|class=S|link=y|dab=Michael Shaw (American football)}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Junior|last=Hemingway|num=21|pos=WR|class=S|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Darryl|last=Stonum|num=22|pos=WR|class=S|link=y|note=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Drew|last=Dileo|num=26|pos=WR|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jonathan|last=Keizer|num=27|pos=WR|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Fitzgerald|last=Toussaint|num=28|pos=RB|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Stephen|last=Hopkins|num=33|pos=RB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jordan|last=Barpal|num=35|pos=WR|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Joe|last=Kerridge|num=36|pos=FB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Thomas|last=Rawls|num=38|pos=RB|class=F|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Nate|last=Allspach|num=40|pos=TE|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Dylan|last=Esterline|num=42|pos=TE|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=John|last=McColgan|num=49|pos=FB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=David|last=Molk|num=50|pos=OL (C)|class=S|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ricky|last=Barnum|num=52|pos=OL|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Joey|last=Burzynski|num=56|pos=OL|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Elliott|last=Mealer|num=57|pos=OL|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Chris|last=Bryant|num=58|pos=OL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jack|last=Miller|num=60|pos=OL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Graham|last=Glasgow|num=61|pos=OL|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Rocko|last=Khoury|num=63|pos=OL|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Patrick|last=Omameh|num=65|pos=OL|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Erik|last=Gunderson|num=69|pos=OL|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kristian|last=Mateus|num=70|pos=OL|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mark|last=Huyge|num=72|pos=OL|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Michael|last=Schofield|num=75|pos=OL|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Taylor|last=Lewan|num=77|pos=OL|class=SO|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ricardo|last=Miller|num=80|pos=TE|class=RFR|link=n}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Kwiatkowski|num=81|pos=TE|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Terrence|last=Robinson|num=82|pos=WR|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jerald|last=Robinson|num=83|pos=WR|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Steve|last=Watson|num=84|pos=TE|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Joe|last=Reynolds|num=85|pos=WR|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kevin|last=Koger|num=86|pos=TE (C)|class=S|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brandon|last=Moore|num=89|pos=TE|class=J}}

|defensive_players=

{{American football roster/Player|first=Marvin|last=Robinson|num=3|pos=S|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Cameron|last=Gordon|num=4|pos=S|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Courtney|last=Avery|num=5|pos=CB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Raymon|last=Taylor|num=6|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brandin|last=Hawthorne|num=7|pos=S|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=J. T.|last=Floyd|num=8|pos=CB|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Josh|last=Furman|num=14|pos=S|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tony|last=Anderson|num=17|pos=CB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Blake|last=Countess|num=18|pos=DB|class=F|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Charlie|last=Zeller|num=19|pos=S|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tamani|last=Carter|num=20|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Floyd|last=Simmons|num=23|pos=S|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Delonte|last=Hollowell|num=24|pos=DB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kenny|last=Demens|num=25|pos=LB|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Jones|num=27|pos=LB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Matthew|last=Cavanaugh|num=28|pos=S|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Troy|last=Woolfolk|num=29|pos=CB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Thomas|last=Gordon|num=30|pos=S|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jared|last=Van Slyke|num=31|pos=S|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jordan|last=Kovacs|num=32|pos=S|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Isaiah|last=Bell|num=34|pos=LB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Zac|last=Johnson|num=36|pos=S|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Terrence|last=Talbott|num=37|pos=CB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Al|last=Backey|num=38|pos=CB|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Will|last=Heininger|num=39|pos=DT|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Antonio|last=Poole|num=40|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kenny|last=Wilkins|num=41|pos=DT|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=J.B.|last=Fitzgerald|num=42|pos=LB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Desmond|last=Morgan|num=44|link=y|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Marell|last=Evans|num=51|pos=LB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Ryan|last=Van Bergen|num=53|pos=DE|class=S|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Richard|last=Ash|num=54|pos=DT|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jibreel|last=Black|num=55|pos=DE|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Frank|last=Clark|num=57|pos=LB|class=F|link=y|dab=Frank Clark (American football)}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brandon|last=Herron|num=58|pos=LB|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Alex|last=Schwab|num=60|pos=DT|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Nathan|last=Brink|num=67|pos=DT|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Mike|last=Martin|num=68|pos=DT (C)|class=S|link=y|dab=Mike Martin (defensive lineman)}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=William|last=Campbell|num=73|pos=DT|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Quinton|last=Washington|num=76|pos=DT|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Craig|last=Roh|num=88|pos=DE|class=J|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jake|last=Ryan|num=90|pos=LB|class=RFR|link=y|dab=Jake Ryan (American football)}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Keith|last=Heitzman|num=92|pos=DE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Chris|last=Eddins|num=93|pos=DE|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jordan|last=Paskorz|num=94|pos=LB|class=RFR}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Chris|last=Rock|num=95|pos=DE|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brennen|last=Beyer|num=97|pos=LB|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Paul|last=Gyarmati|num=99|pos=LB|class=J}}

|special_teams_players=

{{American football roster/Player|first=Christopher|last=Smith|num=31|pos=K|class=F}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Brendan|last=Gibbons|num=34|pos=PK|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Will|last=Hagerup|link=y|num=43|pos=P|class=SO|}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Matt|last=Wile|num=45|pos=PK|class=F|link=y}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Seth|last=Broekhuizen|num=46|pos=PK|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jareth|last=Glanda|num=54|pos=LS|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=George|last=Morales|num=66|pos=LS|class=J}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Tom|last=Pomarico|num=91|pos=LS|class=S}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Kris|last=Pauloski|num=93|pos=PK|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Curt|last=Graman|num=94|pos=LS|class=SO}}

{{American football roster/Player|first=Jeremy|last=Ross|num=96|pos=PK|class=RFR}}

}}

{{American football roster/Footer|roster_url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mich-m-footbl-mtt.html|access-date=November 2, 2011

|head_coach=

• Brady Hoke

|asst_coach=

• Al Borges (Offensive coordinator / quarterbacks)
• Greg Mattison (Defensive coordinator)
• Dan Ferrigno (Tight ends / special teams)
• Darrell Funk (Offensive line)
• Jeff Hecklinski (Wide receivers)
• Fred Jackson (Running backs)
• Curt Mallory (Defensive backs)
• Jerry Montgomery (Defensive line)
• Mark Smith (Linebackers)
• Roy Manning (Offensive graduate assistant)
• Aubrey Pleasant (Defensive graduate assistant)
• Mike Vollmar (Associate Athletics Director for Football)
• Bob Lopez (Director of Football Operations)

{{Cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/coaches-m-footbl.html|title=2011 Michigan Football Coaching Staff|publisher=CBS Interactive|date=January 19, 2011|access-date=January 19, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20110112195203/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/coaches-m-footbl.html|archive-date=2011-01-12|url-status=dead}}{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/archive/mich-m-footbl-roster-2011.html|title=2011 Michigan Football Roster|access-date=April 10, 2011|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue| archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20110513060939/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/mtt/mich-m-footbl-mtt.html| archive-date= 13 May 2011 | url-status= live}}

}}

Starters and backups versus Virginia Tech.{{Cite web|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|title=Depth Chart|url=http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/fbl-depth-chart-2011.pdf|access-date=July 8, 2012|archive-date=November 12, 2012|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121112164916/http://grfx.cstv.com/photos/schools/mich/sports/m-footbl/auto_pdf/2011-12/misc_non_event/fbl-depth-chart-2011.pdf|url-status=dead}}

{{CFB Team Depth Chart

| OScheme = Pro-Set

| DScheme = 4-3

| SpecialTeams = Yes

| KeyReserves = No

| 3Deep = Yes

| QB_Starter = Denard Robinson

| QB_Backup = Devin Gardner

| RB1_Starter = Fitzgerald Toussaint

| RB1_Backup = Vincent Smith

| RB1_Third = Michael Shaw

| FB_Starter = Stephen Hopkins

| FB_Backup = John McColgan

| WR1_Starter = Roy Roundtree

| WR1_Backup = Kelvin Grady

| WR1_Third = Jeremy Jackson

| WR2_Starter = Junior Hemingway

| WR2_Backup = Jeremy Gallon

| WR2_Third = Martavious Odoms

| TE1_Starter = Kevin Koger

| TE1_Backup = Steve Watson

| TE1_Third = Brandon Moore

| LT_Starter = Taylor Lewan

| LT_Backup = Michael Schofield

| LG_Starter = Ricky Barnum

| LG_Backup = Elliott Mealer

| C_Starter = David Molk

| C_Backup = Rocko Khoury

| RG_Starter = Patrick Omameh

| RG_Backup = Elliott Mealer

| RT_Starter = Mark Huyge

| RT_Backup = Michael Schofield

| ROLB_Starter = Desmond Morgan

| ROLB_Backup = Brandin Hawthorne

| ROLB_Third = Brandon Herron

| MLB_Starter = Kenny Demens

| MLB_Backup = J.B. Fitzgerald

| MLB_Third = Mike Jones

| LOLB_Starter = Jake Ryan

| LOLB_Backup = Cam Gordon

| LOLB_Third = Brennen Beyer

| FS_Starter = Troy Woolfolk

| FS_Backup = Thomas Gordon

| FS_Third = Josh Furman

| SS_Starter = Jordan Kovacs

| SS_Backup = Marvin Robinson

| SS_Third = Zachary Johnson

| DB1_Starter = J.T. Floyd

| DB1_Backup = Courtney Avery

| DB1_Third = Tony Anderson

| DB2_Starter = Blake Countess

| DB2_Backup = Ramon Taylor

| RDE_Starter = Craig Roh

| RDE_Backup = Jibreel Black

| RDE_Third = Frank Clark

| RDT_Starter = Mike Martin

| RDT_Backup = Will Campbell

| LDT_Starter = Will Heininger

| LDT_Backup = Quinton Washington

| LDE_Starter = Ryan Van Bergen

| LDE_Backup = Nathan Brink

| PK_Starter = Brendan Gibbons

| PK_Backup = Matt Wile

| P_Starter = Will Hagerup

| Kick_Returner = Jeremy Gallon/Drew Dileo

| Punt_Returner = Jeremy Gallon

| Long_Snapper = Tom Pomarico

| Holder = Drew Dileo

| ColWidth = 110

| Autosize =

| RowHeight =

| FontSize = 100

| Debug = No

}}

Season captains

Kevin Koger (TE-#86), David Molk (C-#50), and Michael Martin (DT-#68)

Game co-captains

Zachary Johnson (S-#36)-Michigan vs. Michigan State University on October 15, 2011,

Jared VanSlyke (DB-#31)-Michigan vs. Virginia Tech on December 4, 2012

On August 8, 2011, the University of Michigan announced a five-year extension of its contract with CBS Radio. Detroit's WWJ became the new flagship station.{{cite web|title=Michigan Signs Five-Year Extension With CBS Radio|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/genrel/080811aab.html|date=August 8, 2011|access-date=August 8, 2011}} All games were broadcast by radio on the Michigan Wolverines Football Network and on Sirius XM Satellite Radio. The radio announcers were Frank Beckmann (play-by-play), Jim Brandstatter (color commentary), and Doug Karsch (sideline reports).{{cite web|url=http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082609aab.html|title=The Michigan Wolverines Football Network|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=MGoBlue.com|access-date=August 8, 2011|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20090914154729/http://www.mgoblue.com/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/082609aab.html|archive-date=September 14, 2009|url-status=dead}}

{{Main|2012 NFL draft}}

Three Michigan players (Mike Martin, Junior Hemingway and David Molk) were invited to the 2012 NFL Scouting Combine.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/collegesMichigan/post/_/id/2334/michigan-officially-sends-three-to-combine|title=Michigan officially sends three to combine|access-date=February 7, 2012|date=February 7, 2012|publisher=ESPN|author=Rothstein, Michael}} The 2012 NFL draft was held in late April. Martin was drafted 82nd overall by the Tennessee Titans; Molk was drafted 226th by the San Diego Chargers; and Hemingway 238th by the Kansas City Chiefs.{{cite web|url=http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042612aac.html|title=2012 NFL Draft Central|access-date=April 28, 2012|date=April 28, 2012|publisher=CBS Interactive|work=BigTen.org|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20120524062345/http://www.bigten.org/sports/m-footbl/spec-rel/042612aac.html|archive-date=May 24, 2012|url-status=dead|df=mdy-all}} Prior to the draft, the Houston Texans informed Ryan Van Bergen that they were targeting him with their sixth round pick. However, the team drafted two defensive linemen in earlier rounds (Whitney Mercilus and Jared Crick) and did not pick Van Bergen; he subsequently signed with the Carolina Panthers, minutes after the draft ended on April 28.{{cite web|url=http://www.annarbor.com/sports/um-football/ryan-van-bergen-agrees-to-join-carolina-panthers-as-free-agent-minutes-after-draft-ends/|title=Ryan Van Bergen agrees to join Carolina Panthers as free agent minutes after draft ends|access-date=April 29, 2012|date=April 28, 2012|work=AnnArbor.com|author=Meinke, Kyle}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/VanBergen53/status/196379157075210240|title=@VanBergen53 status|access-date=April 29, 2012|date=April 28, 2012|publisher=Twitter|author=Van Bergen, Ryan}} Later that day, Troy Woolfolk and Michael Shaw announced via Twitter through their agents that they had signed with the Dallas Cowboys and Washington Redskins, respectively.{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/KenSarnoff/status/196392782015897600|title=@KenSarnoff status|access-date=April 29, 2012|date=April 28, 2012|publisher=Twitter|author=Sarnoff, Ken}}{{cite web|url=https://twitter.com/KMGSportsMgmt/status/196403373631750144|title=@KMGSportsMgmt status|access-date=April 29, 2012|date=April 28, 2012|publisher=Twitter|author=KMG Sports Mgmt}} Seniors J.B. Fitzgerald (linebacker) and Will Heininger (defensive lineman) announced that they did not intend to pursue careers playing professional football. Toney Clemons, who had previously transferred from Michigan to Colorado was drafted in the seventh round.{{cite web|url=https://insider.espn.com/blog/colleges/michigan/post?id=4153|title=Michigan draft, free agency in rewind|access-date=April 30, 2012|date=April 29, 2012|publisher=ESPN|author=Rothstein, Michael}}

{{NFLDraft-header | noteswidth=250pt}}

{{NFLDraft-row| draftyear=2012 |round=3 | picknum=82 | team=Tennessee Titans | first=Mike | last=Martin | dab=Mike Martin (defensive lineman) | position=DT |collegeyear=2011 | college=University of Michigan | collegeteam=Michigan Wolverines | collegelink=Michigan | probowl=no | note= |cfb page exists=yes }}

{{NFLDraft-row| draftyear=2012 |round=7 | picknum=226 | team=San Diego Chargers | first=David | last=Molk | dab= | position=C |collegeyear=2011 | college=Michigan | collegeteam=Wolverines | collegelink= | probowl=no | note= |cfb page exists=yes }}

{{NFLDraft-row| draftyear=2012 |round=7 | picknum=238 | team=Kansas City Chiefs | first=Junior |last=Hemingway | dab= | position=WR |collegeyear=2011 | college=Michigan | collegeteam=Wolverines | collegelink= | probowl=no | note=from New England{{#tag:ref|{{Anchor|JarradPage}}No. 238: New England → Kansas City (PD). New England traded this conditional selection to Kansas City for safety Jarrad Page.{{cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/blog/boston/new-england-patriots/post/_/id/4682708/patriots-trade-for-safety-page|title=Patriots trade for safety Jarrad Page|work=ESPNBoston.com|first=Mike|last=Reiss|date=September 4, 2010|access-date=September 4, 2010}}}} |cfb page exists=yes }}

{{NFLDraft-footer}}

{{Reflist}}

{{Commons category-inline}}

• [http://web1.ncaa.org/football/exec/rankingSummary?year=2011&org=418 2011 Wolverines] at NCAA.org

{{Michigan Wolverines football navbox}}

Michigan

Category:Michigan Wolverines football seasons

Category:Sugar Bowl champion seasons

Michigan Wolverines football