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Posted on Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 2:21 p.m.

In 1959, Michigan football found a secret weapon for success

By AnnArbor.com Staff

Fifty years ago, freshman were prohibited from playing at Michigan and sophomores rarely saw the field. Veteran starters played two-way football.

Desperate to stop a six-game losing streak, then-coach Bump Elliott created a "third unit," which consisted of younger backups who would spell the worn-out regulars.

The results?

You'll have to check out local sportswrier John Bacon's blog to read the full story of the "Raeder's Raiders" unit.

Comments

ohiowolverine

Fri, Nov 6, 2009 : 6:30 p.m.

walmart, being a Michigan fan for 50 years now, I for one, am interested in the stories of the past. What do you think tradition is all about. Living 50 miles north of Columbus I also buy Michigan gear at Walmart, the same as my wife who is an OSU fan, buys some of her stuff at Circle K gas stations. At least we are proud to wear our teams colors. Go Blue, wear Maize.