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WEEK 8

POINT-A-MINUTE

Cyle Young

October 8, 1902: Michigan Agricultural College at Michigan

THE SECOND SEASON UNDER LEGENDARY head coach Fielding Yost brought more victories and another national title to the University of Michigan, who finished the 1902 season with an 11–0 record while outscoring opponents 644–12. The Wolverines scored so fast and so often that these early teams have been labeled “Point-a-Minute” teams. In reality the 1902 team scored more than just a point a minute, but the title has a certain panache.

Michigan Agricultural College entered the game with a 1–1 record. The 1902 game was their second contest ever versus the University of Michigan. Their first meeting in 1898 had ended with a Michigan victory, 39–0.

The University of Michigan entered the second contest on the back of two overwhelming victories against Case Western Reserve University and Albion College for a combined total score of 136–6. But those victories came at a cost. Michigan had announced that star players Willie Heston and Everett Sweeley would not play in the game against Michigan Agricultural.

That fact alone had to give Michigan Agricultural a spark of hope. They may actually have stood a chance against the vaunted Michigan team.

But the rivals from East Lansing struggled in the game. They managed only three first downs and were able to hold Michigan on downs just one time. The Detroit Free Press noted that if Heston and Sweeley had participated, the result would have been much worse: “The opinion is quite general that if Heston and Sweeley had been in the game, the Buffalo record would have been beaten, but, as it was, Michigan was simply fagged out for running down the field for touchdowns.”

Eight different Michigan players scored touchdowns. The team’s leading scorer, Albert Herrnstein, completed seven touchdowns (at this time they counted for only 5 points each; a 1912 rule change increased a touchdown’s value to 6 points). Kicker James Lawrence converted 19 points after touchdowns—more in one game than some kickers converted in an entire season. Outside of Michigan’s 1901 victory over Buffalo 128–0, the Michigan Alumnus called the game “the greatest fusillade of touchdowns ever known to the football world.”

Not many Michigan fans realize that this 119–0 victory was the biggest win in Michigan’s storied rivalry with Michigan State University. In 1925 Michigan Agricultural College would change its name to Michigan State College of Agricultural Science and Applied Science and then in 1964 to the now recognized Michigan State University.

What has been the biggest, most successful moment in your life so far? How were you able to reach that goal or achieve that dream?

BE A GOOD SPORT

Fielding Yost had a reputation for running up the score on his opponents, but the 1902 game ended early because both teams realized it was over. The Michigan team was far ahead of Michigan Agricultural in terms of both talent and personnel. In the spirit of good sportsmanship, both coaches, Yost and Denman, agreed to call the game early with two minutes still remaining on the clock. Similarly, your success doesn’t have to depreciate or denigrate others. If you are having great success in life, make sure that you aren’t rubbing it in to others. Take Yost’s example to heart, think about how your success affects those around you, and do not rub it in—even if you have done so in the past.

But also remember to enjoy your success and accomplishments and work hard to keep your momentum!

SCORE A POINT A MINUTE

It’s okay to perform as expected. Success in life is allowed. When all the pieces come together, you can accomplish amazing things. All the hard work you put into your work and relationships should one day pay off, and when that day comes, you can celebrate.

If you are experiencing times of great success right now, take a moment and pat yourself on the back—you deserve it. But also remember that to maintain success at home and at work requires a consistent willingness to continue to improve as a person. Go Blue!

Are you happy with your level of success in life? Why, or why not?