"Michael Hart, to me, has the best heart of any football player, and the biggest heart... and he’s tremendous."
- Lee Corso, College GameDay
SEASON: Mike Hart's Game Recaps
November 10, 2007
Michigan 21 - Wisconsin 37
Without a doubt, this was a game where Michigan showed how much it missed its leader. Held under 50 total rushing yards for the game, the Michigan offense never quite got on track, save a late comeback with backup quarterback Ryan Mallet in the game. Ultimately, however, the offense (and defense) never found its rhythm and it resulted in Michigan's first Big Ten loss.
While Hart was healthy enough to play, the coaching staff decided to hold him out of the game so he could rest his high ankle sprain. Hart was seen numerous times jumping up and down and negotiating with the coaches to let him play. His efforts were futile, however, and he proceeded to try to motivate the team once again from the sidelines.
November 3, 2007
Michigan 28 - Michigan State 24
With nearly 100 yards in the first half (again), Carr played Hart sparingly in the second to protect his ankle. There was no point in risking further injury while the Wolverines were up 14-3 and appeared to be dominating the Spartans.
As soon as Hart came out though, the game took a turn for the worst, and the Spartans rallied off three straight touchdowns to lead 24-14 with about 7:00 left on the clock. This is when the key play of the game (and possibly the season) took place. Henne injured his ankle, and Mallett came in for one play. Mallett fumbled the ball, and if it had been recovered by a Spartan, we could almost be certain the game would've been over.
Not only did senior leader Mike Hart pick up the fumble, but he ran with it for about 19 yards to pick up the first down. This was no ordinary first down, either. This was only the team's second first down of the half, preceeded by eight 3-and-outs. It sparked two amazing drives for touchdowns, and a victory for the Wolverines. Hart finished with 110 yards on only 15 carries, including several spectacular runs (and a couple hurdles) to put Michigan in scoring position.
October 27, 2007
Michigan 34 - Minnesota 10
The golden gophers came to the Big House this week looking to steal away the coveted Brown Jug - the oldest trophy in all of college football. With the absence of Hart and starting quarterback Henne from the lineup, Minnesota started out with an early lead. However, the backups came through for a strong showing and dominated the game for a Michigan win.
Despite Mike's absence, a few thousand Michigan faithful sported "Hart5Heisman" stickers on their chests and knew that Hart would finish the season strong in order to determine the Big Ten championship and Heisman Trophy winner.
October 20, 2007
Michigan 48 - Purdue 21
Hart strongly supported the team from the sidelines this week, as he rested his injured ankle. While many hoped he would play, we know that the decision was made in the best interest in the team. He showed selflessness, as he did his best to rally the team from the sidelines rather than risk playing at 75%. As we said well prior to the game, missing this game should not affect his Heisman candidacy.
Many Heisman candidates may have tried to play through the pain to increase their season statistics. Hart went beyond that as the team rallied from being down 14-3 early to take the contest at a score of 27-17 on the road. We look forward to seeing H20 back in action as the Blue heads into the final stretch of the Big Ten season.
October 13, 2007
Michigan 48 - Purdue 21
This weekend's Homecoming win against Purdue had both ups and downs for Heisman candidate Mike Hart. With 102 yards on 21 carries in only one half of football, Mike maintained his position as the NCAA's leading rusher. Hart also set a University of Michigan all-time record by rushing for 100 yards in his seventh consecutive game (26th all-time).
Hart also helped out his Heisman cause with a picture perfect run in the first quarter. Running to the left, Hart knocked into the Purdue defense, but would not be taken down. Hart landed on his back on of his left guard Adam Kraus, then spun around on his back, kept himself off the turf with his right arm, and finally scampered into the endzone to give Michigan a 17-10 lead. (See video highlights.) Hart later scored another touchdown to bring his season total to 12.
Later in the first half, however, Hart injured his right ankle. Hart limped off the field under his own power, but did not return to the game. Hart was on the sideline in the second half in street clothes and was seen supporting and laughing with teammates. Coach Carr has remained tightlipped about the extent of Hart's injury, but teammates are clear that they expect Hart to be on the field next week versus Illinois. "It's going to take a lot to keep Mike off that field," safety Jamar Adams said. "Somehow, he's going to find his way out there."
Carr told the media that he would know more about Hart's injury in the coming days but maintained that Hart is a "tough guy" and "a quick healer." Hopefully Mike will be healed up for next week's primetime matchup at an up-and-coming Illinois team. The Hart4Heisman crew will be there and we look forward to another strong showing.
October 6, 2007
Michigan 33 - Eastern Michigan 23
Against Eastern Michigan University, Mike Hart surpassed Anthony Thomas’ 4,472 career rushing yards to become Michigan's all-time rushing leader. Hart finished the day with 215 yards on a mere 22 carries, vaulting his career total to 4,655 yards. Hart racked up 121 yards in the second half on only 8 carries including a dazzling pair of touchdown runs that gave him 3 on the day. He retired to the sideline in the fourth quarter having posted an otherworldly 9.8 yards per carry.
September 29, 2007
Michigan 28 - Northwestern 16
Mike Hart carried Michigan to its first road win of the season and continued his streak of 100+ yard games. Hart scored the final touchdown of the game, putting an exclamation mark on his gutsy performance and crushing any hope of a Wildcat comeback.
September 22, 2007
Michigan 14 - Penn State 9
Michigan needed every one of Mike Hart’s 44 punishing runs to put away the formerly tenth ranked Nittany Lions. Hart came up with the game-sealing touchdown in the fourth quarter and allowed Michigan’s offense to dominate time of possession throughout. With 153 yards, Hart relieved a huge burden from Freshman quarterback Ryan Mallett, who was making only his second career start.
September 15, 2007
Michigan 38 - Notre Dame 0
Fueled by Mike Hart’s 201 total yards, Michigan throttled Notre Dame and turned its season around. Hart’s second touchdown early in the second quarter propelled the Wolverines to a 17-0 lead and set the stage for a rout. Hart’s frenetic energy was palpable and inspiring; on an extra point attempt, with only ten men on the field, Hart sprinted 40 yards from the sideline in an effort to replace the missing blocker. The Maize and Blue rallied around their fiery leader and helped their captain make good on his guarantee of victor.
September 8, 2007
Michigan 7 - Oregon 39
Following yet another disappointing loss to begin the season, Hart stepped forward and guarantees a victory for the next Wolverine contest. Even as some team members looked deflated as the game wore on, Hart insisted on keeping an edge while often waving back replacements as he wanted only to win. His confidence and leadership then propel an otherwise struggling team to turn the season around soon thereafter.
September 1, 2007
Michigan 32 - Appalachian State 34
In what turned out to be just the beginning of many stunning upsets throughout the NCAA season, Michigan lost their opener - but not without a spectacular performance by Hart. By gaining almost 200 yards with 3-TDs and topping it off with an amazing, elusive 54-yarder late in the game, Hart kept the team in contention.
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