90 year old IU grad remembers IU -Michigan game October 21, 1967

[iujknut]

With my IU wife we were in Ann Arbor that day. Like some of the sports world we woke up to IU having its best season start in many years and we had already seen three games that season, we thought-why not-lets go see the game. Michigan then was kind of like Michigan now-poor season, lost opening games, actually their stadium maybe only two thirds full that day.
But John Ponts team came to play. Thanks to multiple fumbles by Michigan recovered by Indiana quickly led as the first half was coming to an end 20 to 0 WOW
IU should have been able to put the game away, but IU was also fumbled just before the half ended and Michigan recovered and eventually scored as the half ended.

The start of the third quarter began with Michigan intercepting Isenbarger pass to start the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter was holding on still with a 20-14 lead which played out this way. IU is at its own 13 yard line, 4th and 2. Isenbarger lines up to punt. Instead he runs instead and the play ends with him fumbling and Michigan recovered and to top it off IU has a a personal foul called so Michigan takes over at the IU 2, and immediately scores-so score is now tied-but Michigan misses the extra point-wow!

With the score tied 20-20 Michigan kicks off-IU immediately fumbles, Michigan again recovers-less than 5 minutes left in the game, and goes for a field goal-which they missed!! Isenbarger redeems himself, running a game wining touch down-IU limps out with an amazing best record in 50 years or so.

My wife and I went on to see most of the remaining games-including the beating of 3rd ranked Purdue last game of the season, played at IU. To me by far,the greatest game and crowd I ever saw.

 

[Walt542]

Great memories! I did not get to go to the UM game that year but was at all the home games. I agree with you about the Purdue game being the greatest game I have ever seen. The 1980 Olympic hockey win over the Russians comes close but not quite! Partially because being at the PU game in person and watching the hockey game on TV, but that’s how I see it.

 

[iujknut]

Great memories! I did not get to go to the UM game that year but was at all the home games. I agree with you about the Purdue game being the greatest game I have ever seen. The 1980 Olympic hockey win over the Russians comes close but not quite! Partially because being at the PU game in person and watching the hockey game on TV, but that’s how I see it.

Thanks for your response! I am glad we both got to share and see the great IU win over Purdue-and we share the same belief that it was and still is the greatest IU game we ever saw, including the sensational crowd.

YOu are right about the 1980 Olympic hockey game is the second best sport event-Do you believe in miracles!!! Great to share a memory with you.

Need big win against Michigan tomorrow. My IU daughter will be there,

Hope all good in your life

 

[medred]

With my IU wife we were in Ann Arbor that day. Like some of the sports world we woke up to IU having its best season start in many years and we had already seen three games that season, we thought-why not-lets go see the game. Michigan then was kind of like Michigan now-poor season, lost opening games, actually their stadium maybe only two thirds full that day.
But John Ponts team came to play. Thanks to multiple fumbles by Michigan recovered by Indiana quickly led as the first half was coming to an end 20 to 0 WOW
IU should have been able to put the game away, but IU was also fumbled just before the half ended and Michigan recovered and eventually scored as the half ended.

The start of the third quarter began with Michigan intercepting Isenbarger pass to start the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter was holding on still with a 20-14 lead which played out this way. IU is at its own 13 yard line, 4th and 2. Isenbarger lines up to punt. Instead he runs instead and the play ends with him fumbling and Michigan recovered and to top it off IU has a a personal foul called so Michigan takes over at the IU 2, and immediately scores-so score is now tied-but Michigan misses the extra point-wow!

With the score tied 20-20 Michigan kicks off-IU immediately fumbles, Michigan again recovers-less than 5 minutes left in the game, and goes for a field goal-which they missed!! Isenbarger redeems himself, running a game wining touch down-IU limps out with an amazing best record in 50 years or so.

My wife and I went on to see most of the remaining games-including the beating of 3rd ranked Purdue last game of the season, played at IU. To me by far,the greatest game and crowd I ever saw.

I was at that game, too. A friend knew someone in the U-M band, so we got in free by carrying in gear for the band.

 

[BaxterIU]

Good stuff.

 

[abraxis]

Great memories! I did not get to go to the UM game that year but was at all the home games. I agree with you about the Purdue game being the greatest game I have ever seen. The 1980 Olympic hockey win over the Russians comes close but not quite! Partially because being at the PU game in person and watching the hockey game on TV, but that’s how I see it.

I regret that I chose not see IU’s greatest game. I was so nervous for the upcoming game, due to its ramifications, that I relinquished one of my family’s season tickets. I couldn’t even bear to listen on radio as I spent the afternoon driving out to Eagle Creek Reservoir for a long hike. I didn’t turn on the car radio until I knew the game had to be over, 4+ hours later. When I did muster the courage, Max Skirvin was elated in post-game voice and a spontaneous feeling of warm bliss enveloped the core of my soul. I was beside myself, ecstatic in energy with no outlet.

Subsequently, I attended the Rose Bowl with family and it remains one of life’s highlights, despite the loss to USC…the plane ride filled with enthusiastic IU fans, Universal Studio tour, Rose Bowl parade, the pregame pageantry, the SoCal weather. It was all so surreal and such a nice feel.

 

[Walt542]

I regret that I chose not see IU’s greatest game. I was so nervous for the upcoming game, due to its ramifications, that I relinquished one of my family’s season tickets. I couldn’t even bear to listen on radio as I spent the afternoon driving out to Eagle Creek Reservoir for a long hike. I didn’t turn on the car radio until I knew the game had to be over, 4+ hours later. When I did muster the courage, Max Skirvin was elated in post-game voice and a spontaneous feeling of warm bliss enveloped the core of my soul. I was beside myself, ecstatic in energy with no outlet.

Subsequently, I attended the Rose Bowl with family and it remains one of life’s highlights, despite the loss to USC…the plane ride filled with enthusiastic IU fans, Universal Studio tour, Rose Bowl parade, the pregame pageantry, the SoCal weather. It was all so surreal and such a nice feel.

Yes, I know about the euphoria after that game. My Dad dropped me off before the game and told me to find someplace to call him after the game. I watched the post game celebration and then started walking. Before I even realized it I was at the grocery store on the corner of College and Third street where I found a phone booth (for you kids we did not have mobile phones in those days so we had to depend on finding a working phone booth somewhere😊). My Dad was a little upset because it took me so long to call, but I was in a different world.

 

[jsenleo]

I regret that I chose not see IU’s greatest game. I was so nervous for the upcoming game, due to its ramifications, that I relinquished one of my family’s season tickets. I couldn’t even bear to listen on radio as I spent the afternoon driving out to Eagle Creek Reservoir for a long hike. I didn’t turn on the car radio until I knew the game had to be over, 4+ hours later. When I did muster the courage, Max Skirvin was elated in post-game voice and a spontaneous feeling of warm bliss enveloped the core of my soul. I was beside myself, ecstatic in energy with no outlet.

Subsequently, I attended the Rose Bowl with family and it remains one of life’s highlights, despite the loss to USC…the plane ride filled with enthusiastic IU fans, Universal Studio tour, Rose Bowl parade, the pregame pageantry, the SoCal weather. It was all so surreal and such a nice feel.

I grew up on the west side of Indy and in 1967 Eagle Creek was still filling. It wasn't anywhere near the size it it is now.... I wasn't of driving age yet and my buddy's and I would ride our ten-speed bikes up and down the twisty, hilly parts of Dandy Trail that would eventually end up under water.... You could pickup a ton of speed on the hills... Now, whenever I watch the movie "Deliverance" I think of all the land at the bottom of Eagle Creek Reservoir. .... Fortunately, me or no one I know ever had to squeal like a pig.

 

[abraxis]

Yes, I know about the euphoria after that game. My Dad dropped me off before the game and told me to find someplace to call him after the game. I watched the post game celebration and then started walking. Before I even realized it I was at the grocery store on the corner of College and Third street where I found a phone booth (for you kids we did not have mobile phones in those days so we had to depend on finding a working phone booth somewhere😊). My Dad was a little upset because it took me so long to call, but I was in a different world.

I can relate to no phone, being out at Eagle Creek alone, knowing the other three family members were in Bloomington and dying to hear their reaction. I’ve turned chicken-sh*t a few other times with big IU games looming. I must admit, seeds of doubt are creeping in today, thoughts of not subjecting myself to the angst of uncertainty with the game still in progress, wanting to win that badly. I would so love to be 10-0 with two weeks following to wallow in this bliss. I’m not ready to wake up from this dream. There will never be another season for IU football quite like it, going forward…not in my lifetime anyway.

 

[abraxis]

I grew up on the west side of Indy and in 1967 Eagle Creek was still filling. It wasn't anywhere near the size it it is now.... I wasn't of driving age yet and my buddy's and I would ride our ten-speed bikes up and down the twisty, hilly parts of Dandy Trail that would eventually end up under water.... You could pickup a ton of speed on the hills... Now, whenever I watch the movie "Deliverance" I think of all the land at the bottom of Eagle Creek Reservoir. .... Fortunately, me or no one I know ever had to squeal like a pig.

I lived on the opposite side of town, in the NE, Castleton area, but was familiar with Eagle Creek due to my interest in birdwatching. A guy, ironically named Bud Starling, used to lead Sunday morning bird hikes out there. Yet to be developed Geist Reservoir was a closer, more familiar birding haunt to me but remember, I knew I had four hours to kill so Eagle Creek fitted the bill.

 

[Walt542]

I can relate to no phone, being out at Eagle Creek alone, knowing the other three family members were in Bloomington and dying to hear their reaction. I’ve turned chicken-sh*t a few other times with big IU games looming. I must admit, seeds of doubt are creeping in today, thoughts of not subjecting myself to the angst of uncertainty with the game still in progress, wanting to win that badly. I would so love to be 10-0 with two weeks following to wallow in this bliss. I’m not ready to wake up from this dream. There will never be another season for IU football quite like it, going forward…not in my lifetime anyway.

I know what you mean. I was able to go to the Gator Bowl a few years ago but could not make it to the Outback Bowl. I had to go take a long walk during that game and check out the results after. Was pretty disappointed that time. I also have had to do that for a few IU basketball games over the years.

 

[Mas-sa-suta]

I know what you mean. I was able to go to the Gator Bowl a few years ago but could not make it to the Outback Bowl. I had to go take a long walk during that game and check out the results after. Was pretty disappointed that time. I also have had to do that for a few IU basketball games over the years.

I went to the Outback Bowl..it was fun...the night before the game, the IU Alumni Assoc. leased a popular Mexican restaurant near campus ..AT was there. Mrs. Hoeppner and other luminaries...
It was a great time...we tailgated on the top floor of a parking garage across the street from Sun Devil Stadium...
The game sucked...

 

[Kelly_32]

With my IU wife we were in Ann Arbor that day. Like some of the sports world we woke up to IU having its best season start in many years and we had already seen three games that season, we thought-why not-lets go see the game. Michigan then was kind of like Michigan now-poor season, lost opening games, actually their stadium maybe only two thirds full that day.
But John Ponts team came to play. Thanks to multiple fumbles by Michigan recovered by Indiana quickly led as the first half was coming to an end 20 to 0 WOW
IU should have been able to put the game away, but IU was also fumbled just before the half ended and Michigan recovered and eventually scored as the half ended.

The start of the third quarter began with Michigan intercepting Isenbarger pass to start the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter was holding on still with a 20-14 lead which played out this way. IU is at its own 13 yard line, 4th and 2. Isenbarger lines up to punt. Instead he runs instead and the play ends with him fumbling and Michigan recovered and to top it off IU has a a personal foul called so Michigan takes over at the IU 2, and immediately scores-so score is now tied-but Michigan misses the extra point-wow!

With the score tied 20-20 Michigan kicks off-IU immediately fumbles, Michigan again recovers-less than 5 minutes left in the game, and goes for a field goal-which they missed!! Isenbarger redeems himself, running a game wining touch down-IU limps out with an amazing best record in 50 years or so.

My wife and I went on to see most of the remaining games-including the beating of 3rd ranked Purdue last game of the season, played at IU. To me by far,the greatest game and crowd I ever saw.

Happy that you got to witness another win over Michigan!

 

[swman]

I know what you mean. I was able to go to the Gator Bowl a few years ago but could not make it to the Outback Bowl. I had to go take a long walk during that game and check out the results after. Was pretty disappointed that time. I also have had to do that for a few IU basketball games over the years.

My wife and I went to both games and came away throughly disappointed in the coaching.

 

[swman]

With my IU wife we were in Ann Arbor that day. Like some of the sports world we woke up to IU having its best season start in many years and we had already seen three games that season, we thought-why not-lets go see the game. Michigan then was kind of like Michigan now-poor season, lost opening games, actually their stadium maybe only two thirds full that day.
But John Ponts team came to play. Thanks to multiple fumbles by Michigan recovered by Indiana quickly led as the first half was coming to an end 20 to 0 WOW
IU should have been able to put the game away, but IU was also fumbled just before the half ended and Michigan recovered and eventually scored as the half ended.

The start of the third quarter began with Michigan intercepting Isenbarger pass to start the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter was holding on still with a 20-14 lead which played out this way. IU is at its own 13 yard line, 4th and 2. Isenbarger lines up to punt. Instead he runs instead and the play ends with him fumbling and Michigan recovered and to top it off IU has a a personal foul called so Michigan takes over at the IU 2, and immediately scores-so score is now tied-but Michigan misses the extra point-wow!

With the score tied 20-20 Michigan kicks off-IU immediately fumbles, Michigan again recovers-less than 5 minutes left in the game, and goes for a field goal-which they missed!! Isenbarger redeems himself, running a game wining touch down-IU limps out with an amazing best record in 50 years or so.

My wife and I went on to see most of the remaining games-including the beating of 3rd ranked Purdue last game of the season, played at IU. To me by far,the greatest game and crowd I ever saw.

I was 11 at the time and had been to some home games that year. Didn’t get to go to the Purdue game because even the knot hole seats were sold out that day and that’s where I usually sat because I think the ticket cost like a dollar. I listened to the whole game on my transistor radio. Some hear won’t even know what that is.
Was at the 87 Michigan game and I don’t remember a louder crowd. Without question the best game I ever attended. Close second was the day we put up 44 on OSU at home in 88. Darkest Day 2 the sequel.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

I was 11 at the time and had been to some home games that year. Didn’t get to go to the Purdue game because even the knot hole seats were sold out that day and that’s where I usually sat because I think the ticket cost like a dollar. I listened to the whole game on my transistor radio. Some hear won’t even know what that is.
Was at the 87 Michigan game and I don’t remember a louder crowd. Without question the best game I ever attended. Close second was the day we put up 44 on OSU at home in 88. Darkest Day 2 the sequel.

The 87 game I was a student. Rainy day and there may have been 30000 IU fans and 5000 um fans. Open ended stadium. Bo sobbing about the crowd noise was hilarious given he played in a 100k bowl filled with loud drunks

 

[red hornet]

Bo also complained that his star LB was hurt & couldn't play, thus "we were not at full strength". What team is at full-strength that late in the season?

 

[Radio Zero]

With my IU wife we were in Ann Arbor that day. Like some of the sports world we woke up to IU having its best season start in many years and we had already seen three games that season, we thought-why not-lets go see the game. Michigan then was kind of like Michigan now-poor season, lost opening games, actually their stadium maybe only two thirds full that day.
But John Ponts team came to play. Thanks to multiple fumbles by Michigan recovered by Indiana quickly led as the first half was coming to an end 20 to 0 WOW
IU should have been able to put the game away, but IU was also fumbled just before the half ended and Michigan recovered and eventually scored as the half ended.

The start of the third quarter began with Michigan intercepting Isenbarger pass to start the third quarter. Going into the fourth quarter was holding on still with a 20-14 lead which played out this way. IU is at its own 13 yard line, 4th and 2. Isenbarger lines up to punt. Instead he runs instead and the play ends with him fumbling and Michigan recovered and to top it off IU has a a personal foul called so Michigan takes over at the IU 2, and immediately scores-so score is now tied-but Michigan misses the extra point-wow!

With the score tied 20-20 Michigan kicks off-IU immediately fumbles, Michigan again recovers-less than 5 minutes left in the game, and goes for a field goal-which they missed!! Isenbarger redeems himself, running a game wining touch down-IU limps out with an amazing best record in 50 years or so.

My wife and I went on to see most of the remaining games-including the beating of 3rd ranked Purdue last game of the season, played at IU. To me by far,the greatest game and crowd I ever saw.

I’m impressed by the amount of detail you can still recall from a game that long ago.

I’m 52 and were you to ask me how, say, the entire 2014 season went I’m not sure I could.

Anyways, thanks for posting this. I’m happy you’re getting to see this season.

 

[red hornet]

I’m impressed by the amount of detail you can still recall from a game that long ago.

I’m 52 and were you to ask me how, say, the entire 2014 season went I’m not sure I could.

Anyways, thanks for posting this. I’m happy you’re getting to see this season.

Haha, when you get older, long memory is all you have left

 

[Walt542]

The 87 game I was a student. Rainy day and there may have been 30000 IU fans and 5000 um fans. Open ended stadium. Bo sobbing about the crowd noise was hilarious given he played in a 100k bowl filled with loud drunks

Yeah, I was at that ‘87 UM game too. There were more than 30k IU fans. The stands were full for that game. Granted there were a lot of UM fans so maybe your 5,000 estimate there is correct. That was a loud environment, maybe the loudest I have been to there until this year, other than the ‘67 Purdue game.

 

[Courtsensetwo]

Yeah, I was at that ‘87 UM game too. There were more than 30k IU fans. The stands were full for that game. Granted there were a lot of UM fans so maybe your 5,000 estimate there is correct. That was a loud environment, maybe the loudest I have been to there until this year, other than the ‘67 Purdue game.

My recollection is that most of the women had left for the cars and the place was not all that full.

The one and only time I ever stormed a field and I step in front of the UM fans with the double bird. Those assholes wanted us penalized for noise?

 

[swman]

Haha, when you get older, long memory is all you have left

Speak for yourself. I’m old and have little to remember. 😀

 

[ESalum86]

I graduated from IU in 1986. My roommate got a job in Columbus and has been there ever since. He and I were at the 1987 " Darkest Day" game and it was glorious! A true nail- biter for 3 quarters before we flat out whipped 'em in the 4th quarter.

Instead of going to the 1987 UM game I attended a friend's wedding. I have seriously regretted that decision every day since.

In 2020 we had a family event so I couldn't watch the UM game. Kept up with it online but not the same.

This is a long-winded way of saying I'm a 60 year old alumnus and IU football fanatic. Saturday was the first time in my life I watched IU beat UM!

 

[swman]

I graduated from IU in 1986. My roommate got a job in Columbus and has been there ever since. He and I were at the 1987 " Darkest Day" game and it was glorious! A true nail- biter for 3 quarters before we flat out whipped 'em in the 4th quarter.

Instead of going to the 1987 UM game I attended a friend's wedding. I have seriously regretted that decision every day since.

In 2020 we had a family event so I couldn't watch the UM game. Kept up with it online but not the same.

This is a long-winded way of saying I'm a 60 year old alumnus and IU football fanatic. Saturday was the first time in my life I watched IU beat UM!

Question is. Were you at the Darkest Day sequel in Bloomington the next year? I was. Glorious!!
My best OSU/Michigan story was from 87 too. Living in California after we beat both that year. Playing MAU for basically a trip to the Rose Bowl late in the season. Was watching the MSU game in a sports bar close to my apartment. Sitting at the bar with an OSU guy on my left and a Michigan guy on my right. Of course as we unfortunately remember, we were getting whipped by MSU and they were both giving me the business not so pleasantly. So I put my arm around both and pulled them both close. I said to them, We kicked both your asses this year so what are you mouthing off about. Instantly shut them up and nary another word.

 

[ESalum86]

Question is. Were you at the Darkest Day sequel in Bloomington the next year? I was. Glorious!!
My best OSU/Michigan story was from 87 too. Living in California after we beat both that year. Playing MAU for basically a trip to the Rose Bowl late in the season. Was watching the MSU game in a sports bar close to my apartment. Sitting at the bar with an OSU guy on my left and a Michigan guy on my right. Of course as we unfortunately remember, we were getting whipped by MSU and they were both giving me the business not so pleasantly. So I put my arm around both and pulled them both close. I said to them, We kicked both your asses this year so what are you mouthing off about. Instantly shut them up and nary another word.

Yes I was! It was a thing of beauty!

 

[swman]

Yes I was! It was a thing of beauty!

Yes it was.