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Michigan's Four Greatest Single-Game Freshman QB Performances of All Time

Jay Nicols

Correspondent Written on October 01, 2009

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ANN ARBOR, MI - SEPTEMBER 19: Michigan Wolverines players warm up for their game with the Eastern Michigan Eagles at Michigan Stadium on September 19, 2009 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Stephen Dunn/Getty Images)

Through its illustrious program, Michigan has won many games in the fourth quarter.

Only a handful of freshmen have been able to engineer end-of-game heroics, and the following four have shown why they belong in the conversation of greatest single-game performances in the fourth quarter.

Not many freshmen start games at Michigan, but these four performances have stuck out as the best by a freshman quarterback.

What other freshman quarterbacks have done what these four have done at Michigan in the fourth quarter? I understand four is a small number, but not many freshmen start at Michigan, let alone true freshmen.

Chad Henne

During his freshman campaign, Chad Henne orchestrated one of the greatest comebacks in Michigan history.

Down 17-10 after three quarters, and 27-10 with 8:43 left in the game, Henne led Michigan to an OT win in Ann Arbor over rival MSU. Quite possibly one of the best games I've ever seen.

Scott Dreisbach

In his first-ever game for the Michigan Wolverines, redshirt freshman Scott Dreisbach passed for 372 yards and two touchdowns. The second one coming with seconds left to Mercury Hayes, leading the Wolverines to a comeback win over Virginia, 18-17. It was also Lloyd Carr's first game as head coach.

Tate Forcier

With 2:13 left against Notre Dame, Tate Forcier led Michigan to a winning touchdown with six pass completions. The final one to Greg Mathews with 11 seconds left. His poise and mobility were shown, and he is now part of Michigan lore.

Rick Leach

On Oct. 11, 1975, in a hostile Spartan Stadium, Rick Leach led the Wolverines to a victory over the Spartans.

The game was tied at 6-all to start the fourth quarter, and, on a 4th-and-2, Bo gave the ball to Leach to make the fourth down, which he did, and that led to a score two plays later. Michigan won the game, 16-6.

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written on October 01, 2009 Rankings/List

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