The 500th game in the 82-year history of Michigan Stadium was one of the craziest, as the Wolverines rallied back from a 19–0 halftime deficit to win 27–25 over Wisconsin in front of 109,833 in attendance at The Big House.

“I’d like to tell you things looked okay at halftime, but they didn’t,” said Michigan coach Rich Rodriguez, following the improbable comeback effort in the Big Ten opener.

“Wow. There was no panic. We were just trying to make some corrections. But if there was a hole to crawl into, I’m sure a bunch of us — including myself — would have liked to crawl into it. But we didn’t. We hung in there with the guys and they did a tremendous job on defense to keep us in it.”

The 19-point comeback is the largest in Michigan Stadium history, topping two 17-point come-from-behind efforts — a 45–37 triple-overtime win over Michigan State in 2004 and an 18–17 win over Virginia in the Pigskin Classic in 1995.

After watching the Badgers score on four Phillip Welch field goals — of 21, 42, 41 and 52 yards — and a five-yard touchdown run by John Clay, the Wolverines fought back. From the 2:22 mark in the third quarter until 5:11 left in the fourth, Michigan scored 27 unanswered points.

The go-ahead score came on a 25-yard interception return to the house by fifth-year senior linebacker John Thompson, who plucked a tipped Allan Evridge pass out of the sky before following a Big Blue convoy across the goal line.

“It is just a great win. I am so proud of these young men,” said Rodriguez.

“Obviously, the crowd helped us in the second half. We had a bounce in our step in the fourth quarter and we pulled off a great win. We can enjoy it for 24 hours and then we have to get ready for the next one.”

Wisconsin had its chance with less than a minute remaining in regulation. But a botched two-point conversion attempt —originally successful but negated following an illegal procedure penalty on tight end Travis Beckum — gave Michigan its largest comeback since The Big House opened its doors in 1927.

In a tale of two halves, the Wolverines had five first-half turnovers, allowed 111 rush yards and gained just 21 total yards with only one first down before halftime. After the intermission, the UM defense allowed just 47 yards on the ground, while the offense rolled up 247 total yards with 13 first downs.

“I give all the credit in the world to Michigan,” said Wisconsin coach Bret Bielema.

“To come back after hearing all the things that I heard being yelled at them at halftime… was impressive.”

Hogtied

The 77th meeting between border rivals Texas and Arkansas was postponed two weeks due to Hurricane Ike. But the Longhorns more than made up for lost time by dominating the Razorbacks, 52–10, in Austin.

“What a great day for Texas,” said Longhorns coach Mack Brown. “To have a game like we had, and have the guys play so hard and well, and beat an SEC team that’s a rival to us for many years, makes it even more special.”

The Horns have now won each of their first three home games — Florida Atlantic, Rice and Arkansas, respectively — by identical 52–10 scores. This time around, the 52 points tied for the second most in the rivalry’s history, joining a 52–0 Texas win in 1916 and trailing only the 54–0 burnt orange victory in the inaugural meeting of 1894.

Quarterback Colt McCoy did it all against Arkansas, fattening his stats against the Hogs by completing 17-of-19 passes for 185 yards, three scoring strikes and zero interceptions through the air, with nine carries for 84 yards and two trips to the end zone on the ground. McCoy now has 14 passing touchdowns and just one interception, along with four rushing scores in four games this season.

“Colt continues to play as well as any quarterback in the country,” said Brown.

“We’re pleased with the way he’s been managing our team. He’s involved. He’s excited about the defensive stops. And he is just playing with so much confidence right now. It’s fun to watch him. He’s having fun and the game has slowed down for him. …

“I don’t see how anybody could be playing better than Colt right now. They can be playing as good, but they can’t play better. He’s just not making any mistakes.”