In their third year under head coach was Harry Kipke, the Wolverines compiled a record of 8-1-1 record (5-1 Big Ten), outscored opponents 181 to 27, and finished the season in a three-way tie with Purdue and Northwestern for first place in the Big Ten Conference.

Individual players of note on the 1931 Michigan team include center Maynard Morrison, who was selected as a first-team All-American by Grantland Rice for Collier's Weekly and by the Newspaper Enterprise Association (NEA).

Bill Hewitt was selected as the teams Most Valuable Player and a first-team All-Big Ten halfback by the United Press (UP).

Ivy Williamson was selected as a first-team All-Big Ten end by both the UP and Associated Press (AP).

Michigan's touchdowns were scored by halfback Jack Heston (the son of former Michigan star Willie Heston), fullback Roderick Cox (1933 NCAA champion in the hammer throw), end Ted Petoskey, and substitute halfback Herbert Schmidt.

[2] On October 17, Michigan suffered its only loss of the season, falling to Ohio State by a 20 to 7 score.

Ohio State's sophomore quarterback Carl Cramer also scored two touchdowns, including a 42-yard punt return in the fourth quarter.

Michigan's only touchdown was scored by end Ivy Williamson with DuVal Goldsmith kicking the extra point.

Michigan's 35 points was the most scored against an Illinois team under head coach Robert Zuppke.

Michigan's five touchdowns were scored by Stanley Fay (2), Jack Heston John Kowalik, and Harry Newman (45-yard interception return).

Michigan touchdowns were scored by Stanley Fay, Ivy Williamson and Bill Hewitt.