In their sixth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–1 record, outscored opponents 324 to 75, and were ranked #3 in final AP Poll.

Michigan won the first ten games of the 1974 season in convincing fashion, including blowout victories over Colorado (31–0), Navy (52–0), Minnesota (49–0), and Purdue (51–0).

[1] The Wolverines lost by a score of 12–10, as place-kicker Mike Lantry missed a last-minute field goal that would have given Michigan a victory.

Center Dennis Franks and end Dan Jilek were selected as All-Big Ten Conference players.

Several key offensive players from the 1973 team returned in 1974, including quarterback Dennis Franklin, a trio of tailbacks in Gordon Bell, Chuck Heater and Rob Lytle, wing back Gil Chapman, end Jim Smith, and center Dennis Franks.

Ford drew attention to the program as he often had the Naval band play the University of Michigan fight song, The Victors, before state events instead of Hail to the Chief.

Michigan quarterback Dennis Franklin did not appear in the game due to illness and was replaced by Mark Elzinga, who completed 2 of 11 passes for 34 yards.

Kicker Mike Lantry kicked a 30-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and converted all three extra points.

Michigan defensive back Dave Brown opened the scoring two minutes into the game by returning a punt 88 yards from the 12-yard line for a touchdown.

Franklin also rushed for 69 yards on 13 carries and scored a touchdown in the second quarter after recovering Rob Lytle's fumble in the end zone.

After the game, head coach Bo Schembechler said, "I told you guys he was a decent quarterback didn't I?

Chuck Heater led the Wolverines in rushing with 74 yards on 16 carries, including a five-yard touchdown run in the third quarter.

Kicker Mike Lantry recovered a fumble on a kickoff, kicked a 19-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and converted all three extra points.

In the second quarter, Gordon Bell scored on a one-yard run, but the kick for extra point failed.

Also in the second quarter, Stanford intercepted a pass by Dennis Franklin, marking Michigan's first turnover in 255 plays during the 1974 season.

The teams traded touchdowns in the fourth quarter, including a two-yard run by Michigan backup Scott Corbin.

[7] Gordon Bell led Michigan's rushing attack with 73 yards on 16 carries, including a 13-yard touchdown run in the first quarter.

Linebacker Dan Jilek also scored in the second quarter when he forced a fumble on a punt attempt and then recovered it in the end zone.

Mike Lantry kicked a 31-yard field goal in the fourth quarter and converted all three extra points.

Michigan dominated the first half, scoring twice on runs by Gordon Bell and Dennis Franklin, and out-gaining the Illini, 259 yards to 25.

Michigan jumped to a 10-0 lead in the first quarter on a 42-yard touchdown pass from Dennis Franklin to Gil Chapman and a 37-yard field goal by Mike Lantry.

With 18 second remaining, Lantry attempted a 33-yard field goal which was called wide left by the officials.