In its ninth year under head coach Bo Schembechler, the team compiled a 10–2 record, tied with Ohio State for the Big Ten Conference championship, and outscored opponents by a total of 353 to 124.

[1] On defense, linebacker Ron Simpkins broke Michigan's single-season record with 158 total tackles (113 solo and 45 assists) during the regular season.

[4] Three Michigan players received first-team honors on the 1977 All-America team: (1) offensive guard Mark Donahue (unanimous); (2) center Walt Downing; and (3) linebacker and punter John Anderson.

Michigan lost several starters from the 1976 team, including running back Rob Lytle, who finished third in the 1976 Heisman voting, flanker Jim Smith, and middle linebacker Calvin O'Neal, a consensus first-team All-American.

His comment about 75 percent of the offense referred to Rob Lytle and Jim Smith who had a combined total of more than 2,400 rushing and receiving yards.

[5] Key veterans returning from the 1976 team included quarterback Rick Leach and defensive end John Anderson (moved to linebacker in 1977).

Another strength was an all-senior offensive line, including guards Mark Donahue and Gerry Szara, center Walt Downing, and tackles Mike Kenn and Bill Dufek.

[10] The 1977 recruiting class included Kurt Becker, Andy Cannavino, B. J. Dickey, Stan Edwards, and Mike Trgovac.

After "skimpy victories" over Duke and Navy, the trouncing of the highly rated Aggies was considered "one of [Michigan's] most stunning performances in recent years.

Michigan responded with a 12-yard touchdown pass from Rick Leach to White and a 50-yard field goal to take a 10-7 lead at halftime.

After the game, Minnesota's players swarmed across the field to reclaim the Little Brown Jug trophy that had been in Michigan's custody for a decade.

Michigan also scored on a safety in the fourth quarter when linebacker Dom Tedesco tackled Iowa's quarterback in the end zone.

Purdue's freshman quarterback Mark Herrmann led the Boilermakers on a 55-yard, seven-play opening drive capped by a six-yard touchdown pass to Dave Young.

Defensive back Dwight Hicks set up Michigan's first score when he intercepted Hermann's pass at Purdue's 18-yard line with five minutes remaining in the first quarter.

In the second quarter, Michigan quarterback Rick Leach led the Wolverines on a 60-yard, eight-minute drive capped by an eight-yard touchdown pass to Mark Schmerge.

With less than a minute remaining in the second quarter, Michigan forced a fumble on a punt, which was recovered by Curt Stephenson at the two-yard line.

[24][25] Michigan back Russell Davis, playing in place of an injured Harlan Huckleby, rushed for 127 yards in the third quarter (168 in the game), including a 24-yard touchdown run.

Michigan concluded the scoring in the fourth quarter when Tom Seabron sacked Hermann in the end zone for a safety.

Linebacker Ron Simpkins led the defense with 10 tackles, and the Wolverines also limited Hermann to 74 passing yards with three interceptions.

[26] The opening minutes were preempted by the arrival of Egyptian President Anwar Sadat on his historic visit to Israel, causing an angry reaction in Ann Arbor bars where hundreds had gathered to watch the game.

Ohio State had the momentum in the first quarter, taking a 3–0 lead on a Vlade Janakievski field goal and limiting Michigan to five plays and five yards.

In the second quarter, quarterback Rick Leach led the Wolverines on a 50-yard drive, but a 42-yard field goal attempt by Gregg Willner fell short.

On the next possession, Leach again led the Wolverines down the field, and this time the drive ended with a one-yard touchdown run by Roosevelt Smith.

On the next play, Gerald was hit in the backfield by linebacker John Anderson and fumbled, with Derek Howard recovering the ball for Michigan.

Asked about the incident in a post-game press conference, Hayes "went into a mini-rage", balled his fist in front of the reporter and said: "They stick it in your face every damn time.

"[29] Two days later, Hayes apologized for the incident, but at the same time called the cameraman "a liar" and said he was "so damned tired of hearing what I did to that man out there.

Washington quarterback Warren Moon scored on two rushing touchdowns, and Steve Robbins kicked a 30-yard field goal.

With two minutes remaining the first half, Washington coach Don James called for a fake punt on fourth-and-seven from the Huskies' 33-yard line.

With 95 seconds left in the game, Michigan had the ball at Washington's 19-yard line when Ralph Clayton dropped Leach's pass in the end zone.

On the final drive of the game, Leach threw into the end zone again, but the pass was intercepted by Washington back Nesby Glasgow.