In their 17th year under head coach was Bo Schembechler, the Wolverines compiled a 10–1–1 record, outscored all opponents by a combined total of 342 to 98,[1] defeated five ranked opponents (including three in a row to start the season), suffered its sole loss against Iowa in a game matching the #1 and #2 teams in the AP Poll, defeated Nebraska in the 1986 Fiesta Bowl, and were ranked #2 in the final AP and Coaches Polls.

Four Michigan defenders were selected as first-team players on the 1985 All-Big Ten Conference football team: Hammerstein and Mark Messner from the defensive line, linebacker Mike Mallory, and Cochran from the secondary.

On defense, the Wolverines held Notre Dame to four John Carney field goals, as Allen Pinkett was limited to 89 yards and quarterback Steve Beuerlein was sacked six times.

On the second half kickoff, Notre Dame's Alonzo Jefferson fumbled, and Michigan's Dieter Heren recovered to set up a 10-yard touchdown run by Harbaugh.

On defense, the Wolverines held South Carolina to its lowest point total in three seasons under coach Joe Morrison.

The third game was a 20–0 shut out against Maryland, ranked #17 in the AP Poll, in front of 105,282 spectators at Michigan Stadium.

Jamie Morris added 73 rushing yards on 15 carries, and Mike Gillette kicked two field goals.

Michigan won, 33–6, as Jim Harbaugh threw three touchdown passes, and Jamie Morris rushed for 96 yards.

On defense, Michigan held Wisconsin to 60 rushing yards (36 of which came on one run) and intercepted five of Mike Howard's passes.

In addition to Harbaugh's three touchdown passes (two to running back Gerald White and one to tight end Eric Kattus), Michigan scored on a 28-yard interception return by cornerback Garland Rivers and two Mike Gillette field goals.

Michigan struck early after Michigan State quarterback Bobby McAllister fumbled the snap on the second play of the game, Andy Moeller recovered the ball on the Spartans' 16-yard line, and Jim Harbaugh threw a touchdown pass to tight end Eric Kattus.

watched by more than 60,000 fans at Kinnick Stadium, millions more on network television and heard by the men and women in all the ships at sea.

The #1 Hawkeyes dominated the game statistically — holding major advantages in total yards (422-182), offensive plays (84-41), and time of possession (38:05-21:55) — but could not find the end zone.

Iowa quarterback Chuck Long passed for 268 yards, but Michigan's defense held in the red zone, limiting the Hawkeyes to four field goals.

Houghtlin missed a 44-yard field goal with 7:33 remaining but converted on his final attempt as time ran out.

[13] One week later, Jim Harbaugh noted that, when Houghtlin's field goal went through the goalposts, "it felt like someone reached in and pulled everything out.

Indiana led 9–7 at the end of the first quarter, and the game was tied, 15–15, at halftime, but Michigan outscored the Hoosiers, 27–0, in the second half.

Tight end Eric Kattus was Harbaugh's favorite receiver with five catches for 123 yards, including a 34-yard touchdown reception.

Dieter Heren tipped the ball, which hit the cross-bar and bounced back, and the game ended in a tie.

Prior to playing Michigan, Minnesota led the conference with 231.8 rushing yards per game behind running quarterback Rickey Foggie, but the Wolverines held the Golden Gophers scoreless through the first three quarters, led 48-0 at the start of the fourth quarter, and limited Foggie to 28 rushing yards.

Harbaugh's 13 completions against Minnesota gave him 123 for the season, breaking the school record of 118 set by Steve Smith in 1982.

[19] After the game, Minnesota head coach Lou Holtz called it "a near-flawless performance by Michigan.

The game was tied at 10–10 at halftime, but the Wolverines dominated the third quarter, possessing the ball for almost 12 of the 15 minutes and scoring 10 points to take a 20–10 lead.

In the fourth quarter, Ohio State closed the gap to three points on a fourth-down, 36-yard touchdown pass to All-Big Ten receiver, Cris Carter.

"[20] Columnist wrote after the game that Harbaugh's pass to Kolesar was an image that would last: "The image that repeats will be that of Jim Harbaugh dropping back in the fourth quarter and uncorking a soaring spiral that rose high and long as flanker John Kolesar ran underneath it, his steps seemingly in sync with the revolutions of the ball, so when it fell, it fell right into his arms, almost gently .

"[22] Michigan running back Jamie Morris rushed for 156 yards on 22 carries and was named the game's offensive MVP.

They are: Bobby Abrams (New York Giants, 1990–92; Cleveland Browns, 1992; Dallas Cowboys, 1992–1993; Minnesota Vikings, 1993–1994; New England Patriots, 1995), David Arnold (Pittsburgh Steelers, 1989); Jumbo Elliott (New York Giants, 1988–95, New York Jets, 1996–2000, 2002); Mike Hammerstein (Cincinnati Bengals, 1986-1990); Jim Harbaugh (Chicago Bears, 1987–93, Indianapolis Colts, 1994–97; Baltimore Ravens, 1998; San Diego Chargers, 1999–2000; Detroit Lions, 2001; Carolina Panthers, 2001); Ivan Hicks (Detroit Lions, 1987); Gilvanni Johnson (Detroit Lions, 1987); Eric Kattus (Cincinnati Bengals, 1986–91; New York Jets, 1992); Mark Messner (Los Angeles Rams, 1989); Clay Miller (Houston Oilers, 1987); Jamie Morris (Washington Redskins, 1988–89; New England Patriots, 1990; Hamilton Tiger-Cats, 1991); Bob Perryman (New England Patriots, 1987–90, Denver Broncos, 1991-92); Jerry Quaerna (Detroit Lions, 1987); Garland Rivers (Chicago Bears, 1987, Albany Firebirds, 1990–91, Arizona Rattlers, 1992–93); John Vitale (San Antonio Riders, 1991, Detroit Drive, 1993–94); and Gerald White (Dallas Cowboys, 1987).