In their fifth year under head coach Lloyd Carr, the Wolverines compiled a 10–2 record (6–2 against conference opponents), tied for second place in the Big Ten, defeated Alabama in the 2000 Orange Bowl, and were ranked No.

After winning a quarterback competition with Drew Henson, Tom Brady completed 180 of 295 passes for 2,217 yards with 16 touchdowns and six interceptions.

Two Michigan players received first-team honors on the 1999 All-America college football team: offensive guard Steve Hutchinson (PFW, CNNSI); and defensive tackle Rob Renes (TSN).

Six Wolverines received first-team honors on the 1999 All-Big Ten Conference football team: Terrell; Hutchinson; Renes; Jeff Backus at tackle; Ian Gold at linebacker; and Tommy Hendricks at defensive back.

Michigan retook the lead with a 59-yard drive led by Drew Henson and capped by another field goal from Del Verne.

The Fighting Irish then scored on a 12-yard touchdown run by quarterback Jarious Jackson with 51 seconds remaining in the first half.

Tom Brady led Michigan on a 58-yard drive late in the first quarter, ending with a 24-yard field goal by Jeff Del Verne.

The teams traded field goals in the fourth quarter, Rice finally scoring with 30 seconds remaining in the game.

[9][10] Michigan's defense held Rice to 157 yards of total offense and did not allow the Owls to cross midfield until the fourth quarter.

Neither team scored in the first quarter, as Syracuse was held to minus-17 yards and Michigan had a field goal attempt blocked.

Jeff Del Verne added two field goals in the second quarter, and Michigan led, 13–7, at halftime.

Michigan's only offensive points in the second half came on a 31-yard field goal by Jeff Del Verne late in the fourth quarter.

Michigan also registered two points on a safety in the third quarter when Syracuse quarterback Troy Nunes was penalized for intentional grounding in the end zone.

In the closing minutes, quarterback Madei Williams led a Syracuse drive to the Michigan eight-yard line.

Henson played three quarters in the game, completing 16 of 28 passes for 151 yards, one touchdown, and one interception (the first turnover of the season by Michigan).

Wisconsin attempted an onside kick, but Anthony Thomas recovered the bouncing ball, and Michigan ran out the clock.

[18][19] Michigan's defense held 1999 Heisman Trophy winner Ron Dayne to zero rushing yards in the second half.

In the first quarter, Tom Brady completed nine of 14 passes for 132 yards and two touchdowns – an 18-yard strike to David Terrell and a 17-yarder to Marcus Knight.

Drew Henson took over at quarterback in the second quarter and led Michigan 63 yards on his first drive, ending with a one-yard touchdown run by Anthony Thomas.

Michigan's defense held, and Purdue settled for another field goal by Dorsch with 21 seconds remaining in the half.

[34][35][36] After halftime, the teams traded field goals, and Michigan then tied the game at 17–17 with 37 seconds remaining in the third quarter on an eight-yard touchdown pass from Tom Brady to Shawn Thompson.

With five minutes remaining in the game, Michigan scored the game-winning touchdown on a 10-yard pass from Brady to Marquise Walker.

[34][35] On January 1, 2000, Michigan defeated Alabama in overtime by a 35–34 score in the 2000 Orange Bowl at Miami Gardens, Florida.

[37][38][39][41] Alabama then responded as Alexander broke multiple tackles and scored on a 50-yard run through the middle of the Michigan defense.

Michigan drove down the field again on its next possession, Anthony Thomas scoring on a three-yard run with 1:01 remaining in the third quarter.

[37][38][39][41] Michigan drove to the two-yard line early in the fourth quarter, but Thomas fumbled at the goal-line and Alabama recovered the loose ball in the end zone.

On the first play in overtime, Brady threw a 25-yard touchdown pass to Shawn Thompson, and Epstein kicked the extra point.

Offensive guard Steve Hutchinson received first-team honors from Pro Football Weekly and CNNSI.

[48] Other team awards were presented as follows: Marcus Knight tied Desmond Howard (1991) and Anthony Carter (1981) for the school record with three consecutive 100-yard reception games.

The game marked the tenth 4-touchdown passing performance in school history, a feat that is still unsurpassed by any Michigan quarterback.