1953 Michigan Wolverines football team


The 1953 Michigan Wolverines football team represented the University of Michigan in the 1953 Big Ten Conference football season. In its sixth year under head coach Bennie Oosterbaan, Michigan compiled a 6–3 record, tied for fifth place in the Big Ten, outscored opponents by a combined total of 163 to 101, and was ranked No. 20 in the final AP Poll and No.
19 in the Coaches Polls.
Center Dick O'Shaughnessy was the team captain, and right halfback Tony Branoff received the team's most valuable player award. Two Michigan players received All-Big Ten honors: left end Bob Topp was selected by the Associated Press as a first-team player, and left halfback Ted Kress.
The team's statistical leaders included quarterback Duncan McDonald with 293 passing yards, Tony Branoff with 501 rushing yards, and Bob Topp with 331 receiving yards.

Schedule

Statistical leaders

Michigan's individual statistical leaders for the 1953 season include those listed below.

Rushing

Passing

Receiving

PlayerReceptionsYardsYds/RecpTDLong
Gene Topp2333114.4266
Gene Knutson1120118.3133
Tony Branoff1115113.7144

Kickoff returns

PlayerReturnsYardsYds/ReturnTDLong
Ted Kress1020320.3033
Tony Branoff613021.7028

Punt returns

PlayerReturnsYardsYds/ReturnTDLong
Tony Branoff89011.3018
Ted Kress12635.3016

Players

The starting lineup of the 1953 football team was made up of the following players. Players who started at least four games are shown with their names in bold.
Honors and awards for the 1953 season went to the following individuals.
Michigan's 1953 coaching, training, and support staff included the following persons.