clint copenhaver

Previously: Krushed By Stauskas (Illinois 2014), Introducing #ChaosTeam (Indiana 2009), Revenge is Terrifying (Colorado 1996), Four Games In September I (Boston College 1991), Four Games In September II (Boston College 1994)

This game: WolverineHistorian highlights

Michigan and Boston College alternate seasons of change throughout this series. In 1995, it's the former's turn; a spring evening out in Southfield begets a sudden change at the top:

Gary Moeller resigned as Michigan football coach Thursday after a drunken incident at a suburban Detroit restaurant last week.

Defensive coordinator Lloyd Carr was appointed interim coach while the search for a successor begins for one of the nation’s top football programs.

Moeller’s resignation, announced at a news conference by Michigan Athletic Director Joe Roberson, stunned players and staff.

“This is one of the saddest days of my life,” Carr said, his voice choking. “A man I respect, have the utmost admiration for, is no longer here. I would not be honest if I say we are not wounded or feel great pain.”

Days before the game, Michigan announces they've passed a bylaw to put the athletic department under the oversight of the university administration and, if necessary, the regents. The impetus had been something unheard of in today's age—the department went rogue when negotiating Moeller's buyout (via the Michigan Daily archives):

By the time Michigan heads to Chestnut Hill for a rare 6:30 pm Saturday kickoff on September 16th, the Wolverines are 3-0 with two wins over ranked teams: #17 Virginia on Mercury Hayes's last-second touchdown catch and a much more comfortable game at #25 Illinois (remember, this is 1995). The team is ranked #11 and Carr's interim tag looks destined to disappear.

The Eagles are coming off a bye week after splitting their own two contests against ranked teams, losing at Giants Stadium to future #1 Ohio State before upsetting #20 Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. They're unranked after entering the season at #22, an overreaction to Dan Henning's successful first season in 1994; they'd lost four players to the NFL Draft in the offseason, including #7 overall pick and OG combine wonder Mike Mamula, as well as thousand-yard rusher David Green. They wouldn't have four players selected in the same draft again until 2019.

ESPN is carrying this weird-ass matchup at this weird-ass time. Carr appears unconcerned by the kickoff time (via the Daily archives):

For all Lloyd's grumpiness, he's an underrated comedian.

[Hit THE JUMP for one of the meanest pregame quotes ever and much more]