Survey Findings: Supporters think that the 2023 Michigan team is superior to the 1997 squad.
Welcome to SB Nation Reacts, a survey platform that gathers opinions from dedicated fans across the NCAA. Throughout the year, we pose questions to highly engaged Michigan Wolverines supporters and fans nationwide. You can register here to take part in our weekly email surveys.
The 2023 national championship victory marked a historic season for the Michigan Wolverines, representing their first outright national title since 1948. The previous national championship was a shared title with Nebraska in 1997.
Considering the significance of Michigan’s championship achievement, we inquired this week about the impact of Team 144. According to survey respondents, the 2023 Michigan team is perceived as the best within the four-team College Football Playoff era. Michigan secured 50 percent of the votes, surpassing Joe Burrow’s 2019 LSU team with 31 percent and the 2022 Georgia team with 17 percent.
In the survey, a significant 86 percent of respondents expressed the opinion that the 2023 Michigan team surpasses the 1997 Michigan team. The ’97 squad concluded their season with a perfect 12-0 record, securing a 21-16 victory over Washington State in the Rose Bowl. On the other hand, the 2023 Michigan team achieved a flawless 15-0 record, triumphing over Alabama in the Rose Bowl and Washington in the national championship.
Both teams boast players who have become everlasting Michigan legends—the ’97 team featured notable figures like Charles Woodson and Brian Griese, while the 2023 team has iconic players such as J.J. McCarthy, Blake Corum, Kris Jenkins, and Mike Sainristil, among others. While either choice has its merits, it is evident that Michigan fans strongly believe that the 2023 Michigan team stands out as THE TEAM.
