Sherrone Moore reflects on 'grit, grind' for Michigan to get historic 1,000th win

It wasn’t easy, especially toward the end, but Michigan managed to get the 31-24 victory at Maryland to stay undefeated on the year. It also set the table for next week’s installment of “The Game” as Ohio State makes the trip to Ann Arbor with a Big Ten Championship appearance on the line.

But Saturday’s victory made another bit of history for the Wolverines. It was win No. 1,000 for the program, making Michigan the only team in the nation to reach that mark. While it took a little bit of work as Maryland battled back in the second half, acting head coach Sherrone Moore — again in place of Jim Harbaugh — had no doubt his team would pull it off.

As he did last week against Penn State, Moore gave Harbaugh a shoutout with the bit of history.

“That’s just this team,” Moore told FOX’s Jenny Taft after the game. “Grit, grind, do whatever it takes to win mentality. Win 1,000, historic. Coach, that was for you, man. Just excited for this team and to be a part of this great fan base, this university.

“I promised my mom there’s no swearing this time, so just excited for the players.”

Blake Corum scored two touchdowns to lead the charge on offense, but the defense and special teams stole the show. Mike Sainristil had two interceptions on the day and Derrick Moore had a scoop-and-score to stymy the Maryland offense. On special teams, a blocked punt turned into a safety to set up Corum’s second touchdown of the day.

Sainristil, a converted wide receiver, said the plan was simple. Michigan had a mission in all three phases, and the Wolverines stuck to it as they avoided getting too far ahead of themselves with a massive rivalry game looming next week.

“We just wanted to make sure that we just sent a message out all across the board. Offense, defense, special teams,” Sainristil said. “We were never looking too far ahead. We were just focused on Maryland.”

The stakes continue to rise for The Game next week with not only a trip to Indianapolis on the line, but perhaps a spot in the College Football Playoff. Now 11-0, Michigan will go through its week of prep with Harbaugh before Moore runs the show once again during his suspension.

The college football world will turn its eyes to Ann Arbor when Michigan and Ohio State face off Nov. 25 at noon ET on FOX.