By the numbers: Michigan looking for fourth-ever victory over No. 1 team

Michigan Wolverines football is set to take on No. 1 Oregon Saturday afternoon at The Big House, searching for its fourth-ever victory against the nation’s top-ranked team. The Maize and Blue are 3-16-1 all time versus No. 1, with the latest matchup being a 42-39 loss at Ohio State in the famous 1 vs. 2 game in 2006.

Michigan’s last win over a top-ranked opponent was Sept. 8, 1984, a 22-14 triumph over Miami in Ann Arbor. The season-opening victory featured 6 interceptions by the Maize and Blue defense on Hurricane quarterback Bernie Kosar. Michigan rusher Bob Perryman ran for 3 touchdowns. In his first career start, quarterback Jim Harbaugh completed 11 of his 21 pass attempts for 163 yards.

All three Michigan wins over Associated Press No. 1 teams have come at home, the Wolverines boasting a 3-7-1 record in such situations. They’re 0-5 on the road and 0-4 in neutral site/bowl games.

There are 13 programs with more wins over No. 1 teams, according to ESPN.com in an Oct. 9 article — Alabama (11), Notre Dame (9), Miami (9), Oklahoma (7), USC (7), Purdue (7), Auburn (5), Ohio State (5), Texas (5), Wisconsin (4), Arkansas (4), Penn State (4) and UCLA (4).

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This season, Michigan has struggled against ranked opponents, with a 1-2 record. The Wolverines beat No. 11 USC, 27-24, Sept. 21, but fell to No. 3 Texas, 31-12, Sept. 7 and No. 22 Illinois, 21-7, Oct. 19.

Oregon is 8-1 all time when ranked No. 1 in the country. This season, the Ducks are the only school with three wins over teams currently in the AP top 25. Michigan is unranked heading into Saturday.

Michigan leads the all-time series with Oregon, 3-2, but the Ducks have won the last two meetings —  39-7 on Sept. 8, 2007, in Ann Arbor and 31-27 on Sept. 20, 2003, in Eugene. The 2007 loss was especially disappointing for Michigan fans because it marked two-straight setbacks to begin the season 0-2 after high hopes entering the campaign.

Prior to those two games, the Wolverines beat Oregon in three games, without allowing a single point. The final scores were 14-0 in 1948, 21-0 in 1960 and 24-0 in 1973.

By the numbers: Michigan vs. Oregon

3-1 Is Michigan’s record against Oregon at Michigan Stadium.

3.4 Yards per carry are what Michigan opponents are averaging this season, with that mark checking in 21st in the nation. Oregon’s two lead backs — Jordan James and Noah Whittington — both average more than that. James is at 5.9 and Whittington averages 4.4. The two have combined for 1,070 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns.

8-0 is Oregon’s record through eight games, for the first time since 2013. Oregon is one of eight ranked squads that are still undefeated at this point in the season, joined by Penn State, Miami, BYU, Iowa State, Indiana, Pittsburgh and Army.

15.6 Points allowed per game for the Oregon defense, which ranks 10th in the country. The Ducks have allowed 14 points or less six times. They check in 40th nationally against the rush (123.5 yards per game) and tied for 17th against the pass (173.8) for a mark of 12th in total defense (297.3).

34.7-Percent pressure rate for Oregon’s defense, according to Sports Info Solution. That ranks 23rd in the country.

63 Receptions for Oregon wide receiver Tez Johnson, the fifth most in college football. He’s racked up 638 yards (27th) and 8 touchdowns (tied for 6th) on the season. For comparison’s sake, Michigan’s wideouts have combined for 44 receptions — 19 less than Johnson’s number.

76.2 Completion percentage for Oregon quarterback Dillon Gabriel, leading the entire nation. He’s thrown for 2,371 yards and 18 touchdowns with 6 interceptions and has added 5 rushing scores.

103 Career receptions for Michigan junior tight end Colston Loveland, third in program history at his position. He ranks third among tight ends in receiving yards (1,295) and touchdowns (10), as well. This season, Loveland is averaging 2.74 yards per route run, per PFF, seventh among FBS tight ends with a minimum of 24 targets.