Published Thursday | December 29, 2005
Breaston enjoys happy returns
The senior wide receiver broke big gains in both categories during UM's 32-28 Alamo Bowl loss to Nebraska.
Breaston set up the Wolverines' first touchdown with a 69-yard kickoff return to the Nebraska 30 midway through the first quarter. He caught the ball while drifting nearly out of bounds to the right at the 1, then broke left into the clear to set an Alamo Bowl record for longest return.
Breaston also set a bowl record for total kickoff return yardage with 146, a 36.5-yard average.
In punt returns, Breaston had runbacks of 25 and 18 yards. He entered the game ranked 18th in punt returns (12.9-yard average) and 21st in kickoff returns (26.3)
"We didn't see anything special watching film for this game," he said. "I was just doing what I do every week."
A punt return by Breaston for no gain to start the fourth quarter turned into a good gain.
Nebraska's Andrew Shanle was ruled to have hit Breaston too early during the fielding of a punt. The 15-yard penalty put Michigan at its own 47. That field position helped launch an eight-play, 53-yard touchdown drive that put UM ahead 28-17.
Breaston wasn't the only threat for Michigan in the return game.
After Nebraska took a 17-14 in the third quarter, UM wide receiver Carl Tabb returned the ensuing kickoff 30 yards to the Husker 42.
With such strong field position, it took the Wolverines only six plays to drive 58 yards for a go-ahead touchdown.
Breaston said losing another close game - the fifth by single digits - was a painful way to end the season.
"All season, we didn't come up with certain plays that we needed," he said. "Whether it was early in the game or late, we didn't make the certain plays that could change momentum."
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