The Details: Lowe Recounts Memorable Michigan Moment
By Mason Kelley
GoHuskies.com
When Omare Lowe looked back on Washington’s 23-18 win over Michigan in the 2001 season opener, the ex-cornerback said he remembered, “It felt like a long game.”
More than a decade later, Lowe stood on the Husky Stadium turf and talked about the Huskies’ come-from-behind win, and his fourth-quarter performance.
With Washington announcing a home-and-home series with the Wolverines in 2020-21, it seemed fitting to turn time back to Lowe’s memorable moment.
“I had a busy game guarding Marquise Walker,” Lowe said. “We were going at it all day. He caught a few balls on me, and the whole time I was like, ‘I’ve got to make a play. I’ve got to make a play.’”
This group of Huskies had developed a penchant for rallying in the fourth quarter the previous season, so they didn’t panic when they found themselves down 12-6 heading into the final frame.
“We were a team that was successful, because we had heart and determination,” Lowe said. “We weren’t necessarily the most talented team when we stepped on the field, but we were never going to quit.”
Earlier in the game, Lowe, who also contributed on special teams, came off the edge during a Michigan field goal attempt. He was unblocked.
Faced with a similar situation in the fourth quarter, Lowe ran over to special teams coach Bobby Hauck and gave him the block right signal. Hauck relayed it to Lowe, who spread the message to his teammates. He sprinted in off the edge and blocked the kick, which was returned 77 yards for a touchdown.
“We just got really energized after that,” Lowe said.
That score gave the Huskies the lead. Less than a minute later, Lowe made another play, returning an interception 21 yards for a score.
“They ran kind of a bubble screen,” he said. “It bounced off the running back’s hands and right into mine. I was able to walk into the end zone.”
With the Husky Stadium crowd reaching a fever pitch, Lowe said it was almost as if someone hit the mute button during the play. He blocked out the noise and picked off the pass. The sound didn’t hit him until he crossed the goal line.
“The fourth quarter was just amazing, something I’ll never forget,” Lowe said.
But, even when he looks back on his performance, the only thing that really matters is Washington won the game.
“I’m a real humble guy,” he said. “I would rather the team have success than myself. Having been a huge Michigan fan growing up after watching the Fab Five, I always wanted to go to Michigan. So to be able to have probably my best game as a collegiate athlete against them, it was only fitting.”
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