One of the most successful coaches in U.S. college football history - former Michigan coach Bo Schembechler - has died of a heart attack in Detroit, Michigan, at age 77.
Schembechler, a seven-time Big Ten Conference coach of the year, died while taping a television program on the eve of Michigan's pivotal game on Saturday against arch rival Ohio State. Both teams are undefeated, with Ohio State ranked first and Michigan second.
Schembechler had battled heart trouble in the past, including undergoing two quadruple bypass operations. Earlier this week, he told reporters he was wearing a device to regulate his heartbeat, and he had been hospitalized briefly last month.
In 26 years as a coach, Schembechler had 234 wins, 64 losses and eight ties. He led Michigan to 194 wins, 48 losses and five ties between 1969 and 1989.
The teams are expecting 106,000 fans to pack Ohio Stadium Saturday for the much anticipated match-up between host Ohio State and Michigan. The two schools began playing one another in 1897, and it is one of the best rivalries not only in college football but in all U.S. sports. Never before have the teams been ranked first and second in the polls entering their annual showdown.
Some information for this report was provided by AP.