BLOOMINGTON, Ind. (AP) — Michigan running game coordinator Mike Hart is in stable condition but will spend the night at a hospital in Bloomington, Indiana, after being carted off the field during the first quarter of Saturday’s game against the Hoosiers.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said Michigan’s running backs coach and career rushing leader was in stable condition after suffering a medical emergency on the sideline.
Trainers strapped him on a backboard and then drove Hart off the field before he was transported to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.
It was unclear what happened to Hart, who was standing in the bright sun on a cool, breezy day. He gave a thumbs-up sign before leaving Memorial Stadium and the Fox broadcast team said the team heard from Hart at halftime.
No. 4 Michigan (6-0, 3-0 Big Ten) reverted to form in the second half, breaking away from a 10-10 halftime tie for a 31-10 victory. Quarterback J.J. McCarthy said the Wolverines awarded a game ball to Hart.
“Talking about Mike and his health, all our prayers go out to him,” coach Jim Harbaugh said. “We’ll move on with humble hearts. It’s great to have the win and continue to pray for Mike. He’s a strong guy, I have all the faith in the world in Mike Hart.”
Hart wound up on the ground after Indiana made an extra point to tie the score at 7 with 4:57 left in the opening quarter. Michigan’s players cleared the bench and spread out across the field, many dropping to one knee. Several Michigan coaches, including Harbaugh, stood nearby as trainers worked on Hart.
Hoosiers coach Tom Allen also walked across the field to see Hart, who previously served on Indiana’s staff.
Hart rushed for more than 5,000 yards at Michigan and is still the career rushing leader for the fourth-ranked Wolverines. He also played professionally for the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts.
