Michigan football: What we learned vs. Fresno State, what to watch vs. No. 4 Texas

Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia looks back at Michigan football’s 30-10 win over Fresno State and looks ahead to the Wolverines’ first big test of the season, a top-ten showdown Saturday vs. No. 4 Texas.

Next up for the Wolverines: No. 4 Texas Longhorns

Michigan defensive back Will Johnson (2) celebrates after returning an interception for a touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Matchup: No. 8 Michigan (1-0) vs. No. 4 Texas (1-0).

Kickoff: Noon Saturday; Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.

TV/radio: Fox; WXYT-FM (97.1).

Line: Longhorns by 6½.

Know the foe

The Wolverines (No. 1 all-time) and Longhorns (tied for No. 4 all time) are among the NCAA’s winningest programs ever, yet this will be just their second meeting. The first was a heartbreaker for U-M — a last-second loss on a field goal in the 2005 Rose Bowl. Texas appears as strong as it has been since that Vince Young era, with a College Football Playoff semifinal appearance last season. Quinn Ewers returns at quarterback — he was on the cover of EA Sports’ “College Football 25” with Donovan Edwards — and he began his Heisman Trophy campaign by slicing up Colorado State in a season-opening 52-0 win: 20-for-27 for 260 yards, three touchdowns and one interception.

Though Texas lost two of its top three running backs during the season ramp-up due to injuries, junior Jaydon Blue is a load at 6 feet and 200 pounds, as is 5-10, 205-pound freshman Jerrick Gibson. The Longhorns also added WR Isaiah Bond from Alabama — he had six receptions for 86 yards and a score — while Houston transfer Matthew Golden caught a pair of touchdowns in his Texas debut. The Longhorns’ defense, meanwhile, was clearly suffocating as it shut out the Rams. Defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski’s group allowed…

Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/michigan-football-learned-vs-fresno-231750044.html

Author : Detroit Free Press

Publish date : 2024-09-01 23:17:50

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