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Posted on by Clint Derringer

Michigan 30 Fresno State 10 – Game 1 Recap

GAME 1 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS

Final Score: 30-10, Michigan by 20 over Fresno State
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 27.6 (-7.6)
CD Projection: Michigan by 24 (-4)

FIVE FACTORS

GAME 1 RECAP vs. Fresno State

On the offensive side of the ball, the Wolverines sputtered from start to finish. For me, that was to be expected. There is one returning starter on this unit, tight end Colston Loveland. Everyone else is stepping into a bigger role, as well as new play caller Kirk Campbell. That doesn’t mean this should be acceptable internally to the team, or externally to the fans. It’s only context to understand why we saw some struggles. Quarterback Davis Warren finished 15-25 for 118 yards, 1 touchdown and 1 interception. Tonight’s backup was Alex Orji, and he chipped in 6.4 yards per carry on the ground. The improvement focus needs to shift up front on the line. Both pass protection and interior push in the run game should be much better as the season goes along.

For large stretches of the game, the Michigan defense was absolutely dominant. The Wolverines allowed less than 100 total yards in the first half. The defensive line looked unstoppable while coordinator Wink Martindale rotated in two or three guys at most positions. Then the Bulldogs managed to spring a few big plays. Surprisingly, those big plays came against All-American cornerback Will Johnson. Johnson finished with the last laugh after cashing in a pick six to put the game on ice for good in the fourth quarter.

In the kicking game, I had no idea what to expect coming into tonight. I leave afterward pleasantly surprised. Kicker Dominic Zvada consistently put the ball into the end zone on kickoffs. He also looked cool as ice while he banged home three field goals of 45, 53, & 55 yards. Punter Tommy Doman averaged 42.5 yards in net punting. And, both Tyler Morris and Semaj Morgan looked steady catching punts.

I am looking forward to crunching the numbers here and finding the appropriate context. I expected some struggles, and we definitely saw them. There were moments of horror, but also plenty of foundational strengths to build on. Next week, in comes a national championship contender to test the Wolverines. Michigan takes on No. 4 Texas at noon right back in the Big House. Smash!

About Clint Derringer

@clint_derringer on Twitter U-M B.A. Sport Management & Communications ‘05 U-M M.S. Program & Project Management ‘18

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