2024 Game 2 – Texas 31 Michigan 12 Game Photos
Michigan 12 Texas 31 – Game 2 Recap
GAME 2 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS
Final Score: 12-31, Texas by 19
SP+ Projection: Texas by 6.5 (-12.5)
CD Projection: Texas by 6 (-13)
FIVE FACTORS
GAME 2 RECAP vs. Texas
The false start by LT Myles Hinton on the first offensive snap at home was a harbinger of things to come. The Wolverines did not look sharp at any position. When there were flashes of competence, they quickly dulled into a burnt orange haze. QB Davis Warren finished 22-33 for 204 yards and a touchdown. Unfortunately, most of that came in the fourth quarter when all my metrics were removed as Garbage Time. Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings combined for just 14 carries and 66 yards, an average of 4.7 yards per carry.
My pregame prediction was for Michigan to score 14 points, and a victory would require the Wolverines D to hold Texas under 20. The Longhorns looked as if they could execute any set of plays they wanted, under very little pressure. I was truly shocked that Texas could amass 374 total yards in three quarters (!!) against Wink Martindale’s unit. Some of the issues were short fields and battling uphill. But, plain and simple, the Texas offense whipped up on the Michigan defense today.
Just as the offense started out with a bad omen, special teams also tripped out of the gate. Tommy Doman punted just 28 yards after the first series went 3-and-out, allowing Texas to get out to an initial 7-0 lead. There were no other critical errors, but the Wolverines were never in a position to capitalize on a potential advantage here.
In the grand scheme of things nationally, today was much more about Texas being good as opposed to Michigan being bad. But, that doesn’t make it any easier to swallow. The Wolverines need to continue to toughen up in the trenches on both sides of the ball. Every season-long goal is still available. The challenge is now one of grit and leadership for both players and coaches. Next week, Arkansas State comes in, and hopefully Michigan can build some confidence in a “Get Right Game”. Smash!
Michigan Wolverine Football Podcast — Game 1 — Michigan 30 Fresno State 10
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In the latest U M Go Blue podcast, Phil Callihan @pcallihan and Clint Derringer @Clint_Derringer dive deep into Michigan’s 30-10 victory over Fresno State, analyzing Davis Warren’s solid debut as the starting quarterback and backup QB Alex Orji’s impactful moments on the field. They explore the offensive line’s early struggles, the defensive prowess showcased by Will Johnson’s thrilling 86-yard interception return, and the promise displayed by running backs Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards. With special teams shining and the team now gearing up for a tough showdown against Texas, this episode captures the critical takeaways and sets the stage for what’s next in Michigan’s season.
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2024 Game 1 – Michigan 30 Fresno State 10 Game Photos
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!