The first week of the 2024 Michigan football season raised questions. However, on Saturday against third-ranked Texas, we’ll find out the answers to some of those questions.
This is the Big House’s first non-conference top-10 meeting since the 1994 Kordell Stewart Hail Mary game. This is the largest non-conference game in thirty years, literally.
The Wolverines will demonstrate that they are still a threat to win the Big Ten title if they triumph. It will also demonstrate that there won’t be a significant decline following the national championship.
There should be a thrilling atmosphere at the Big House this Saturday, and here are three reasons why Michigan football can defeat Texas.
A genuinely outstanding defense
Michigan football’s defense against Fresno State on Saturday was excellent, but they can do better. Will Johnson has to improve.
Johnson did secure the victory with an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown. However, he also suffered a couple beatings.Johnson must play his “A” game because Texas has a better wide receiver and quarterback.
With his “A” game in the season opener, Jyaire Hill alayed my fears. Last week, Aamir Hall performed admirably as well, and the secondary appeared strong with Zeke Berry at nickel.
Derrick Moore and Josaiah Stewart’s pass rush will be problematic, and Rayshaun Benny is back to 100%, as demonstrated by his sack last week.
Although Texas is now a member of the SEC, they aren’t accustomed to facing SEC-caliber defenses, and Michigan football will provide just that on Saturday. Quinn Ewers will have some problems, hopefully enough for the Wolverines to emerge victorious.
It’s better than it seems, the running game
There were differing views among Michigan football supporters on Davis Warren and the quarterback situation. However, I think that Donovan Edwards and the offensive line’s performance in Week 1 was perhaps the most disappointing thing.
Edwards was unable to find any rushing room at all, and the Wolverines were unable to produce any chunk plays on the ground. Last week, Texas gave up over 100 yards and 3.7 yards per carry to the Colorado State rushing back.
The Michigan offensive line will have an opportunity to address the minor issues that beset it over the previous week. This is not the Texas D-line of 2023. There were a few omitted blocks and inadequate dialogue. That should be cleared up, I hope.
I also believe there’s a high chance Big Game Don will show up. The entire offense—including the defense—will find it easier to defeat Texas if the offensive line and running game are stronger.
Davis Warren is going to feel more at ease.
Last week, there were a few lengthy pass plays that were unsuccessful. On one, the receiver gave up, while on another, Davis Warren failed to catch Fredrick Moore.
The story around Warren changes significantly if one or both of those plays result in a score. In any case, he demonstrated enough arm skill to prevail. The Wolverines only need him to be Cade McNamara in 2021 in order to win this game.
Texas’s offense is excellent. Although they have explosive wide receivers, I don’t think they will score more than 20 points or so. Michigan’s strategy will be to play keep away, cut the game short, force a fourth quarter, and prevail when it counts.
Michigan has accomplished so much in the past, especially at home, that it’s difficult to think they won’t be able to do it again. Sherrone Moore will undoubtedly have a few trick plays in his sleeve, and the playbook will also be unlocked.
