Michigan Football is back, and they’re back as National Champions. However, as the Wolverines kick off their highly anticipated 2024 season, many fans and players have one question on their minds: How will the Wolverines bounce back after losing many talented players to the NFL?
Week one, check. Michigan started their campaign with a week one victory over Fresno State, a top 5 group of 5 team. The Wolverines showed a little bit of weakness on the offense side of the ball, scoring only 2 touchdowns.
The powerful defense fired on all cylinders however, scoring six on a pick-six from Will Johnson late in the fourth quarter. The defense played just as great as they were hyped up to be amassing 2 turnovers on two picks (which should have been three) from Will Johnson and Zeke Berry.
What surprised me the most about the victory though, was how the Wolverines utilized more of Kalel Mullings than the highly anticipated Donovan Edwards in the running game.
Donovan Edwards had an average game however, rushing for only 27 yards in 11 attempts. This was the only complaint I had after the game ended. I have no worries about the run game for the rest of the season; Donovan will get back on track.
The Defense also showed its talent and extreme potential. Michigan featured impressive defensive plays, including 2 sacks by the transfer EDGE rusher, Josiah Stewart. The interior D-line also was impressive, holding Fresno State to only 9 yards of total rushing. Michigan outplayed the Bulldogs despite the criticism they got from the press after the game. They put pressure on the quarterback, Mikey Keene, and squandered any hopes of offense every time Fresno got the ball.
The Wolverines need to build on this opening game, show improvements in the run game and passing game, get key players healthy, and continue to show dominance on the defensive side of the ball.
Their next test will be in a week with Texas coming to town in a marquee matchup between two college football playoff teams last year. This game will be a key defining test very early in the season. ESPN gives Michigan a 26% chance to win this weekend with Texas also controlling the money line favored by -7.5.
Fuel to the fire is all I will say. Michigan shows up in big games, they did last year, and they will continue to this year. Horns Down!
