Michigan football turned in an uninspired effort on both sides of the ball on Saturday afternoon against Texas. This sent flashing red lights to anyone hoping for a return to the college football playoff.
Not only did the Wolverine’s floundering offense struggle again, but the defense–a unit expected to be the backbone of this team early–gave up long drives and big plays that quickly drained morale and energy for the rest of the game.
The result was a 31-12 loss to the Longhorns and a disappointing continue to the season’s second game.
As a diehard Michigan fan, I have continued asking myself questions about the seemingly lackluster effort given on both sides of the ball, specifically the offense. Play calling has been a huge issue as Wink Martindale’s defense got flamed on the never-ending blitz he sent at Quinn Ewers all day. While Kirk Campbell, the offense play-caller, struggled to run any sort of yard-gaining plays. The only time the Wolverines seemed to be able to move the ball was in garbage time when Warren completed a touchdown pass to Semaj Morgan for the score with 1:36 left in the fourth quarter.
The run game also struggled to gain any traction against the Texas defensive line–even after Texas lost their two best linemen to the draft last year. The Wolverines ran for only 82 yards on 22 attempts, an average of 3.7 yards per carry (most of these yards came in junk time.)
On the defensive end of the ball, it was a struggle. From the start of the game, the Wolverines were on the field for way, way, way too long. Time of possession was dominated by the Longhorns as their offense was slowly and methodically driving down the field. When the Wolverines looked to have an opportunity to get off the field on long third downs, Quinn Ewers torched the Wolverine’s secondary with his lanky tight end, Gunnar Helm. This just drained the Michigan defense. As the former Longhorn running back, Bijan Robinson, said on his Twitter, “We’re witnessing a team that is the future of college football (Texas). Them Michigan boys done ran out of gas before it started.”
The issue comes from the interior of this team I believe. I think the Wolverines got a little too comfortable in the off-season. Yes, they won the national championship, but that doesn’t mean you just roll over to opponents when they come to YOUR house. I feel as if the most embarrassing part of this game was the lack of effort the Wolverines had after going down three scores at halftime. Furthermore, three turnovers are just inexcusable.
As their season continues to progress, I will be looking for just one thing every game. Effort. If the effort is there, I believe this team can beat any opponent. The Wolverines will look to bounce back this Saturday at noon against Arkansas State.
