Observations on the win over Fresno State, 30-10
Michigan had two red zones for 14 points, and the Wolverines converted 14 points off two Bulldog turnovers. Fresno State also had two red zones, but could only convert them into 7 points, and scored nothing off one Wolverine turnover.
Offense netted 269 total yards with 18 first downs. Davis Warren was 15 of 25 for 118 yards with one TD, one interception and one sack. Alex Orji was one for two for a 3 yard TD to Donovan Edwards, and ran 5 times for 32 yards. Edwards could only gain 27 yards in 11 carries, and had two catches for zero yards. Kalel Mullings gained 92 yards in 15 carries; he was our offensive star. Semaj Morgan had a jet sweep for 9 yards, and 2 catches for 8 yards. Colston Loveland had 8 catches for 87 yards, and a TD; he was our offensive star #2. Kendrick Bell had a catch for 11 yards, and Tyler Morris had 3 catches for 15 yards. Camryn Bracha led the Bulldogs with 10 tackles. Michigan had an 8 minute time of possession advantage which gave them three more offensive plays.
Defense held Fresno State to 247 yards in total offense with 18 first downs; the Wolverines only allowed the Bulldogs to convert 2 of 11 in 3rd down conversions with 7 punts and 2 turnovers. Mikey Keene hit 22 of 36 for 238 yards with one TD, and two interceptions plus 3 sacks. Malik Sherrod gained 24 yards in 14 carries. Jalen Moss had 6 receptions for 97 yards. Mac Delena had 6 receptions for 67 yards. Raylen Sharpe had 2 receptions for 26 yards including a 19 yard TD. Josaiah Stewart and Makari Paige led the defense with 5 tackles each; Stewart had 2 sacks. Zeke Berry got the interception to set up the first score. Will Johnson closed the scoring for Michigan with an 86 yard interception for a TD.
Dominic Zvada made his Wolverine debut with kicking three field goals including boots of 53 and 55 yards! Kalel Mullings had 3 kickoff returns for 74 yards. Semaj Morgan had 2 punt returns for 32 yards. Tommy Doman hit all kickoffs for touchbacks, and had 4 punts for 40.8 yard average with one downed inside the 20.
The good thing about the offense is they had no fumbles, but overall the offense was disappointing. We won't win championships without a better offensive line and running game. Our receivers were not getting open, and our receiving corps do not impose a threat to good defenses. Our only turnover was on a bomb that was underthrown. After the Spring game, I didn't think our offense was explosive enough to compete for a championship run, and today confirmed my previous belief. Texas will be a rugged test for our defense! Our offense needs a lot of work. Go Blue!