Observations on the loss to Texas, 12-31
Texas gained 4 red zones, and converted all four for 24 points; Michigan's offense created one red zone opportunity for 3 points. The Longhorns scored 10 points off 3 Wolverine turnovers; Texas had no turnovers. Texas took an early lead after a missed field goal; they kept their composure, and never looked back. Everyone knew this game was over after the first half as the Longhorns controlled both lines of scrimmage.
Offense gained 284 net yards with 80 on the ground, and 13 first downs; they were 5 of 15 in 3rd and 4th down conversions. Davis Warren was 22 of 33 for 204 yards with one TD, and two interceptions. Donovan Edwards ran 8 times for 41 yards, and caught a pass for 2 yards. Kalel Mullings ran 6 times for 25 yards. Ben Hall ran 3 times for 14 yards. Alex Orji ran twice for -1 yard. Semaj Morgan caught 5 passes for 45 yards and a TD. Tyler Morris caught two passes for 17 yards. Colston Loveland caught 8 passes for 70 yards. C.J. Charleston and Payton O'Leary each caught passes of 22 yards each. Kendrick Bell and Marlin Klein each caught 7 yard passes. Texas had an 3 minute time of possession advantage that resulted in 12 more offensive plays. David Gbenda led the Longhorns with 7 tackles; Andrew Mukuba had 4 tackles, 2 pass break ups, and an interception. Derek Williams had 5 tackles plus an interception, and Anthony Hill had 6 tackles for Texas.
Defense was dominated by Texas; the Longhorns gained 389 total yards with 143 on the ground, and 19 first downs; they converted 10 of 16 3rd down conversions against our beleaguered defense. Quinn Ewers hit 24 of 36 passes for 246 yards and 3 TDs. Quintrevion Wisner ran 8 times for 30 yards. Gunnar Helm caught 7 passes for 92 yards and a TD; Makari Paige couldn't cover him. Jaydon Blue ran 9 times for 22 yards, and caught 6 passes for 37 yards with a TD. Jerrick Gibson ran 10 times for 32 yards and a TD. Matthew Golden caught 6 passes for 41 yards and a TD. Ryan Wingo ran a reverse for 55 yards setting up a TD. Defense couldn't pressure nor sack Ewers, and he ran 4 times for zero yards when he needed to escape the pocket. Makari Paige had 6 tackles. Jaishawn Barham and Jyaire Hill had 5 tackles each; Zeke Berry, Derrick Moore, and Josaiah Stewart contributed 4 tackles each. Defense could only come up with 4 tackles for loss, 5 quarterback hits, and 2 pass break ups against the Longhorns.
Special Teams were not good either. Tommy Doman punted twice for a 32 yard average. Jordan Marshall had 3 kickoff returns for 51 yards. Keshaun Harris had a 28 yard return, but it was negated by a holding penalty. Semaj Morgan had an 8 yard punt return. Dominic Zvada made two field goals to make him 5 for 5 as a Wolverine.
The Arkansas State game will be needed to continue to work on improvement prior to the USC game. We have a LOT of improvement to make prior to engaging Big Ten opponents. Right now, it doesn't take a genius to recognize that we will most likely lose to USC, Oregon, and Ohio State with the games against Illinois, Minnesota, Indiana, Washington, and Michigan State being tossups. We will have to make big improvements to be bowl eligible in 2024. Go Blue!