

The Wolverines’ Week 2 clash against the #3 Texas Longhorns had been nothing short of a roller-coaster, filled with both promising moments and missed opportunities.
First Quarter Action:
- The game started off with a bang for Michigan as DB Will Johnson intercepted Texas QB Quinn Ewers on the first drive with a beautiful one hand snag. It seemed like the perfect chance to seize early momentum, but alas, Michigan's kicker missed the field goal wide right, keeping the scoreboard blank.
- Texas did not let the opportunity slide, driving down the field and converting a crucial 4th and 1 with a rushing touchdown by CJ Baxter. The missed chance loomed heavily as Texas jumped to a 7-0 lead.
- Michigan's next drive showed the kicker’s redeeming ability with a successful booming 54-yard field goal, narrowing the deficit to 7-3.
Second Quarter Drama:
- The Wolverines’ defense made a statement early in the second quarter, laying a hard hit on CJ Baxter and forcing a fumble on the first play of Texas’s drive. Yet again, the momentum shifted as Michigan’s kicker missed a chip-shot field goal, squandering a golden opportunity to take the lead.
- The pendulum of fortune didn't favor Michigan as QB Alex Orji threw a critical interception in the red zone midway through the second quarter. Texas capitalized on this mistake, marching down the field smoothly and capping off the drive with a touchdown pass to Isaiah Bond, extending their lead to 14-3.
Second Half
Michigan Strikes First:
- Michigan came out of halftime determined, and their efforts paid off quickly. Alex Orji connected with Colston Loveland for a 20-yard touchdown pass. The Wolverines successfully converted the 2-point conversion, closing the gap to three points.
Defensive Heroics:
- The Wolverines’ defense stepped up big time as Josiah Stewart sacked Texas QB Quinn Ewers in the Longhorns' red zone, forcing a fumble. Mason Graham recovered it, stalling Texas’ promising drive and giving Michigan a golden opportunity.
Fourth Quarter Drama:
- Entering the fourth quarter with the ball and trailing by three, the Wolverines knew they needed to capitalize. However, Texas reclaimed possession and methodically drove down the field, capped off by a rushing touchdown from Quinn Ewers.
- Michigan responded late with a gutsy drive that saw Alex Orji scamper into the end zone for a touchdown, bringing the Wolverines within striking distance. With little time remaining, Texas went three-and-out, giving Michigan one last chance.
Final Heartbreaker:
- With just over two minutes remaining, the Wolverines' hopes rested on Alex Orji leading a game-winning drive. Unfortunately, Orji’s third interception of the day came in the red zone, sealing the game for Texas.
- Michigan kicker Dominic Zvada’s struggles were a crucial factor, as he went 1-4 on the day, missing two key field goals inside 40 yards.
Final Takeaways:
- Michigan Offense:
- Alex Orji: Showed flashes of brilliance but was marred by critical interceptions, ending hopes of a comeback.
- Colston Loveland: Continued to prove why he’s a top target with a crucial touchdown reception.
- Donovan Edwards: Consistent in the run game, adding balance to the offensive attack.
- Michigan Defense:
- Josiah Stewart: Key sack and forced fumble showed the defensive line’s potential.
- Mason Graham: Opportunistic fumble recovery gave Michigan a fighting chance.
- Texas Standouts:
- CJ Baxter: The real star for Texas, rushing for 269 yards and a touchdown, proving to be a tough challenge for Michigan’s defense.
- Quinn Ewers: Despite struggling with 130 passing yards, 1 touchdown, and 3 interceptions, his rushing touchdown was pivotal.
Looking Ahead:
The Wolverines, now 1-1, will need to regroup and focus on the next matchup. With Arkansas State coming to Ann Arbor next week, Coach Spirit St. Patrick will have to address the team’s defensive gaps and the critical kicking issues.
Conclusion:
The loss against Texas was a tough pill to swallow, but there were plenty of positives to take away. The Wolverines' resilience and ability to compete against a top-ranked team showcased their potential. As the season progresses, tightening the defense and addressing special teams’ woes will be key for future success.
Stay tuned for more updates as Michigan prepares to bounce back against Arkansas State. Go Blue!



Key Stats
#3 Texas
Total Offense - 391Yds
Rush Yards - 261Yds
4th Down Conversion - 1-1
3rd Down Conversion - 4/1(40%)
Turnovers - 5
Time of Possession - 20:05
#9 Michingan
Total Offense - 381Yds
Rush Yards - 201Yds
3rd Down Conversion - 5/13(38%)
2pt Conversion - 1/1
Turnovers - 3
Key Players
#3 Texas
QB - Quinn Ewers Jr.(RS): 12-18(66%) | 112.3 QB Rating | 130 Yds | TD | 3 INT
RB - CJ Baxter So.: 30car | 269 Yds | TD | FUMB
WR - Silas Bolden Sr.: 3 Rec | 57 Yds
WR - Isaiah Bond Jr.: 5 Rec | 17 Yds | TD | Drop
SS - Jahdae Barron Sr.(RS): 12 Tot Tak | For Fumb
FS - Andrew Mukuba Sr.: 7 Tot Tak | INT
#9 Michigan
QB - Alex Orji Jr.(RS): 11-32(34%) | 73.1 QB Rating | 180 Yds | TD | 3 INT | 8 Car | 98 Yds | TD | Fumb
RB - Donovan Edwards Sr.: 16 Car | 81 Yds | 5 Rec | 58 Yds | Drop
WR - Semaj Morgan: 2 Rec | 51 Yds | 2 Drops
TE - Colston Loveland: 3 Rec | 49 Yds | TD
MLB - Jaishawn Barham Jr.: 7 Tot Tak | 2 TFL | INT
CB - Will Johnson Jr.: 10 Tot Tak | INT
K - Dominic Zvada Jr.: 1-4; Long 54