The last time Quinn Ewers was in the Big House, it snowed.
Ewers, then a member of The Ohio State Buckeyes, lost to Michigan in a 42-27 upset. As fate would have it, that was the last time Michigan was a home underdog – until this weekend.
The Wolverines are currently +7.5 to Texas as they hope to hand Ewers a second loss in Ann Arbor. But to do that, Michigan needs to find a quarterback of its own.
The QB1 decision remains open-ended. Davis Warren was named the starter for Fresno State and will presumably be the de facto starter moving forward. But Sherrone Moore has also promised an increasing workload for Orji – not to mention that Warren was, uh, less than convincing in the opener. The hope from yours truly was to see a 50/50 split at QB against Fresno State to leave Texas guessing. Unfortunately, the Longhorns aren’t the only ones left guessing.
To be perfectly candid, far too much blame was placed on the quarterback play for Michigan last Saturday. Tyler Morris inexplicably stopping a route. Donovan Edwards looking lost. A new offensive line that looked like a new offensive line. Playcalling that hamstringed an offense that was already struggling. In any case, it was bad. Not as bad as the internet made it out to be, but not good enough to beat a real opponent. That’ll have to change – and quickly.
But enough doom and gloom! This Michigan defense is something special. Watching them battle an explosive Texas offense will be an absolute blast for anyone without a dog in the fight. Will Johnson lined up with Isaiah Bond will feel reminiscent of January’s Rose Bowl. Mason Graham, Kenneth Grant, Jaishawn Barham, et. al. will look to create chaos for the veteran Ewers. The ability for Michigan’s defense to keep the offense in the game demands it.
Let’s also not forget that Texas’ defense is squarely “good.” Not elite; not great; but good. Will that be enough to beat Michigan? Win the SEC? Win the whole thing? Maybe! But for as enticing as the Texas O v. Michigan D is going to be, Michigan O v. Texas D will be equally as . . . puzzling.
Sure, the Michigan offense has the aforementioned question marks. But we’ve also seen what playmakers like Semaj Morgan, Tyler Morris, and Donovan Edwards are capable of. The potential is there because we’ve seen it. Meanwhile, folks in Austin would like you to forget that the Longhorns gave up 37 points in the CFP to a Washington team that Michigan held to 13. And while Texas added pieces in the off-season, they lost pieces as well (T’Vondre Sweat being a big one) and ranked well outside the Top 25 in total defense.
In short: Michigan will not have to be perfect. Only nearly so.
Frankly – and to come full-circle- it’s reminiscent of The Game in 2021. Michigan enters with a squarely average offense – predicated on long drives, running the ball, and a general philosophy of SMASH – complemented by one of the most suffocating defenses in the nation. Their opponent? An offensive juggernaut boasting NFL-caliber talent at QB and WR, but with a defense susceptible to getting the ball run down their throat.
Michigan won that game – you might remember – doing exactly that.
MICHIGAN 23
TEXAS 21
