**HAIL TO THE VICTORS** 2024 (and beyond) Michigan Wolverines

[ktd1976]

2024 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES SEASON PRIEVIEW

The Michigan Wolverines are coming off of a College Football Playoff National Championship. Their first National Championship since 1997. The Wolverines dominated the College Football scene in 2023.

A lot has changed since then. While Michigan holds on to much of what made it's defense elite, there are plenty of question marks heading into the season opener against Fresno State. Gone is Head Coach Jim Harbaugh, quarterback J.J. McCarthy, running back Blake Corum, the entire offensive line, and the two most productive receivers.

Michigan will have a new man at the helm. 47 year old Kyle Dutcher takes over for Jim Harbaugh. Dutcher spent 6 years as an assistant under Harbaugh, and steps in for his former mentor. Dutcher brought in Brad Perkins as Offensive Coordinator, and Nick Lehr to helm the defense. "I'm excited to take over here at Michigan. Michigan is on top of the College Football landscape, and that is where I intend us to stay.

OFFENSIVE PREVIEW

Michigan held a five man QB competition in the spring, which unsurprisingly was won by Alex Orji. Davis Warren will be the backup, but don't be surprised if freshman Jadyn Davis gets into a few early games.

Dutcher says the Wolverines will stick with their "ground and pound" offense. Donovan Edwards figures to be the feature back in the offense. Edwards had a bit of a down year last year, but rebounded to have an outstanding day in the National Championship game. Kalel Mullings also figures to get a large share of carries. Benjamin Hall, Cole Cabana, and Freshman Jordan Marshal also figure to be int the plans. Michigan will also have an entirely different offensive line than a year ago. Myles Hinton, Josh Priebe, Greg Crippen, Giovanni El-Hadi, and Andrew Gentry will start the season protecting Orji. Michigan does return All Big Ten Tight End Colston Loveland, who could be an All American this year. Sophompre Samaj Morgan, Junior Tyler Morris, and sophomore Fredrick Moore will likely get most of the playing time at receiver, though the Wolverines also have transfer C.J. Charleston in the mix.

DEFENSIVE PREVIEW
Michigan returns two of the Big ten's best defensive tackles in Mason Graham, and Kenneth Grant. Edge rushers Derrick Moore, and Josaiah Stewart were in a rotation last year, but should get more action. Michigan's line is good, but they lack the depth they had last year.

The linebacking corps will be anchored by a pair of transvers, in Ernest Hausmann (Nebraska) and Jaishawn Barham (Maryland).

All-American corner Will Johnson is back for his junior year. Rod Moore was hurt in the spring, but looks like he will be available for the season opener against Fresno State. Makari Paige will also help to anchor the secondary.

BIG TEN OUTLOOK
With the addition of teams like Oregon, Washington, USC, and UCLA, Michigan's run at the top of the conference could be in jeopardy. The schedule doesn't do Michigan any favors. Early season games against #3 Texas. and #25 USC could provide a road block in the Wolverine's quest for a fourth straight Big Ten championship. Michigan also has games against #4 Oregon, and of course "The Game" at the end of November, in Ohio State. Most prognosticators see Oregon and Ohio State as the favorites to play in the Big Ten Championship game. With the expansion of the playoffs to twelve teams, a return to the playoffs is not out of the question for the Wolverines.


MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 SCHEDULE

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 STATS

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

2024 MEDIA/COACHES POLLS

[ktd1976]

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 SCHEDULE

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 STATS

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

2024 MEDIA/COACHES POLLS

[ktd1976]

WOLVERINES OVERCOME SLOW START, PENALTIES, TO BEAT FRESNO STATE 34-3

Fresno State Bulldogs at Michigan Wolverines
Aug 31, 2024 1 2 3 4 F FRES (0-1) 3 0 0 0 3 #9 MICH (1-0) 0 17 10 7 34 Top Performers PASS: Alex Orji - 18/23, 225 Yards, 2 TD RUSH: Donovan Edwards - 24 Rush, 141 Yards REC: Semaj Morgan - 6 Rec, 83 Yards, 2 TD	Team Stats Comparison FRES MICH First Downs 8 20 3rd Down Efficiency 1-9 9-16 4th Down Efficiency 0-0 1-2 Total Yards 173 606 Passing Yards 111 310 Rushing Yards 16 146 Penalties-Penalty Yards 1-15 15-125 Turnovers 1 0 Time of Possession 22:16 37:44

FULL BOX SCORE

Despite a slow start, and very sloppy play offensively, the Michigan Wolverines opened the 2024 College Football season with a 34-3 win over the Fresno State Bulldogs. Michigan committed 12 penalties, 10 of which were holding calls, several stalling potential scoring drives. The Wolverines scored only two offensive touchdowns on the day.

The defense, on the other hand, was stellar, allowing the Bulldogs just 127 yards of total offense. The defense recorded four sacks, and scored on a pick six.

Michigan actually trailed 3-0 going into the second quarter, before Dominic Zvada tied the game with a 27 yard field goal. Semaj Morgan scored a pair of touchdowns, one on a 13 yard pass from Alex Orji, and another on a 76 yard punt return, and the Wolverines led 17-3 at halftime.

The offense did little in the third quarter, though Zvada did hit a second field goal. Jyaire Hill returned an interception 51 yards for a score, and a 27-3 lead. Semaj Morgan would add another touchdown reception from Orji in the fourth quarter.

First year Wolverine's head coach Kyle Dutcher had this to say about the win. "Offensively, we really started slow, but good teams overcome slow sloppy play, and we were able to do that today. But we've got a lot to clean up offensively before Texas next week."

Michigan hosts #3 Texas Longhorns next Saturday at The Big House. Texas is coming off a rather unimpressive 24-12 win over Colorado State, a game in which they were outgained (299-241) and converted only 2 of 12 third downs. Game time is Noon Eastern.


MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 SCHEDULE

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 STATS

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

2024 MEDIA/COACHES POLLS

[ktd1976]

WOLVERINES SURVIVE LATE SCARE, HOLD ON TO BEAT #3 LONGHORNS

Texas Longhorns at Michigan Wolverines
Sep 7, 2024 1 2 3 4 F #3 TEX (1-1) 3 7 20 3 33 #9 MICH (2-0) 7 28 0 13 48 Top Performers PASS: Alex Orji - 23/35, 285 Yards, 3 TD, INT RUSH: Donovan Edwards - 27 Rush, 139 Yards, 3 TD REC: Colston Loveland - 12 Rec, 140 Yards, 2 TD	Team Stats Comparison TEX MICH First Downs 16 30 3rd Down Efficiency 4-8 9-14 4th Down Efficiency 0-0 1-2 Total Yards 434 521 Passing Yards 350 285 Rushing Yards 58 172 Penalties-Penalty Yards 5-45 4-40 Turnovers 4 2 Time of Possession 22:16 37:44

FULL BOX SCORE

#9 Michigan survived a furious second half rally by the #3 Texas Longhorns, then scored a couple late touchdowns, beating Texas 48-33 at the Big House.

Michigan scored 28 points in the second quarter, building a 35-10 halftime lead. But the Longhorns came storming back, scoring 23 unanswered points, to close the gap to 35-33 with just over 9 minutes left in the game.

But, the Wolverines persevered, driving down the field, and scoring on an 11 yard pass from Alex Orji to Colston Loveland. On the first play after the touchdown, Will Johnson intercepted Texas QB Quinn Ewers, setting up the offense inside the 10 yard line. Donovan Edwards scored from 3 yards out with 1:49 left, sealing the win.

Donovan Edwards finished with 139 yards and 3 touchdowns on 27 carries. Alewx Orji threw for 285 yards and 3 touchdowns. Colston Loveland had 12 catches for 140 yards and 2 touchdowns. The Wolverine defense picked off Quinn Ewers 3 times on the afternoon.

With the win over Texas. Michigan improves to 2-0 on the season, and jumped up to #3 in the A.P Poll. They jumped from #7 to #2 in the Coaches Poll.

Michigan will host the Arkansas State Red Wolves (2-0) next week in The Big House

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 SCHEDULE

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 STATS

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

2024 MEDIA/COACHES POLLS

[ktd1976]

#3 WOLVERINES STEAMROLL ARKANSAS STATE, IMPROVE TO 3-0

Arkansas State Red Wolves at Michigan Wolverines
Sep 14, 2024 1 2 3 4 F ARST (2-1) 0 6 0 7 13 #3 MICH (3-0) 21 3 7 10 41 Top Performers PASS: Alex Orji - 15/27, 242 Yards, 2 TD, 2 INT RUSH: Donovan Edwards - 19 Rush, 257 Yards, 2 TD REC: Semaj Morgan - 5 Rec, 107 Yards, 2 TD	Team Stats Comparison ARST MICH First Downs 18 25 3rd Down Efficiency 7-16 2-7 4th Down Efficiency 0-1 1-1 Total Yards 297 656 Passing Yards 227 242 Rushing Yards 70 328 Penalties-Penalty Yards 1-16 5-15 Turnovers 3 2 Time of Possession 30:35 29:25

FULL BOX SCORE

There were no scares this week. The Michigan wolverines dominated the Arkansas State Red Wolves 41-13. Donovan Edwards led the way with 257 yards, and a pair of touchdowns, on 19 carries. Kalel Mullings added 62 yards on nine carries, with one score. Alex Orji threw for 242 yards, and a pair of touchdowns to Samaj Morgan, who had 107 yards receiving.

Defensively, Jyaire Hill had a pair of interceptions. Ja'Den McBurrows also picked off a pass. Josaiah Stewart recorded 2.5 sacks.

With the win, the Wolverines improve to 3-0, and maintain their spot at #3 in the A.P. Poll. Michigan is #2 in the Coaches Poll. Michigan will host USC (1-1) at the Big House next Saturday at noon.

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 SCHEDULE

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 STATS

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

2024 MEDIA/COACHES POLLS

[ktd1976]

MICHIGAN OPENS BIG TEN SCHEDULE WITH BLOWOUT WIN OVER USC

USC Trojans at Michigan Wolverines
Sep 21, 2024 1 2 3 4 F USC (1-2) 0 0 0 3 3 #3 MICH (4-0) 14 21 7 3 45 Top Performers PASS: Alex Orji - 23/30, 299 Yards, 3 TD, INT RUSH: Kalel Mullings - 16 Rush, 80 Yards, 2 TD REC: Samaj Morgan - 5 Rec, 50 Yards, 2 TD	Team Stats Comparison USC MICH First Downs 10 31 3rd Down Efficiency 0-8 8-11 4th Down Efficiency 0-0 2-2 Total Yards 170 522 Passing Yards 102 321 Rushing Yards 51 169 Penalties-Penalty Yards 4-20 2-10 Turnovers 2 1 Time of Possession 19:21 40:39

FULL BOX SCORE

The #3 Michigan Wolverines opened their Big Ten schedule with a completely dominating win over USC. So dominating, in fact, that they prevented the Trojans from converting a single third down play.
Alex Orji threw for 299 yards and three touchdowns, two of which went to reveicer Samaj Morgan. Kalel Mullings rushed for 80 yards and two touchdowns, on 16 carries. Donovan Edwards added 80 yards on 23 carries.

Defensively, the Wolverines held the Trojans to just 170 total yards. Will Johnson, and Jyaire Hill had an interception each.

The win improves the Wolverines to 4-0 overall, 1-0 in the Big Ten. They will host the rival Minnesota Golden Gophers (2-2) next Saturday (September 28) in the battle for the Little Brown Jug. Game time is 3:30 PM at The Big House.
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 SCHEDULE

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 STATS

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

2024 MEDIA/COACHES POLLS

[ktd1976]

WOLVERINES KEEP LITTLE BROWN JUG WITH 42-28 WIN OVER GOLDEN GOPHERS

Minnesota Golden Gophers at Michigan Wolverines
Sep 28, 2024 1 2 3 4 F MINN (2-3) 0 7 7 14 28 #3 MICH (5-0) 14 7 0 21 42 Top Performers PASS: Alex Orji - 18/26, 290 Yards, 2 TD, 2 INT RUSH: Donovan Edwards - 25 Rush, 186 Yards, 3 TD REC: Tyler Morris - 6 Rec, 82 Yards	Team Stats Comparison MINN MICH First Downs 20 26 3rd Down Efficiency 5-12 7-10 4th Down Efficiency 1-1 0-0 Total Yards 416 586 Passing Yards 278 290 Rushing Yards 63 260 Penalties-Penalty Yards 1-10 2-15 Turnovers 1 2 Time of Possession 28:48 31:12

FULL BOX SCORE

The Little Brown Jug is staying in Ann Arbor. Minnesota made the game close in the second half, but the Wolverines pulled away for a 42-28 win in Ann Arbor in the rivalry game.

Donovan Edwards rushed for 186 yards and three touchdowns on 25 carries. Kalel Mullings added 69 yards on 8 carries. He also added a touchdown. Aelex Orji was picked off twice in the second half, but finished with 290 yards, and two touchdowns, to go along with the two interceptions.

On defense, Will Johnson intercepted his third pass of the season. Ernest Hausmann recorded 11 tackles, while Makari Paige and Jaishawn Barnham recorded ten tackles apiece.

Michigan faces a huge test next week, when they travel to #14 Washington, in a rematch from last year's National Championship (though the teams look much different.) Washington is 5-0 (2-0 in the Big Ten) and is coming off of a 24-13 win at Rutgers.


MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 SCHEDULE

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES 2024 STATS

2024 COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

2024 MEDIA/COACHES POLLS

[BDawg35]

Watched the Texas video. Loveland fumbling is the game aiding a CPU rally. He and Edwards are beasts when I use Michigan.