KDUTCH98'S DETROIT LIONS/MICHIGAN WOLVERINES DUAL DYNASTY

[kdutch98]

When College Football 26 came out, I started a Michigan Wolverines thread, but stopped updating it, because I was still getting used to the new forums, and at the time, HTML was not working with Blogs, which I use quite a bit when running my dynasties. Thankfully, Blogs now support the use of HTML, and I am wanting to return to posting.

However, Madden 26 has now dropped, and I always do a Detroit Lions Franchise as well.

So, I'm gonna try something new here. I have played through 2 full seasons of EA College Football with the Michigan Wolverines. And I am starting a Detroit Lions franchise. I'm gonna attempt to combine both of them into one single "Universe" so to speak. Even though I have already played the College games, I will post updates in this thread, as if they were happening concurrently.

For example, if the Wolverines played on Sept 6th, and the Lions played on Sept 7th, I will post a Michigan post, with game recaps, and a link to the box scores, then follow that up with a Detroit Lions update, as if they were happening in the same universe (I hope this makes sense)

I will have highlight videos for each game, as well as links to the full box scores, as well as standings (for both College and the NFL) and stats (for both the Wolverines, and the Lions) plus links to the College football Polls.

These links will be different each post. So, for example, if you read the Wolverines post from Week 1, the standings will reflect the College Standings at the end of that week, and the polls will reflect the polls after that week. Same with the Lions, If you click on the links in Week 1, they will have the standings after all games are played in Week 1. The standings link in week 2 will have the standings after all games in week 2 have been played. Thus, you can follow along as things happen.

Hopefully this isn't too confusing, and a lot of people will follow along.

[kdutch98]

2025 MICHIGAN WOLVERINES SEASON PREVIEW

The 2024 season was tough to endure for fans of the Michigan Wolverines. Following a National Championship in 2023, Michigan struggled on offense. especially at quarterback, leading to a very disappointing 8-5 season in Ann Arbor. On the bright side, the Wolverines closed out the season with an upset 13-10 win over heavily favored, and eventual National Champion Ohio State, in Columbus. They followed that win up with a 19-13 victory over Alabama, in the ReliaQuest Bowl.

The offseason was marred by rumors of impending sanctions by the NCAA, over various violations. Some speculated that there could be a bowl ban, or even vacated wins, but none of that came to pass. Michigan remains eligible for the College Football Playoffs, and their 2023 National Championship is still on the books, though Head Coach Sherrone Moore will serve a team imposed 2 game suspension to start the season.
OFFENSIVE PREVIEW


There’s no way to go this year but up for Michigan, which ranked 129th nationally in total offense in 2024 (286.2 yards per game). A big part of its problem was at the quarterback position, where the Wolverines rotated a trio of starters and posted one of the nation’s worst passing offenses — failing to execute a pass play of 40-plus yards all season.

Head coach Sherrone Moore replaced his coordinator with Chop Lindsey, from North Carolina, who is expected to add some flair to an offense in desperate need of a jumpstart. Fresno State transfer Mikey Keene is expected to push 5-star freshman Bryce Underwood for the starting job, while the Wolverines added former All-Big Ten wideout Donaven McCulley (Indiana) and Alabama running back Justice Haynes, bolstering two areas in need of playmakers. Michigan also added ESU transfer Darnell Jefferson, who will challenge Haynes for playing time.
DEFENSIVE PREVIEW

t’s possible that this Michigan defense will match the top-20 unit of last year, despite losing a pair of early-round NFL DRAFT picks (Mason Graham, Will Johnson). The Wolverines return playmakers TJ Guy and Derrick Moore on the edge, hoping to make up for the production lost from departed sack leader Josaiah Stewart, a third-round draft pick. Transfers Tré Williams (Clemson) and Damon Payne (Alabama) bolster an already deep tackle room full of guys who’ve waited their turn.

Meanwhile, starters Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann are both back at linebacker. The secondary is a bit of a mystery, but if former All-Big Ten safety Rod Moore returns healthy from an ACL injury, the Wolverines have several plug-and-play pieces back there to make do. Michigan closed the season by allowing only two TDs in its final 14 quarters of play — a stretch that included wins over Ohio State and Alabama.
SPECIALISTS PREVIEW

Big Ten Kicker of the Year Dominic Zvada is motivated after being snubbed from the Lou Groza Award finalist list. He was 26-of-27 on PATs and 21-of-22 on field-goal attempts, including 7-of-7 from 50-plus yards. Luke Bauer is the front-runner to punt, though Michigan may look for an upgrade. Returns will be a continued emphasis; look for receiver Semaj Morgan to be involved this fall.


<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRRfsqBxnijOQ9F2iuYM-1KnskBDFwIFFfO6rv-zqulGwoFI-6r9rbuA3E0wgfllGnL0qIN1M0fsBji/pubhtml?gid=1817656715&single=true" target="_blank">2025 Michigan Wolverines Depth Chart</a>


SCHEDULE

Michigan's schedule is not an easy one. The Wolverines will travel to Oklahoma for a Week 2 meeting with the 23 ranked Sooners. Michigan will have Conference road games at Nebraska, USC, Michigan State, Northwestern, and Maryland. The good news is they get Ohio State at home. Michigan has won 4 straight against the Buckeyes.



<a href="https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/e/2PACX-1vRRfsqBxnijOQ9F2iuYM-1KnskBDFwIFFfO6rv-zqulGwoFI-6r9rbuA3E0wgfllGnL0qIN1M0fsBji/pubhtml?gid=94072907&single=true"_blank">Full schedule</a>

The Wolverines begin the 2025 season ranked #16 in the AP Poll, and 15th in the Coaches Poll. Texas is #1 in the AP Poll, while Ohio State is #1 in the Coaches Poll. Those two teams will meet in a Week 1 matchup.

[kdutch98]

MICHIGAN 51 NEW MEXICO 3

New Mexico Lobos at Michigan Wolverines
Aug 29, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
New Mexico Lobos (0-1)	3	0	0	0	0
#16 Michigan Wolverines (1-0)	14	20	10	7	51

AUGUST 30, 2025

BOX SCORE












The Wolverines put their new look offense on display Saturday afternoon, and it was a sight to see. Michigan gained 561 yards on offense, including 278 through the air, something they couldn't do last season.

Freshman Bryce Underwood went 21/24, for 278 yards, and 2 TDs. Sophomore transfer Darnell Jefferson ran the ball 20 times for 136 yards and a pair of scores. Justice Haynes added 90 yards on 17 carries. Donaven McCulley caught 6 passes for 112 yards, and a touchdown.

The defense was equally impressive, holding the Lobos to just 5 first downs, and 87 yards of offense. Damon Payne Jr recorded 2.5 sacks. Derrick Moore added a pair of sacks himself. Jaishawn Barham had 8 tackles and a sack.

The Wolverines will head to Oklahoma next week, to face the #21 Sooners at Memorial Stadium, in their first road test of the season.



COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS


AP/COACHES POLL


MICHIGAN WOLVERINE STATISTICS

[kdutch98]

WEEK 2 MICHIGAN 40 OKLAHOMA 38

Michigan Wolverines at Oklahoma Sooners
Sep 6, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
#14 Michigan Wolverines (2-0)	10	10	14	6	40
#21 Oklahoma Sooners (1-1)	7	10	7	14	38

BOX SCORE

The Michigan Wolverines ran all over the Oklahoma defense, and held on for a huge 40-38 road victory. With the win, the Wolverines improve to 2-0 on the young season. Michigan jumped to 13th in the AP Poll, and 12th in the Coaches Poll.

The Wolverines took an early 3-0 lead on a 33 yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. The Sooners came right back, scoring on a 22 yard John Mateer pass to Deion Butler. The Wolverines reclaimed the lead late in the first, on a 2 yard Justice Haynes touchdown run. Though the game would remain close, the Wolverines never surrendered the lead again.

Darnell Jefferson scored on a 18 yard run early in the second quarter. After the Sooners and Wolverines traded field goals, Oklahoma got back to within 3 on a Jaydn Ott 4 yard touchdown run with just 10 seconds left in the first half.

The third quarter was back and forth. Jefferson scored again, this time on a 2 yard run. Oklahoma countered with a 66 yard touchdown reception by Jayden Gibson. But the Wolverines countered almost immediately, when Justice Hayes broke loose for a 59 yard touchdown run. Michigan led 34-24 after three quarters.

Dominic Zvada connected on a 50 yard field goal to increase the Michigan lead to 13. But Jayden Ott scored his second touchdown of the game with just 4:40 left, cutting the Wolverine lead to just 6. But, the Oklahoma defense was unable to stop the Wolverine's run game, as Michigan converted on three 3rd downs on the ensuing drive. Dominic Zvada put the game out of reach with a 36 yard field goal with just 1:14 remaining, putting the Wolverines up by two scores. Oklahoma would get a late 1 yard TD run by Keontez Lewis, making it 40-38 with only 10 seconds left. The ensuing onside kick failed, and Michigan was able to kneel out the remaining time, and claim the hard fought win.

Playing in his first career road game, Bryce Underwood struggled, but was good enough. He went 19/26 for 156 yards, and no touchdowns, with one interception. But the Wolverines didn't need him to shine, as the run game rushed for 299 yards, and 4 touchdowns. Justice Haynes had 166 yards on 21 carries, while Darnell Jefferson added 141 yards on 23 carries. They each ran for a pair of touchdowns.

Rod Moore paced the defense, with 9 tackles (one for a loss) and an interception. Jaishawn Barham also intercepted a pass, and had one sack TJ Metcalf added 9 tackles. TJ Guy had 3 tackles (2 for a loss) and 1.5 sacks. Derrick Moore, and Rayshaun Benny had a half sack each. The defense did give up 463 yards of offense to the Sooners, 367 of that through the air.

The Wolverines will return home next week, where they will host the Central Michigan Chippewas (0-2) at The Big House. Kickoff is at Noon Est.






COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

AP/COACHES POLLS

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES STATISTICS

[kdutch98]

DETROIT LIONS SEASON PREVIEW

2024 was the most successful regular season in team history, as the Lions set a franchise record with 15 wins, en route to winning the NFC North by one game over the Minnesota Vikings. However, they followed that up with a disappointing 45-31 loss to the Washington Commanders, in a game in which they turned the ball over five times.

The nucleus of that team is still intact, but the Lions will have to move forward without both of their coordinators from 2024. Ben Johnson took the Head Coach position with the Chicago Bears, and Defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn took the Head Coach position with the New York Jets. The Lions replaced Johnson with John Morton. He previously served as the passing game coordinator for the Denver Broncos from 2023 to 2024. Detroit promoted Kelvin Sheppard to replace Glenn in leading the defense.

OFFENSE
The offense remains much the same as it was last season. The Lions return Jared Goff at quarterback, both Jahmyr Gibbs, and David Montgomery at running back, and Wide receivers Amon-Ra St. Brown, Jameson WIlliams, and Tim Patrick. Sam LaPorta, and Brock Wright also return at Tight End. On the offensive line, center Frank Ragnow retired, and guard Kevin Zeitler was not resigned. Graham Glasgow moves from guard to center to replace Ragnow. Rookie Tate Ratledge will play right guard, next to All Pro Penei Sewell. Christian Mahogany, who played well as a rookie, is slated to start at left guard. Left tackle Taylor Decker also returns.

It remains to be seen how much the Lions offense will miss Ben Johnson's creativity, and aggressiveness. Detroit was among the league leaders in 4th down attempts, and conversions. Even with a extremely reliable kicker, in Jake Bates. Bates connected on 26 of 29 field goals, with a long of 58 yards, in his rookie season.

DEFENSE
Aiden Hutchinson returns from a devastating leg injury, and should anchor a very good defensive line. He will be joined by Marcus Davenport, D.J. Reader, rookie Tyleik Williams, Roy Lopez, Al-Quadin Muhammad, and Alim McNeill, when he returns from injury. The Lions also resigned Za'Darius Smith at the end of the preseason, but it remains to be seen if he will be active week one or not. But, eventually he will pair with Hutchinson to form a very formidable defensive line.

Linebacker Jack Campbell came into his own last season, and took control of the defense after an injury to Alex Anzalone. Campbell finished with 118 tackles, and 1.5 sacks. Both Alex Anzalone, and Derrick Barns return from injuries sustained last year. They should give the Lions a pretty formidable linebacking corps.

The Lions may have the best safety tandem in the NFL, in Kerby Joseph, and Brian Branch. Joseph led the NFL in interceptions with 9 last season, and added 76 tackles. Branch added 4 interceptions, and had 103 tackles, including 8 TFL.

The Lions signed D.J. Reed Jr. to be the #1 Cornerback. He should take some of the load off of second year player Terrion Arnold, who played much better in the second half, after being plagued with penalty issues in the first half. The Lions still believe he can be a top CB in the league. Amik Robertson will be the nickel back. He played extremely well after Carlton Davis was hurt last year, but then he was hurt early in the playoff loss to Washington, after which the Lions defense imploded.

DETROIT LIONS DEPTH CHART

The Lions open the 2025 season on the road on September 7th, in Green Bay

[kdutch98]

WEEK 1 LIONS AT PACKERS

Detroit Lions at Green Bay Packers
Sep 7, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Detroit Lions (1-0)	14	7	14	3	48
Green Bay Packers (0-1)	7	10	7	0	24

BOX SCORE

Game Recap: Detroit Lions 48, Green Bay Packers 24
September 7, 2025 – Lambeau Field

The Detroit Lions opened their 2025 season in dominant fashion, defeating the Green Bay Packers 48–24 on the road at Lambeau Field. Quarterback Jared Goff led the charge, throwing for 324 yards and three touchdowns with no interceptions, while Detroit’s offense piled up 532 total yards.

First Half: Lions Take Control Early


Detroit struck first in the opening quarter with Jahmyr Gibbs’ 3-yard touchdown run, followed by a 19-yard TD pass from Goff to Jameson Williams. Green Bay responded with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Jordan Love to Josh Jacobs, but the Lions carried a 14–7 lead into the second quarter.

In the second period, the Lions extended their lead behind Goff’s precise passing. Amon-Ra St. Brown hauled in a 6-yard TD, and Sam LaPorta added a 17-yard score. Green Bay managed a field goal and a 48-yard TD from Jayden Reed, but a late Lions field goal pushed the halftime score to 31–17.

Second Half: Defense and Ground Game Seal It


The Lions’ defense made a huge statement in the third quarter when Tyliek Williams returned an interception 22 yards for a touchdown. David Montgomery added a 6-yard rushing TD, and despite a long 48-yard strike from Love to Christian Watson, Detroit entered the fourth up 45–24.

A late Jake Bates field goal in the final minute closed out the scoring, giving Detroit a 48–24 win and sending Packers fans home early.

Top Performers

• Jared Goff (DET) – 19/29, 324 yards, 3 TD
• Jahmyr Gibbs (DET) – 17 carries, 114 yards, 1 TD
• Jameson Williams (DET) – 6 receptions, 160 yards, 1 TD
• Jordan Love (GB) – 22/33, 324 yards, 3 TD, 1 INT
• Christian Watson (GB) – 4 receptions, 100 yards, 1 TD

The Lions’ balanced attack and opportunistic defense set the tone for a season-opening statement win, while the Packers will need to regroup quickly to avoid an early-season skid

Postgame Press Conference – Detroit Lions Head Coach Dan Campbell
Following Detroit’s 48–24 win over the Green Bay Packers – September 7, 2025

Opening Statement – Dan Campbell:
(grinning) "Man, that’s a great way to start the season. We came into Lambeau, played physical football, and did what we needed to do to win. Jared was sharp, our run game was rolling, and the defense came up with a huge pick-six when we needed it. That’s complementary football. I’m proud of our guys."

Reporter #1: Coach, Jared Goff threw for 324 yards and three touchdowns. How important was his performance to setting the tone for this game?
Campbell: "It was huge. Jared was locked in all week, and you could feel it from the first drive. He was decisive, he spread the ball around, and he trusted his guys to make plays. When your quarterback is dealing like that, the whole offense feeds off it. That’s veteran leadership right there."

Reporter #2: Jahmyr Gibbs had 114 rushing yards and a touchdown. What did you see from him today?
Campbell: "Explosiveness. He’s got that burst that can change a game. But what I love is he’s running with more patience and vision — letting the blocks develop, then hitting the gas. And our O-line? They were opening lanes all day. You can’t run for over 200 yards as a team without those big guys up front."

Reporter #3: That pick-six by Tyliek Williams in the third quarter seemed to really swing momentum. What did you think of that play?
Campbell: (smiling) "That’s a defensive lineman’s dream right there — catch it, see nothing but green grass, and go score. It fired up the whole sideline. Plays like that are game-changers because they take the crowd out of it and put your guys in total control."

Campbell’s Closing Remark:
"This is just one game. We’ve got 16 more battles ahead. We’ll enjoy it tonight, but tomorrow it’s all about getting better. That’s the only way we’re gonna get where we want to go."

Locker Room Victory Speech – Dan Campbell

After Detroit’s 48–24 win over the Green Bay Packers – September 7, 2025

Campbell:
"ALRIGHT… ALRIGHT… BRING IT IN! BRING IT IN!

We just walked into Lambeau Field, and we didn’t just win — we TOOK it from them! Offense? You lit it up! Jared — precise, patient, lethal. Gibbs — you hit that second gear and made ‘em look like they were running in sand. Jameson, Amon-Ra — y’all just kept finding ways to move the chains and break their backs.

Defense? That’s how you set the tone! Tyliek, you hear me? Big man with the hands, big man with the legs — that pick-six was a knockout punch! You guys swarmed all day, you took away their run, and you made ‘em earn every single yard.

Now listen… this is what we talked about — our standard. Physical. Relentless. Unselfish. This is ONE game, but it’s the kind of game that tells the whole league: ‘The Lions are here, and we’re not going anywhere.’

So enjoy this. Enjoy every second of it tonight. But tomorrow? We go right back to work. Because the only way we get to where we want to go… is to keep biting kneecaps every. single. week.

ONE PRIDE on three!
1… 2… 3… ONE PRIDE!"






WEEK 1 SCORES

2025 LIONS SCHEDULE

NFL STANDINGS

LIONS STATISTICS

[kdutch98]

WEEK 3 CENTRAL MICHIGAN 0 AT #13 MICHIGAN 55

Central Michigan Chippewas at Michigan Wolverines
Sep 13, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Central Michigan Chippewas (0-3)	0	0	0	0	0
#13 Michigan Wolverines (3-0)	10	17	14	14	55

BOX SCORE

Game Recap: #13 Michigan Wolverines 55, Central Michigan Chippewas 0

September 13, 2025 – Michigan Stadium

The #13 Michigan Wolverines put on a dominant all-around performance, dismantling the Central Michigan Chippewas 55–0 in front of the home crowd at the Big House. True freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood was razor-sharp, completing 20 of 22 passes for 342 yards and four touchdowns, while Michigan’s defense pitched a shutout and held CMU to just 82 total yards.

First Half: Wolverines Build Commanding Lead


Michigan opened the scoring midway through the first quarter with a 1-yard TD run from Marlin Klein. A 47-yard field goal from Dominic Zvada and a 1-yard Darnell Jefferson plunge extended the lead to 20–0. Just before halftime, Underwood connected with Fredrick Moore for a 49-yard strike, sending Michigan into the locker room up 27–0.

Second Half: No Let-Up from the Wolverines


The third quarter saw Jefferson score again on a 9-yard run and Justice Haynes add an 11-yard rushing TD. In the fourth, Klein caught his second TD of the day, and Donaven McCulley capped off the scoring with a 60-yard touchdown reception from Underwood.
Top Performers

• Bryce Underwood (MICH) – 20/22, 342 yards, 4 TD
• Darnell Jefferson (MICH) – 17 carries, 107 yards, 2 TD
• Donaven McCulley (MICH) – 5 receptions, 150 yards, 1 TD

The Wolverines dominated in every facet of the game, converting 10 of 14 third downs, forcing eight punts, and never allowing Central Michigan to cross midfield until late in the fourth quarter. With the win, Michigan improves to 3–0 and continues to look like a serious Big Ten contender.

Postgame Press Conference – Michigan Head Coach Sherrone Moore

Following Michigan’s 55–0 win over Central Michigan – September 13, 2025

Opening Statement – Sherrone Moore:
"Really proud of the guys today. We came out with focus, executed in all three phases, and kept our foot on the gas from start to finish. Bryce [Underwood] was incredibly efficient, the O-line controlled the game, and the defense played lights out. Anytime you hold a team to under 100 yards and put up over 550 yourself, that’s a complete team effort. We’ll enjoy this tonight, then get back to work for next week."

Reporter #1: Coach, Bryce Underwood went 20-for-22 with four touchdowns in just his third college start. How would you assess his performance today?
Moore: "Bryce played with poise beyond his years. He went through his reads quickly, took what the defense gave him, and didn’t force anything. What’s really impressive is his command of the offense at this stage. And credit to our receivers — they made some big plays downfield — and to the O-line for keeping him clean all afternoon."

Reporter #2: Your defense pitched a shutout and held Central Michigan to just 82 total yards. What stood out most about that unit today?
Moore: "The energy and communication. From the first snap, they were locked in. We knew CMU would try to establish the run, and our front seven set the tone early. Our secondary played tight coverage, forced quick throws, and when you see guys rally to the ball like that, you know they’re playing together. That’s the standard we want every week."

Reporter #3: How do you balance celebrating a dominant win like this with making sure the team stays focused for tougher opponents ahead?
Moore: "That’s the challenge of any good football team — you enjoy the win, but you don’t get complacent. The guys will feel good tonight, but tomorrow we’ll be breaking down film and correcting mistakes, because there are always things to clean up. The Big Ten schedule is coming fast, and we have to keep getting better every single week."


COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

AP/COACHES POLLS

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES STATISTICS

[kdutch98]

WEEK 2 LIONS 37 BEARS 17

Chicago Bears at Detroit Lions
Sep 14, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Chicago Bears (0-2)	0	10	7	0	17
Detroit Lions (2-0)	10	10	7	10	37

BOX SCORE

Gibbs Turns on the Jets, Lions Turn Up the Heat in 37-17 Rout of Bears

By Mark Ellison – Detroit Free Press

DETROIT — The moment Jahmyr Gibbs broke through the line of scrimmage, there was no doubt. No hesitation. No chance anyone in navy and orange was going to catch him.

From the 1-yard line to the other end zone, 99 yards of pure acceleration — the kind of run that makes a stadium hold its breath and then erupt in one unbroken roar. Ford Field was shaking, and so were the Chicago Bears.

“That was a tone-setter,” head coach Dan Campbell said after the game, a grin still tugging at the corner of his mouth. “And it was all of us — that’s a team touchdown.”

The Lions’ 37-17 victory wasn’t just a win. It was a statement. A declaration that this team, at 2-0, is building something that doesn’t flinch, doesn’t fade, and doesn’t wait around for success to show up — they go and take it.

A Balanced Attack

Gibbs was the headline, but Jared Goff was the glue. The veteran quarterback threw for 268 yards and two touchdowns, calmly picking apart a Bears secondary that was left to fend for itself once the run game started rolling.

Amon-Ra St. Brown caught 12 passes for 121 yards, Sam LaPorta and Jameson Williams found the end zone, and kicker Jake Bates split the uprights from 55 yards with room to spare.

When a team can attack from every angle, the scoreboard starts to look like Sunday’s did: decisive, comfortable, inevitable.

The Defense Stands Tall

Chicago came in with hopes of leaning on its rookie quarterback and a ground game to keep the Lions’ offense on the sideline. The Lions’ defense had other plans.

They held the Bears to just 55 rushing yards, forced Chicago into long down-and-distance situations, and got home to Caleb Williams repeatedly. Alex Anzalone led the charge with 10 tackles and two sacks, Aidan Hutchinson and Josh Paschal made the pocket feel like a collapsing tunnel.

When a defense plays like that, the offense has room to breathe — and to break records.

Ford Field Believes

What’s most striking is the belief. It’s in Campbell’s voice. It’s in the way Gibbs talks about his offensive line. It’s in the noise from the stands — noise that doesn’t just celebrate touchdowns, but third-down stops, solid punts, and smart timeouts.

This isn’t the old Lions, the ones who’d let big plays slip away or leads evaporate. This is a group that finishes what it starts.

At 2-0, they’re not just playing for wins. They’re playing for something bigger — the kind of season that doesn’t come around often in Detroit.

As Campbell told his players in the locker room, “This train is comin’ down the tracks… and it ain’t slowin’ for anybody.”

If Sunday was any indication, he’s right. And Detroit better be ready for the ride.

LOCKER ROOM CELEBRATION.

---

Dan Campbell:
"GET IN HERE! GET IN HERE! CLOSE IT UP!"

"That… THAT is what the hell I’m talkin’ about! That’s Lions football right there, baby! Every. Damn. Phase. Offense — you hit ‘em in the mouth right outta the gate. Gibbs… 99 YARDS?! Are you kidding me?! That’s not just a big play, that’s a damn statement. And you know why it happened? Because the big boys up front said, ‘Not today.’ That’s five dudes movin’ the earth so our man can take it to the house."

---

"Goff — ice in the veins. St. Brown, LaPorta, Jamo — you boys were eatin’ out there. Bates — 55 yards? That’s a cannon for a leg, brother."

---

"Defense — holy hell, you slammed the door shut. Fifty-five yards rushing. That’s nothing. That’s us saying, ‘Nah, you ain’t runnin’ in our house.’ Anzalone, you were everywhere. Hutch, Paschal, Smith — you guys were livin’ in the backfield. And ZERO turnovers, fellas. ZERO. That’s smart football."

---

"But here’s the deal — I love this win. I’m proud as hell of this win. But we’re just gettin’ started. This is TWO. We need THREE. We need FOUR. We stack these damn things until the rest of the league’s lookin’ at us like, ‘Oh **sht**, here come the Lions.’"*

---

"So celebrate tonight — you’ve earned it. You’ve earned every beer, every cheer, every hug. But tomorrow? Tomorrow, it’s back to work. Because this train is comin’ down the tracks and it ain’t slowin’ for anybody."

---

[Campbell grins, holding up a game ball]
"Game ball — Jahmyr freakin’ Gibbs. But every one of you had a hand in that win. Now crank it the hell up — LET’S GO!"
📍 Ford Field — Postgame Press Conference
Detroit Lions Head Coach: Dan Campbell



Opening Statement:
"Man, that’s a good win. Division game, home crowd was incredible, and our guys came out swinging from the first snap. That’s the kind of start you want — Gibbs hitting a 99-yarder right out of the gate, defense flying around, special teams hitting their kicks. That’s how you play Lions football."


Q: How big was Jahmyr Gibbs’ performance today?
"Huge. Absolutely huge. Look, that kid is a spark plug. You give him just a sliver of daylight and he can take it the distance — and we saw that, literally, on that first drive. But it wasn’t just him. The O-line did a hell of a job opening lanes, tight ends blocking, receivers blocking downfield. That’s a team touchdown right there."


Q: Jared Goff seemed in complete control. What did you think of his game?
"He was steady. Didn’t force anything, kept us on schedule, distributed the ball well. That’s two games in a row where he’s been sharp. When he’s operating like that, it’s tough to stop us because we can beat you in so many ways."


Q: Defense held Chicago to just 55 rushing yards. What worked so well?
"It was all about gap integrity and tackling. We knew they’d try to establish the run with their young QB, and we made a decision — we weren’t going to let that happen. Our linebackers were downhill, D-line controlled the line of scrimmage, and guys finished plays. You hold any NFL team to 55 on the ground, you’re gonna have a good day."

Q: How important is starting the season 2-0?
"It’s big, but it’s just two games. I told the guys — enjoy it tonight, flush it tomorrow. The league doesn’t care what you did last week, and we’ve got another fight coming in Week 3. We’ve got to stack wins, not get comfortable."

Q: Any message to the fans after this win?
"Yeah — keep bringing that energy. Ford Field was electric today. You can feel it on the field, and it gives our guys juice. This is what Detroit football’s supposed to feel like, and we’re feeding off it."

Closing:
"Proud of our guys, proud of the way we played complementary football. Now it’s time to get back to work."


WEEK 2 SCORES

2025 LIONS SCHEDULE

NFL STANDINGS

LIONS STATISTICS

[kdutch98]

WEEK 4 MICHIGAN 42 NEBRASKA 10

Nebraska Cornhuskers at Michigan Wolverines
Sep 20, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Nebraska Cornhuskers (3-1)	7	14	7	14	42
#11 Michigan Wolverines (4-0)	0	3	0	7	10

BOX SCORE


No. 11 Michigan pounds Nebraska, stays unbeaten with 42-10 road win

By Mark Ellison, Detroit Free Press

LINCOLN, Neb. — The maize-and-blue train keeps rolling.

Behind a bruising ground attack and a stifling defense, No. 11 Michigan improved to 4-0 with a convincing 42-10 victory over Nebraska on a rainy Saturday afternoon at Memorial Stadium.

Quarterback Bryce Underwood was steady and efficient, completing 23 of 29 passes for 184 yards and a touchdown. But it was the Wolverines’ rushing tandem that broke the Cornhuskers’ will. Darnell Jefferson led the charge with 111 yards and two scores on just 13 carries, while Justice Haynes added 99 yards and two touchdowns of his own. Michigan piled up 235 rushing yards in total.

“We wanted to establish the run early and let our line set the tone,” Jefferson said. “Once we did that, everything else opened up.”

Michigan struck first midway through the opening quarter when Haynes powered in from nine yards out. Jefferson extended the lead early in the second with a 19-yard dash, and after a Nebraska field goal, Marlin Klein’s 16-yard touchdown grab from Underwood made it 21-3 at halftime.

The Wolverines kept their foot on the gas after the break. Jefferson’s 5-yard score in the third quarter pushed the lead to 28-3. In the fourth, Haynes added a 5-yard touchdown, and defensive back Jyair Hill capped the scoring with a 53-yard interception return. Nebraska’s lone touchdown came late, on a 12-yard pass from Daniel Raiola to tight end James Hilton II.

Michigan’s defense smothered the Cornhuskers (3-1), holding them to just 24 rushing yards and a 2-for-12 mark on third down. Linebacker Jaishawn Barham led the Wolverines with 9 tackles, while the secondary snagged two interceptions.

Nebraska’s Raiola threw for 219 yards but was picked off once and sacked twice. EJ Johnson led the Huskers with 57 receiving yards.

The Wolverines dominated time of possession, holding the ball for over 33 minutes and outgaining Nebraska 419-243.

“This was a complete team win,” Michigan head coach [Coach’s Name] said. “We were physical up front, we tackled well, and we took care of the football. That’s Michigan football.”

Michigan now turns its attention to Wisconsin, who they play in two weeks.

Postgame Press Conference – Michigan Head Coach Sherrone Moore
Following Michigan’s 42-10 win at Nebraska, Sep. 20, 2025

Opening Statement
"Really proud of our guys today. That was a tough environment — Memorial Stadium is never an easy place to play, especially in the rain. We came in with a plan to run the football, be physical on both sides, and execute on third downs, and we did all of that. Offense, defense, special teams — it was a complete team effort. We’ll enjoy this for 24 hours and then get back to work."

Q: What did you think of the running game today, especially with Jefferson and Haynes?
Moore: "They were outstanding. Darnell set the tone early, hitting the holes hard, and Justice just kept wearing them down. When you have two backs over 90 yards and four rushing touchdowns between them, that’s the kind of balance we want. Credit to the offensive line — they opened lanes all day."

Q: Bryce Underwood was efficient again. How would you assess his play?
Moore: "Bryce was in command from the first snap. He didn’t try to force anything, made smart reads, and spread the ball around. That touchdown to Marlin Klein was a big-time throw in a tight window. He’s growing every week."

Q: The defense held Nebraska to 24 rushing yards. What was the key there?
Moore: "Gap discipline and tackling. Our front seven controlled the line of scrimmage, and the linebackers filled aggressively. We knew they’d try to establish the run, and our guys just wouldn’t allow it."

Q: Jyair Hill’s pick-six really sealed it. What did you see on that play?
Moore: "We were in a good zone look, Jyair read the quarterback perfectly, jumped the route, and took it to the house. That’s the kind of play that changes the energy for the whole sideline."

Q: Your team dominated time of possession. Was that part of the game plan?
Moore: "Absolutely. On the road, you want to limit the other team’s possessions and wear them down. Converting on third down, keeping the chains moving — that’s how you control the game."

Closing Statement
"Proud of the way our guys stayed locked in for four quarters. We’ll clean up a few penalties, make some adjustments, and get ready for the next challenge. But this was a big road win, and it shows the character and toughness of this team."




COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS
AP/COACHES POLLS
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES STATISTICS

[kdutch98]

Detroit Lions at Baltimore Ravens
Sep 22, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Detroit Lions (3-0)	17	14	6	7	44
Baltimore Ravens (1-2)	0	7	7	12	26

BOX SCORE




Lions capitalize on early turnovers, stay perfect with 44-26 win over Ravens

By Tim Twentyman | Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

Baltimore — The Detroit Lions walked into M&T Bank Stadium on Sunday night looking to keep their unbeaten start alive — and they left with a statement win, powered by early takeaways, explosive plays, and another stellar showing from Jared Goff and Amon-Ra St. Brown.

Behind two first-quarter fumbles by Lamar Jackson, both recovered by Detroit, the Lions jumped out to a 17-0 lead and never trailed, cruising to a 44-26 victory over the Baltimore Ravens. Detroit improved to 4-0 for the first time since 1980, while Baltimore fell to 1-3.

Early Punch Lands Hard
Detroit wasted no time turning defense into offense. Just under seven minutes in, Goff found St. Brown for a 4-yard touchdown to cap a short drive. Moments later, Jake Bates drilled a 27-yard field goal after another Ravens miscue, and rookie sensation Jahmyr Gibbs ripped off a 37-yard scoring run to make it 17-0 with 2:37 left in the first quarter.

“Those turnovers set the tone,” head coach Dan Campbell said. “When you can punch the ball out, get your offense in scoring position, and cash in, that’s how you win on the road.”

St. Brown Steals the Show
St. Brown continued his All-Pro pace, catching 10 passes for 122 yards and a career-high three touchdowns. His second score came late in the first half on a 9-yard strike from Goff, and his third — a 7-yard grab with 48 seconds left before halftime — gave the Lions a 31-7 cushion.

“He’s a dog,” Goff said. “Anytime we need a play, I know where I’m going.”

Baltimore’s Brief Rally
The Ravens showed life in the third quarter when Zay Flowers broke loose for a 58-yard touchdown and Rashod Bateman added a 7-yard score late in the fourth, but Detroit’s lead never dipped below two scores.

Jackson, under pressure much of the night, finished 26-of-33 for 271 yards, three touchdowns, and three costly turnovers.

Ground Game Control
While Goff’s arm did the damage through the air, Gibbs provided balance, rushing 18 times for 171 yards and a touchdown. The Lions outgained Baltimore 215-100 on the ground and held a 33:08 to 26:52 edge in time of possession.

Veteran Derrick Henry punched in a 1-yard run in the fourth quarter for Baltimore, but his 70-yard night wasn’t enough to spark a comeback.

Defense Delivers
Brian Branch led the Lions with 17 tackles, while rookie corner Terrion Arnold came up with a key interception in the second half to halt a potential Ravens rally. Detroit’s defense held Baltimore to just 3-of-9 on third downs and kept their run game largely in check outside of one long Flowers catch-and-run.



Five Takeaways from Lions’ 44-26 win over Ravens

1. Early turnovers were the difference
Two Lamar Jackson fumbles in the opening minutes completely flipped momentum before Baltimore could settle in. Detroit turned both into points, building a 17-0 cushion that forced the Ravens out of their game plan early.

2. St. Brown is playing like the league’s best
Amon-Ra St. Brown didn’t just have a good night — he was unstoppable. Ten catches, 122 yards, and three touchdowns showcased his elite route running, physicality, and chemistry with Goff. He now has five touchdowns through four games.

3. Gibbs gives the Lions another gear
Rookie Jahmyr Gibbs gashed Baltimore’s front for 171 yards on just 18 carries, including a 37-yard first-quarter score. His ability to hit the edge and break tackles kept the Ravens guessing all night.

4. Terrion Arnold makes his mark
The rookie corner’s second-half interception came just as Baltimore was trying to claw back into the game. It was a veteran-type play from a first-year player who’s quickly becoming a key part of Detroit’s secondary.

5. This team looks built for the long haul
The Lions dominated time of possession, balanced the offense, and didn’t commit a turnover. With a top-five offense and an opportunistic defense, Detroit is showing the type of consistency that travels — and wins in January.

Up Next
The Lions return home next Sunday to host the Cleveland Browns in another primetime-caliber matchup.

DAN CAMPBELL LOCKER ROOM SPEECH

Campbell:
“Alright, bring it in! Bring it in, men!

Look — that right there is what it looks like when you take someone’s heart in the first quarter. We walked in here into their house, under the lights, and we punched them right in the mouth. They coughed it up, and we made them pay — every single time.

That’s what good teams do. That’s what great teams do.

Goff — you were money tonight. St. Brown — three tuddies?! You’re a nightmare, man. Gibbs — you ran like your hair was on fire. And defense… Branch, seventeen tackles? Terrion — big-time pick when we needed it. Every single one of you played with grit, with discipline, and with no fear.

Now, I’m gonna tell you something — we are 4-0 for the first time since before half of you were born. But that means nothing if we take our foot off the gas. Cleveland’s coming to our house next week, and I promise you, they’re gonna try and slow us down. We’re not slowing down for anybody.

We’re building something here. And it’s not just wins — it’s a way of playing that travels anywhere, anytime, against anybody. We run. We hit. We take the ball away. We protect it. And we finish.

Enjoy this tonight. You earned it. But tomorrow, we’re back in that building, and we’re getting ready to do it all over again.

One more thing — I love you guys. Every damn one of you. This is a special group, and we’re just getting started.”

Campbell throws his headset on the bench, raises his fist.

Campbell:
“Lions on three! One, two, three—”

Team:
“LIONS!”



WEEK 2 SCORES

2025 LIONS SCHEDULE

NFL STANDINGS

LIONS STATISTICS

[kdutch98]

WEEK 3 POST GAME PRESS CONFERENCE

Dan Campbell

Opening Statement:
“Alright, look — that’s a damn good football team we just beat, and we knew coming in here it was gonna take everything we had. I told the guys, if you want to win on the road, you’ve got to play fast, play physical, and protect the ball. We did all three tonight. We took it away early, we ran it down their throats, and we finished in the fourth quarter. That’s how you do it.”

Q: How big were those early turnovers?
“They were huge. I mean, you get two fumbles in the first quarter from a quarterback like Lamar Jackson, you better make it count. And we did — seventeen points before they could get their footing. That’s not just momentum, that’s a punch in the gut. And credit to our defense for going after the ball and our offense for cashing in.”

Q: Amon-Ra St. Brown had three touchdowns tonight. What did you see from him?
“He’s everything you want in a number-one receiver. He’s tough, he’s reliable, and he doesn’t care about the spotlight — he cares about winning. Ten catches, 122 yards, three scores… that’s not just a stat line, that’s a statement. And it’s not an accident — he and Goff put in the work every single day to be in sync like that.”

Q: Jahmyr Gibbs ran for 171 yards. Was that part of the plan coming in?
“Yeah, we felt like we could get some edges on them, and Gibbs has the speed to make it hurt. The O-line opened some big lanes, and when Jahmyr hits that second level, good luck catching him. That 37-yard run early was exactly what we needed to keep them honest the rest of the game.”

: Terrion Arnold’s interception seemed to stall Baltimore’s momentum.
“Big-time play. They were driving, crowd was starting to get into it, and Terrion just reads it perfect, jumps it, and takes it away. That’s why we drafted him. He’s got the instincts and the confidence to make those plays when it matters most.”

Q: What does 4-0 mean to you and this team?
“It means we’ve won four games. That’s it. It’s a good start, but nobody’s hanging a banner for 4-0. We’ve got Cleveland coming into our place next week, and they’re physical as hell. If we take a deep breath and start feeling good about ourselves, we’ll get punched in the mouth. So enjoy this for 24 hours, then it’s back to work.”

Closing:
“I’m proud of our guys, proud of the way they handled a tough environment, and proud of the way they played for each other. That’s Lions football — physical, smart, and relentless. We’re gonna keep building.”

Jared Goff

Q: How important were those early turnovers?
“Yeah, they were massive. You get short fields in this league, you’ve got to take advantage, and we did. That’s a credit to our defense for setting us up and the offense for finishing drives. It kind of set the tone for the night.”

Q: You and Amon-Ra looked like you were on the same page all night.
“Yeah, we’ve built that trust over the years. I know where he’s going to be, and he knows when the ball’s coming. He’s one of the best in the league right now, and tonight was just another example. We saw some matchups we liked, and we attacked them.”

Q: Jahmyr Gibbs had 171 rushing yards. What does that do for the offense?
“It’s huge. Anytime you can run like that, it opens everything else up. Jahmyr was explosive tonight — he’s got that home run ability. And credit to the O-line — those guys were moving people all game.”

Q: The team is 4-0. How do you keep that going?
“By not thinking about being 4-0. It’s about going 1-0 each week. Cleveland’s a tough, physical team, and if we want to keep this rolling, we’ve got to bring it again next Sunday.”

Amon-Ra St. Brown

Q: Three touchdowns tonight — did you feel like you were in a rhythm from the start?
“Yeah, for sure. First drive we get a short field, and when you punch it in like that early, it just gets you going. Jared was putting the ball right where it needed to be, and I just tried to make plays.”

Q: Was there something you saw in Baltimore’s secondary that made you confident?
“They’re a good group, but we knew if we ran our routes crisp and kept the tempo up, we could create space. We spread them out and made them cover sideline to sideline, and that worked for us.”

Q: What does it mean to you to have a career-high three touchdowns?
“It’s cool, but honestly, I’m more hyped about us being 4-0. The stats are nice, but winning is what matters. And we’ve got a long season ahead, so I’m focused on the next one.”

Q: How do you build off this performance?
“Just keep working. Nothing changes. We come in, watch the tape, fix the mistakes, and get ready for Cleveland. That’s all it is.”

[kdutch98]

Bye week arrives at perfect time for No. 9 Michigan ahead of Wisconsin showdown

By Mark Ellison, Detroit Free Press

ANN ARBOR — The schedule-makers may have done No. 9 Michigan a favor.

After starting 4-0, capped by a 42-10 dismantling of Nebraska last Saturday, the Wolverines will use this weekend’s bye to rest and regroup before a marquee Big Ten clash with Wisconsin next Saturday at The Big House.

Head coach Sherrone Moore called the timing ideal. "It’s a chance for us to get healthy, self-scout, and fine-tune some details," Moore said. "We’ve played some physical games, and Wisconsin’s going to be another one, so rest and preparation are key." A strong start, but tougher tests ahead


Michigan’s unbeaten run has been fueled by a dominant ground game and suffocating defense. Running backs Darnell Jefferson and Justice Haynes have combined for over 700 rushing yards and 10 touchdowns, while quarterback Bryce Underwood is completing 71% of his passes with six touchdowns and no interceptions.

The Wolverines’ defense has been equally impressive, allowing just 11.5 points per game and fewer than 80 rushing yards per contest.

Wisconsin, however, brings its own brand of physicality, powered by star running back Chez Mellusi and a disruptive defensive front. Keys for the week off


Moore said the staff’s priorities are:

1. Health: Rest key starters, especially along the offensive line.
2. Self-scouting: Address predictable tendencies and sharpen execution.
3. Scouting Wisconsin: Prepare for a Badgers offense that mixes power running with timely shots downfield.

"We know what they want to do, and they know what we want to do," Moore said. "It’s going to come down to execution and physicality." Looking ahead


Michigan hasn’t lost to Wisconsin since 2019, but the Badgers will arrive hungry. The Wolverines return to full-pad practice Tuesday, blending recovery with targeted game prep. Next Saturday will reveal whether the bye week was a springboard — or merely a pause before the storm.





COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...48&single=true
AP/COACHES POLLS
https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets...51&single=true

[kdutch98]

Detroit Lions at Cleveland Browns
Sep 28, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Detroit Lions (4-0)	6	3	0	0	9
Cleveland Browns (0-4)	10	14	3	13	40

BOX SCORE

Lions crush Browns 40-9 to remain unbeaten

By Tim Twentyman | Detroit Free Press Sports Writer

Detroit — The Detroit Lions didn’t just beat the Cleveland Browns on Sunday. They overpowered them in every phase.

With explosive plays on offense, relentless pressure on defense, and mistake-free special teams, the Lions rolled to a 40-9 win at Ford Field, improving to 4-0 for the first time since 1980.

“This was a complete team win,” coach Dan Campbell said afterward. “We played with discipline, with physicality, and with the mindset we’ve been talking about since camp. This is who we are.”

Offense sets the tone early

It took just three plays for the Lions to make a statement. On their first possession, Jared Goff launched an 82-yard touchdown pass to Jameson Williams, who split two defenders and raced untouched to the end zone. The play sent the sold-out crowd into a frenzy and gave Detroit a lead it never came close to losing.

Williams finished with four catches for 115 yards. Goff was efficient, completing 16 of 25 passes for 247 yards and a touchdown.

The running game was equally devastating. Jahmyr Gibbs rushed 16 times for 159 yards and two short touchdowns in the second quarter. David Montgomery added a 4-yard score in the fourth, capping a day when Detroit averaged 6.7 yards per carry.

“Our O-line just moved people,” Gibbs said. “They gave me lanes, and I just hit them.”

Defense clamps down

The Browns entered the game with a top-10 rushing attack, but Detroit’s front seven made them look ordinary. Cleveland finished with just 55 rushing yards on 18 carries.

Deshaun Watson was pressured all afternoon, sacked four times — two each by Aidan Hutchinson and Zach Smith. Rookie corner Terrion Arnold picked off Watson late in the first half, setting up a Lions field goal before halftime.

“We knew if we got them behind the sticks, we could pin our ears back,” Hutchinson said. “That’s what we did.

Special teams perfect

Kicker Jake Bates continued his flawless rookie season, hitting all four of his field goals — from 30, 43, 46 and 22 yards — and all four extra points. Punter Jack Fox pinned Cleveland inside its 20 twice, helping Detroit control field position.

What’s next

The Lions hit the road next week for a high-profile matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals (3-1). It’s another chance for Detroit to prove its 4-0 start is no fluke — and to keep the NFC’s top seed within reach.






WEEK 2 SCORES

2025 LIONS SCHEDULE

NFL STANDINGS

LIONS STATISTICS

[kdutch98]

“Alright, listen up! Listen up!

That… that right there… that’s a complete team win.

Offense — you came out swinging. First drive, BOOM! Eighty-two yards to Jameson. You set the tone. We ran the ball right down their throats, we threw it over their heads, and we protected the football. That’s how you take a game over.

Defense — my God, you guys were relentless. Four sacks. One pick. Fifty-five yards rushing allowed. You made ‘em one-dimensional, you made ‘em miserable, and you never let off the gas. That’s how you impose your will.

Special teams — perfect. Jake Bates? Money. Every single kick, every single point. Jack Fox? Pinning ‘em deep. That’s winning football right there.

We’re 4-0, men. First time since 1980! And it ain’t by accident. It’s because you believe in each other, you prepare, and you show up ready to fight every damn Sunday.

But here’s the deal — we’re not satisfied. This train ain’t stopping. We’ve got Cincinnati next week. That’s a hell of a team, and it’s on the road. But I’ll tell you this — if we bring THIS (slaps the game ball), this energy, this focus — we can beat anybody, anywhere.

So celebrate tonight, men. You’ve earned it. Tomorrow, we lock back in. We keep building. Because this is our year. OUR year.

Lions on three… ONE, TWO, THREE—”

Team: “LIONS!”

Dan Campbell Postgame Press Conference

Detroit Lions 40, Cleveland Browns 9
Ford Field – Detroit, MI

Opening Statement:
"Man, that’s a complete win. Offense, defense, special teams — all three phases showed up. We set the tone early with that shot to Jamo, we ran the ball hard, we protected the quarterback, and we took the ball away. Defense got after their guy, shut the run game down. Jake was money again. I told the guys in there — we’re 4-0, and that’s great — but we ain’t satisfied. We’ve got a tough one next week on the road, so we’ll enjoy this tonight and get back to work tomorrow."

Q: You’ve talked about starting fast. How big was that 82-yard touchdown to Jameson Williams right out of the gate?

Dan Campbell: "That’s exactly what you want. We talk about setting the tone all week. First drive, third play, you hit a big one like that — that sends a message. It says, ‘We’re here, and we’re coming at you.’ And credit to Jared and Jamo — that’s timing, that’s protection, and that’s execution."

Q: Jahmyr Gibbs had 159 rushing yards. What did you see from him today?

Dan Campbell: "He was decisive. He hit the hole and trusted it. And when he gets into space, he’s dangerous. But I’ll tell you, that’s our O-line, too. Those guys opened lanes and moved bodies all day. Gibbs just took advantage of it."

Q: Your defense limited Cleveland to 55 rushing yards. Was that the game plan coming in?

Dan Campbell: "Absolutely. That’s the identity of our defense. Stop the run first, make ‘em one-dimensional, and then go hunt. We knew if we could get ‘em into passing situations, our front could eat. Hutch, Zach, the whole group — they were relentless."

Q: Terrion Arnold came up with another interception. What can you say about his growth?

Dan Campbell: "Man, he’s just a rookie, but he plays like he’s been here a while. He studies, he prepares, he’s competitive. That pick came at a huge time. That’s a momentum swing, and he’s already becoming one of those guys we can count on."

Q: Jake Bates continues to be perfect on the year. How much confidence does that give you?

Dan Campbell: "It’s huge. Any time we get into scoring range, we know we’re getting points. And it’s not just the short ones — he’s been nails from 40-plus, too. For a rookie, he’s been steady as they come."

Q: You’re 4-0 for the first time since 1980. Does that mean anything to you?

Dan Campbell: "It means we’ve done our job four times. That’s it. Look, it’s cool for the fans, and I love that for them — they deserve it. But we’ve got a long season, and our focus is on getting to 5-0. That’s the mindset."

Q: What’s your message going into Cincinnati next week?

Dan Campbell: "It’s gonna be a fight. That’s a tough place to play, they’re well-coached, they’ve got playmakers. But we’ll be ready. We bring the same physicality, the same discipline, and we’ll give ourselves a shot."

[kdutch98]

Wisconsin Badgers at Michigan Wolverines
Oct 4, 2025	1ST	2ND	3RD	4TH	SCORE
Wisconsin Badgers (4-1)	0	3	0	0	3
#8 Michigan Wolverines (5-0)	7	10	7	3	27

BOX SCORE

No. 9 Michigan stifles Wisconsin, stays unbeaten with 27-3 win at soggy Big House

By Mark Ellison, Detroit Free Press

ANN ARBOR — The rain never stopped falling Saturday at Michigan Stadium, but neither did Michigan’s momentum.

Behind a balanced attack from freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood and a bruising ground game led by Justice Haynes, the ninth-ranked Wolverines rolled to a 27-3 win over Wisconsin, improving to 6-0 on the season.

Underwood finished 14-of-21 for 181 yards and two touchdowns, connecting with Donaven McCulley on a 30-yard strike in the second quarter and Brady Prieskorn on a 13-yard score in the third. Haynes carried the ball 13 times for 87 yards and a first-quarter touchdown, setting the tone on a slick, wet turf that made passing dicey at times.

“It was tough conditions, but we pride ourselves on being able to play our style no matter what,” Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said. “We ran it well, protected the ball, and our defense was lights-out.”

That defense made life miserable for Badgers quarterback B. Edwards Jr., who completed just 24 of 33 passes for 165 yards and no touchdowns. Michigan held Wisconsin to 195 total yards — only 30 on the ground — and forced six punts. Linebacker J. Barham led the way with 13 tackles, while R. Benny recorded the Wolverines’ lone sack.

Wisconsin’s only points came from a Nathanial Vakos 45-yard field goal just before halftime. Michigan answered with a 37-yarder from Dominic Zvada late in the fourth to put the game on ice.

The Wolverines dominated time of possession and outgained the Badgers 342-195, converting four of 11 third downs despite the weather.

At 6-0, Michigan now turns its attention to a massive road test next Saturday under the lights at the Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum against No. 12 USC — a matchup that could have major College Football Playoff implications.



COLLEGE FOOTBALL STANDINGS

AP/COACHES POLL

MICHIGAN WOLVERINES STATISTICS