Michigan Wolverines, ranked No. 9, kicked off their national championship defense with a 30-10 victory over Fresno State on Saturday night. The Wolverines struggled offensively, introducing new quarterbacks backed by a revamped offensive line and new head coach Sherrone Moore, who debuted as Jim Harbaugh’s successor.
During the game, Davis Warren and Alex Orji each threw a touchdown pass, with Will Johnson also contributing a pick-six. Despite a slow start, Michigan was able to pull away in the fourth quarter after Fresno State posed a challenge, trailing by just four points deep into the second quarter and 16-10 in the fourth.
Davis Warren, ultimately chosen as the starting quarterback, connected with Colston Loveland for an 18-yard touchdown pass giving Michigan a 23-10 lead late in the game. Johnson then intercepted a pass and ran it back 86 yards, securing a decisive victory for the Wolverines.
Fresno State’s quarterback, Mikey Keene, completed 22 of 36 passes for 238 yards, including a 19-yard touchdown pass to Raylen Sharpe in the fourth quarter. Jalen Moss of Fresno State had six catches for 97 yards, showcasing strong performances despite the team’s loss.
On the defensive end, Michigan’s offensive line, once a strong suit of the team, struggled as the Bulldogs put pressure on the Wolverines. However, as the game progressed, Michigan’s offense improved, creating openings for the running game and providing better protection for the quarterbacks.
Looking ahead, Fresno State will face Sacramento State following their loss to San Jose State, while Michigan is set to host No. 4 Texas after a 52-0 win over Colorado State.
Despite the uneven performance, the Wolverines may maintain their ranking in the AP poll, similar to past defending champions who started the season in lower ranking positions. Last time a national champion was ranked as low as Michigan in the preseason poll was in 2011 with Auburn at No. 23.
