ANN ARBOR, Mich. — It wasn’t pretty in the early going but Michigan football still managed to beat Fresno State in convincing fashion, 30-10.
The defending national champion still has the requisite defense to go deep into the season, but offensively, the Wolverines looked disjointed at times. Besides the first drive (which was on a short field after an early interception by nickel Zeke Berry), the last drive of the first half and the last drive of the game, the offense sputtered often, with offensive line play that didn’t clearly resemble the units that Michigan has fielded since 2021.
“The offense had its ups and downs, but we’re gonna get better,” Moore said after the game. “In all phases, special teams as well, we’re going to try to get better.”
It was the first start for former walk-on Davis Warren at quarterback, who won the battle over expected starter Alex Orji. Warren managed to go 15-for-25 for 118 yards, a touchdown, and an interception. The pick came early in the game and it appeared as if it took him some time before he got back in rhythm — understandable given his lack of playing time on the big stage.
Still, Warren was relieved that the maize and blue got the win, and how the team fought throughout.
“I’m proud of the way the guys battled tonight,” Warren said. “And the guys trusted me and rallied around me. We’ve got a lot of work too, but I’m excited where it started.”
The run game also sputtered until Kalel Mullings came alive late in the game. The team, overall, had 148 yards, but Mullings led the way with 15 carries for 92 yards. Receiving-wise, tight end Colston Loveland led the way with eight catches for 87 yards and a touchdown.
On the other side of the ball, the defense was mostly dominant. Not only did Berry get his interception, but Will Johnson — who struggled a bit early on — had an 86-yard pick six after two seeming interceptions (one by safety Quinten Johnson and another by safety Makari Paige) were called back — the first being called incomplete and the second due to a roughing the passer penalty. Edge rusher Josaiah Stewart led the team with two sacks.
Michigan will need to get its ducks in a row quickly as No. 3 Texas comes to Ann Arbor next week.