The suspense surrounding Michigan’s quarterback situation ended just before kickoff in the Wolverines’ season opener when Davis Warren was named the starter. However, the search for consistency on an offense that had to replace key players from last year’s national championship team continued. Michigan’s new offensive line struggled, and the run game had difficulty finding its rhythm, which was expected since line play and the run game are closely linked. Warren, making his debut, threw an interception and took a sack but was effective in connecting with tight end Colston Loveland in the passing game. Backup quarterback Alex Orji, known for his running ability, was used throughout the game, throwing a touchdown and trying to provide a spark.
This wasn’t the ideal way for the ninth-ranked Wolverines to start their national championship defense under new head coach Sherrone Moore, but they secured a 30-10 win over Fresno State, extending their home winning streak to 23 games. Moore, previously Michigan’s offensive coordinator and offensive line coach, took over as head coach after Jim Harbaugh left for the Los Angeles Chargers. One of the standout performers for Michigan was kicker Dominic Zvada, a transfer from Arkansas State, who nailed three field goals from 45, 53, and 55 yards.
Throughout camp, there was much talk about the quarterback competition and the strength of Michigan’s defense, which showed its potential with three sacks—two by Josaiah Stewart and one by Rayshaun Benny—and interceptions by Zeke Berry and Will Johnson. A late interception by Makari Paige was nullified by a roughing-the-passer penalty against T.J. Guy. The game’s biggest defensive highlight was Johnson’s 86-yard interception return for a touchdown, which sealed the Wolverines’ victory with 3:57 left in the game.
Fresno State’s Mikey Keene led a drive to the Michigan 20-yard line before Johnson’s game-clinching play. Earlier in the fourth quarter, Michigan’s defense had faltered, allowing the Bulldogs to drive 75 yards on seven plays, with Keene throwing a 19-yard touchdown pass to cut the lead to 16-10 with just over 10 minutes remaining. Michigan responded with its best drive of the game, marching 75 yards on seven plays, highlighted by running back Kalel Mullings’ three consecutive runs for 42 yards. Warren capped the drive with a touchdown pass to Loveland, extending the lead to 23-10. Loveland finished the game with eight catches for 87 yards.
The Wolverines totaled 269 yards of offense, including 148 rushing yards, most of which came in the second half. Despite a quick start and an early lead set up by an interception, Michigan’s offense showed signs of struggle, especially with a rebuilt offensive line that failed to create space for the running backs. At halftime, Michigan led 10-3 but had only 89 total yards, including 35 rushing yards on 16 carries (2.2 yards per carry), and was 0 for 4 on third downs. Warren completed 8 of 10 passes for 51 yards and an interception.
On a third-and-1 early in the second quarter, Mullings couldn’t convert due to Dominick Giudice being pushed back, and Warren later took a sack because of an offensive line miscue. Greg Crippen replaced Giudice at center before halftime, but Giudice returned to start the second half. Stewart recorded his sack in the first half. Berry, who had been highly praised during camp, sparked Michigan early by intercepting Keene on the Bulldogs’ first series. The Wolverines capitalized on the turnover, with Orji finishing the drive with a 3-yard touchdown pass to Donovan Edwards, giving Michigan a 7-0 lead. Zvada added a 45-yard field goal to extend the lead before halftime.
