I tend to look on the Mr. Brightside of things – as does apparently 110,665 folks inside the Big House on a perfect Saturday evening for a college football opener in Ann Arbor. And so what if EVERYTHING wasn’t perfect.
It was shocking – well, if anything can shock us anymore in 2024 – to hear some fans start to chant for quarterback Alex Orji in the SECOND quarter of the Wolverines season opener with Fresno State. Spoiler alert – Michigan won 30-10.
Starting QB Davis Warren didn’t remind anyone of Tom Brady – or Drew Henson for that matter – in his first collegiate start but the young man who has faced bigger adversity than the Fresno State defense in his young life deserves a legitimate chance. And give kudos to new head coach Sherrone Moore for not wavering when things got a little dicey and the fans a little restless.
On the Mr. Brightside of things is that when U-M faced a little adversity they did what they did every time last year by answering the call. How many times last year did Michigan need a touchdown or a field goal or a big stop and they delivered – yeah, every time!
And while the difference at the end was 20 points, all of the 110,665 fans knew the game was a lot closer. In fact, after Fresno State scored its first TD of the game the lead was down to 16-10 with 10 minutes left in the game. The Wolverine faithful weren’t exactly nervous but they were inching up on the edge of those tiny seats in the Big House. Anyone who has sat in those seats for a few hours knows they can get a little uncomfortable – and that’s how they felt with 10 minutes left in the fourth quarter.
But the young QB delivered, marching the Wolverines down the field 75 yards in seven plays culminating on an 18-yard TD pass to Colston Loveland to push the lead to 23-10 with 4:17 left in the game. The defense, which was solid all game, finished the scoring on an 86-yard interception return for a TD by Will Johnson.
Warren finished 15 of 25 for 118 yards with one TD and one interception. Kalel Mullings finished with 92 yards on 15 carries as the Wolverines ran the ball for 148 yards while Fresno State managed just 9 yards on the ground. Both the Wolverines and Bulldogs had 18 first downs in the game.
It wasn’t a great start by the Wolverines but a very good one. Remember, new coach, new QB, new offensive line, new featured RB and plenty of off the field nonsense that could distract a lesser team. They also didn’t open up the playbook and show anything they’ve been working on – and we can assume they have some tricks up their sleeves.
It didn’t take tricks to beat Fresno State. It took Michigan football. Run. Run. Pass (if you have to). And answer the call when your backs are against the wall. It’s just “the price I pay” and “Destiny is calling me.” Michigan is 1-0, enjoy the Mr. Brightside.
PS – It doesn’t take Vegas long to get things right. They had the point spread at 21.5.
