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Game balls from Michigan football's 31-12 loss to Texas

Anthony Broomeby:Anthony Broome•09/07/24•

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Texas QB Quinn Ewers warms up vs. Michigan
© Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

ANN ARBOR – The Michigan Wolverines dropped a 31-12 decision to the Texas Longhorns on Saturday, illustrating a further need for progress in the first season under Sherrone Moore.

Here are the game balls for the Week 2 loss as handed out by The Wolverine’s panel of Chris Balas, Clayton Sayfie and Anthony Broome.

Chris Balas: Michigan K Dominic Zvada

On a day where very little went right for the Wolverines, at least they showed they have a kicker again. Dominic Zvada is a legitimate weapon for this team, even if his field goal attempts (5) currently outnumber his extra points (3) on the season. Saturday’s loss to Texas saw him hit field goals of 37 and 52 yards in the contest, showing his range and proving half of the team’s scoring output for the day. You would hate to have to lean on him the way they have the first few weeks, but it is so hard to find quality kickers in college and Michigan is blessed to have one of the best yet again, it looks like.

Anthony Broome: Michigan WR Semaj Morgan

This is a young football team that is waiting for stars to emerge in key spots. The wide receiver position has left a lot to be desired on the field in the first two weeks of the season, but sophomore Semaj Morgan is a gamer and proves that every time he takes the field. He had 5 catches for 45 yards and a 31-yard touchdown late in the game to make things look a little less lopsided, but it could be something to build on moving forward. Of all the players at wide receiver, he looks like he has the brightest future from a playmaking and big-play perspective, and Michigan needs to make an effort to get him more creatively involved in the offense.

Clayton Sayfie: Texas QB Quinn Ewers

Credit where credit is due on Saturday, Texas brought one of the best quarterbacks in college football into town with them and he played like it. Ewers finished the day 24-for-36 for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns, evading pressure, stepping up and making big plays in critical moments early, especially in third down situations. The juxtaposition between Texas’ well-oiled offensive machine and Michigan’s clunky, work-in-progress outfit was eye-opening, and it goes to show how important it is to have a star at the most important position on the field, as the Wolverines did the last two seasons in J.J. McCarthy

Honorable mentions

• Michigan graduate WR CJ Charleston: 1 catch, 22 yards on a flea flicker
• Michigan senior RB Donovan Edwards: 8 carries, 42 yards
• Michigan EDGE Derrick Moore: 4 tackles, 1 TFL
• Texas TE Gunnar Helm: 7 catches, 98 yards

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