Report Card: Grading Michigan in a 31-12 loss to Texas
Grading Michigan football in all facets of a 31-12 loss to Texas. The U-M offense sputtered again and the defense wasn’t any better, disappointing in getting shredded in the first half, especially. The grades:
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Michigan rushing offense: D
Michigan ran for 79 yards on 19 designed runs, the most success coming in the first and third quarters. The Wolverines aren’t getting enough explosive plays in the running game — the long play Saturday was 12 yards — and everything seems to be a grind. Senior Donovan Edwards seemed to miss a cutback lane on the first drive for what could have been a nice gain … that senior Kalel Mullings got only 6 carries (25 yards) was perplexing.
Michigan quarterback Alex Orji on third-down plays was too predictable.
Passing offense: D
Credit quarterback Davis Warren (204 yards) with some really nice throws in the fourth quarter, mostly on the run after he escaped pressure and stepped up in the pocket. When it mattered, though, in the first three quarters, the Wolverines managed only 73 passing yards. Receivers aren’t gaining separation or helping the cause — Sherrone Moore pinned both the interceptions on the pass catchers, a tipped ball and wrong route — and tight end Colston Loveland, as good as he is, needs to be more responsible with the ball. His unforced fumble was a killer.
Michigan rushing defense: C
The numbers weren’t huge, and a third of them came on one reverse for touchdown (55 yards), but the Longhorns had too much success on the ground. They notched 143 yards on 32 carries, but only 2.84 yards per rush without the reverse to receiver Ryan Wingo. The Longhorns were able to pick up third and shorts by moving the line of scrimmage.
Passing defense: D-
This one was a mess. There was miscommunication on the back end, receivers running open most of the day … Quinn Ewers finished 24-of-36 for 246 yards and 3 touchdowns, and it would have been worse had they kept a foot on the gas in the second half.
Michigan didn’t pressure Ewers much — no sacks, officially — and sophomore Jyaire Hill had a tough first half. He played better in the second, but the secondary overall was disjointed.
Michigan special teams: B
It’s only this high because of kicker Dominic Zvada, who impressed with two more field goals of 37 and 52 yards. Punter Tommy Doman needs to pick it up. His short punt set the stage for an early short field for the Longhorns. The return game is just OK at this point.
