Texas football had no problem blasting visiting Colorado State 52-0 in last week’s season opener, but the competition stiffens Saturday against defending national champion Michigan.
And the first matchup of the college football season between two top-10 teams is in Michigan Stadium, no less, where the Wolverines have won 23 consecutive games. Texas is ranked No. 3 in the US LBM Coaches Poll while Michigan comes in at No. 9.
Here are three pregame questions we have:
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Texas running back Jaydon Blue will try anbd find room to run against a rugged Michigan defense. The Longhorns’ ability to run power between the tackles could prove decisive in Saturday’s game at Michigan.
Can Texas handle one of the most hostile environments in college football?
The Big House, the fitting moniker for Michigan Stadium, seats 106, 701 fans, which makes it the largest stadium in the U.S. and the second largest in the world. The crowd has helped propel No. 9 Michigan to 23 consecutive wins at home, and it should give a boost to a rebuilt Wolverine bunch that’s a 7 ½ point underdog despite home-field advantage.
But the No. 3 Longhorns have reasons for their confidence. Texas did just fine at Alabama a year ago with a 34-24 win that proved the decisive factor in reaching the College Football Playoff for the first time, and quarterback Quinn Ewers boasts a 7-1 record as a starter in true road games.
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Will Texas be able to run power against Michigan?
Head coach Steve Sarkisian will certainly try, since it’s always been a part of his offenses. The Longhorns’ interior line did a nice job against Colorado State last week, but Michigan boasts a lot more bulk — and a lot more blue-chip talent — in the middle with 320-pound Mason Graham and 340-pound Kenneth Grant. It’s arguably the most effective defensive tackle duo in the nation; think of Byron Murphy II and T’Vondre Sweat from last season, Texas fans, and you may have a comparison.
Texas center Jake Majors, right guard DJ Campbell and left guard Hayden Conner will have to create some slivers of space against the stout Michigan defensive front seven. And Texas will need its set of running backs that includes 200-pound Jaydon Blue, 205-pound Jerrick Gibson and 200-pound Quintrevious Wisner to muscle through those tight spaces.
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How will the Texas defense try to confuse Michigan’s inexperienced quarterbacks?
Davis Warren, a senior who made his first start for Michigan last week in a 30-10 win over Fresno State, has an inspirational story that should make him a fan favorite for anyone. A former walk-on, Warren has overcome leukemia and earned the starting nod this season after three years of serving on the scout team.
But Warren only attempted 14 passes — all in mop-up duty — entering this season. And dual-threat Alex Orji, who sees lots of snaps, only had 16 career passes prior to this season. That inexperience should get Texas defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski reaching deep into his bag of tricks when it comes to blitz packages and cover schemes.
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This article originally appeared on Austin American-Statesman: 3 questions for No. 3 Texas football entering the game at No. 9 Michigan
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Publish date : 2024-09-06 22:10:00
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