For the final time in the 2025 season, the Michigan football team will take the field on Wednesday for the Citrus Bowl against Texas.
The two teams will kick off the game at 3:30 PM EST on ABC. The 18th-ranked Wolverines are a seven-point underdog against 13th-ranked Texas.
Michigan and Texas were each one win from making the College Football Playoff. Much of the focus has been on the new head coach for the Wolverines, Kyle Whittingham, but Michigan can finish the season with 10 wins, and finish in the top 15 with a win.
It's also a great opportunity for Bryce Underwood and the offense to build momentum heading into 2026. The QB is slated to come back next season, along with most of the offensive line.
With all that in mind, here are three bold predictions for the Wolverines against Texas in the Citrus Bowl.
Jordan Marshall will rush for 100 yards
Texas might have the best run defense of any team on Michigan's schedule outside of Ohio State, allowing just 3.0 yards per attempt. The Wolverines still rushed 100 yards. Marshall was only able to play two series, but he got 61 yards on four carries.
Marshall has been practicing and should be close to 100 percent. The offensive line is mostly healthy, and Texas is short some linebackers.
Michigan might not win the game, but Marshall will rush for at least 100 yards.
The offense will score at least 20 points
In Michigan's three most difficult games of the season, the Wolverines averaged less than 12 points per game (35 total). U-M scored 13 points against Oklahoma, 13 against USC and just nine against Ohio State.
Michigan kicked seven field goals in those three games, many of those within the red zone. Executing in that area will be important. That's part of growing as a quarterback, and despite all of the circumstances, Bryce Underwood has had three weeks of practice.
He will be better for that and the offense will finally have a decent game against a solid defense, scoring at least two touchdowns and two field goals.
Michigan will intercept Arch Manning at least once
Arch Manning has been far from perfect this season. He's downright struggled at times. You can bet that Wink Martindale, in what should be his final game as defensive coordinator, will throw the kitchen sink at Manning.
Some of it will work. Some of it won't, but I have a feeling that Jyaire Hill or Cole Sullivan will come away with an interception in the Citrus Bowl.
Prediction: Texas 23, Michigan 20
Michigan will have a lot of energy. The Wolverines might be more motivated than the Longhorns, but Texas is the better team and has the better coach. They will find a way to win a competitive game.