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3 questions facing Michigan football after the Texas loss

There are more questions than answers as it pertains to Michigan football, but here are three questions the Wolverines need to answer.

By Chris Peterson

Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) looks to makes a pass against Texas linebacker Barryn Sorrell (88) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 7, 2024.
Michigan quarterback Davis Warren (16) looks to makes a pass against Texas linebacker Barryn Sorrell (88) during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, September 7, 2024. / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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Michigan football fans are probably still shell-shocked from Saturday's 31-12 loss to Texas. The loss itself wasn't that surprising. Texas was ranked No. 3 after all.

It was the way Texas dominated Michigan football that opened eyes. The defending national champions lost their head coach, Jim Harbaugh, and 13 other draft picks to the NFL. Michigan returned one starter on offense.

So the transition wasn't going to be easy and on Saturday, we found out how hard life can be after Jim Harbaugh in Ann Arbor. It's still just one game though and I could see Texas winning the national title.

That game won't define the season for Michigan football. The response will. This game reminded me of when Donovan McNabb and Syracuse crushed Michigan back in 1998. That team started 0-2 after a national title.

But they won their next eight games and still had a shot to win the Big Ten title against Ohio State. The Wolverines came up short, but this season could play out in a similar fashion. However, here are three questions Michigan needs to answer going forward.

What's the identity of this offense?

With all of the buzz this offseason about Alex Orji, it's been strange to see him play so little. Michigan put him out there on third down twice against Texas to try and run the ball, but it was so predictable.

I don't criticize play calls often, but everyone in the stadium knew what was coming. Maybe that was fine last season, but this offensive line isn't elite or anywhere close, at least not yet.

So it leaves you wondering, what is the plan at quarterback? We were told that Orji would have a bigger role against Texas and then he didn't. The whole thing has been weird.

Sherrone Moore said he didn't consider playing another quarterback, but my question is why? Davis Warren could be effective with a running game, but without Orji, can the Wolverines find an effective running game?

Right now, the biggest issue isn't the quarterback position. It's a lack of identity. And at least going with Orji gives you an identity and the ability to run the ball.

As it stands, there isn't a single thing Michigan can hang its hat on offensively. That has to change.

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