3 reasons Michigan football will beat Texas in Week 2
This year, Michigan football has one of the biggest games of the season in Week 2. Texas comes to town, looking to contend for a national championship after falling short in the College Football Playoffs a season ago. While the game will not determine the outcome of Michigan's season - the Wolverines can win the conference and make the playoffs regardless of the outcome - beating the Longhorns would be huge in changing the narratives surrounding this Michigan football team.
It seems like lots of the media have written off the Wolverines this season. Mostly because of the uncertainty at the quarterback position. But a win against the Longhorns, who are ranked #4 in the Preseason Coaches Poll, would likely propel the Wolverines into the top five. It would also turn up the pressure down south in Columbus...
Anyways, here are three reasons why Michigan can beat the Longhorns come week two.
Michigan's Defense is better than the Texas Offense
The strength of the 2024 Michigan Wolverines should be their defense. They return arguably the best defensive line in the country, combined with the best cornerback in the country and a plethora of talent in the other spots. The strength of Texas in 2024 is going to be their offense, more specifically their passing game as star running back CJ Baxter is unfortunately out for the season with a knee injury.
The Longhorns will struggle mightily to run against Kenneth Grant and Mason Graham. Although their running back room is deep and full of highly rated recruits, they're going up against the best interior in college football. In my opinion, the Longhorns will become one dimensional after struggling with the run game.
Texas should have a very potent passing attack with Quinn Ewers, Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond, and lots of other talent, but I would still give Michigan football the advantage.
The Michigan defense was able to shut down Washington's elite offense in the national championship last season. That Washington offense was better than this Texas offense, and the Texas game is in Ann Arbor. Advantage? Michigan.