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Gut reactions to Michigan football spring game

For the first time since the national championship game, we saw Michigan football on the field for the spring game and here are the gut reactions.

By Chris Peterson

Blue Team quarterback Alex Orji (10) celebrates a touchdown against Maize Team during the first half
Blue Team quarterback Alex Orji (10) celebrates a touchdown against Maize Team during the first half / Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK
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After Michigan football players and coaches received their national championship rings for last season, and after Jim Harbaugh got his tattoo, the Wolverines took the field for their spring game.

Alex Orji and Davis Warren were the starting quarterbacks for the Blue and Maize teams, respectively. Orji led a touchdown drive on the opening series, which ended with a touchdown run.

The score at the half was 7-3 in favor of the Blue Team. The Maize squad kicked a field goal after a 35-yard completion by Davis Warren. Multiple defenders stood out in the first half. Jimmy Rolder drew a holding penalty and would have had a sack on Warren's long pass.

One thing that stood out right away was the live tackling. Ohio State had its starters "thud" tackling last weekend. Michigan's quarterbacks weren't live but everyone else was, including Donovan Edwards, who rushed for nearly 40 yards on the first drive but didn't play again. Colston Loveland also caught a couple of passes, including one split wide as a wide receiver.

The second half was about the young guys. Still, dudes made plays such as Fredrick Moore, Kendrick Bell, DJ Waller, and many more. Davis Warren threw two touchdown passes -- including a bomb to Moore. Bell, the younger brother of Ronnie Bell, also caught a deep touchdown pass.

Alex Orji put a drive together in the second half, when the Blue team trailed by 10. He had a touchdown called back due to holding but still threw for around 100 yards in the 17-7 win for the Maize team.

Here are the gut reactions.

Gut reactions to Michigan football spring game

  • Davis Warren had a solid day, in the second half against the reserves, but Alex Orji still feels like QB1 out of this group. I'm not ready to give up on Jack Tuttle either.
  • Donovan Edwards looked really good in a short stint. The same can be said about Kalel Mullings. Add in Orji, who didn't get a designed run all game and this ground game will be tough to stop.
  • Liked seeing Colston Loveland split wide. The Wolverines need to get him the ball in one-on-one matchups as much as possible.
  • The lack of depth at wide receiver is apparent. Expect at least one wide receiver from the transfer portal. I hope Michigan football adds a kicker too.
  • Defense won the day and it should. It's going to be elite. The offense had its moments too and while we don't have a new starting quarterback, there is plenty to feel good about going into the fall.
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