Gut reactions to Michigan football win over Fresno State

What's the saying? A win is a win? That's how Michigan football probably feels walking off the field after a 30-10 win over Fresno State.

It wasn't pretty. The game wasn't decided until midway through the fourth quarter (when Will Johnson called game with a pick-six), and for much of the night, the offense looked like Iowa (not a joke).

Davis Warren got the start and played most of the way. That kind of puts an end to the idea that this was a hotly-contested battle through camp.

Warren threw one touchdown and one interception. He was also pedestrian (15-of-25 for 118 yards) for most of the night and that's being kind. He didn't see the field well and to be frank, the play-calling didn't do him any favors. Neither did the offensive line which didn't get much of a push until the fourth quarter.

At the same time, this Michigan team had 10 new starters on offense and still defeated a team that won nine games last season by 20. The defense is exactly what we expected. It's elite. But will the offense be able to do enough this season to carry its weight?

That's the question we don't have the answer to and that became clear on Saturday. Michigan scored 30 points but 14 of those came off of takeaways. The offense doesn't need to be elite but it has to improve and quickly with Texas coming to the Big House next week.

Michigan gained 272 yards. 151 on the ground isn't a terrible night, but there are major questions, and here are the gut reactions to the Wolverines win.

Gut reactions to Michigan football win over Fresno State

• The defense and special teams met the standard.

• Davis Warren is QB1 for now. Alex Orji only attempted two passes for a reason.

• The offensive line play was even more disappointing than the quarterbacks. The fourth quarter was encouraging though.

• Michigan football's defensive line is as good as advertised. The secondary might be better.

• Donovan Edwards was a huge disappointment on Saturday night. The blocking wasn't great but he needs to be better.

• Kalel Mulling should be RB1 right now.

• Colston Loveland is a dude. He carried the passing game and reminded why he will be a first-round pick.

• They don't keep track of style points on the scoreboard for a reason. Oregon struggled at home against Idaho. It's one game and it won't define the season.

• That being said, the offense and the game plan have to be better next week or Michigan football will lose at home for the first time since 2020.