Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a belittling loss to Texas
By Nick Popio
Texas won the coin toss and directly took the ball right down the field. They converted on three first downs and almost a fourth if not for a holding penalty on a touchdown pass. Bert Auburn shanked a 43-yarder and gave the ball to Michigan football which abruptly went three and out. Texas drove down the field again and this time made it count with a 21-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers to Gunnar Helm.
Michigan football got on the board with a field goal and was shut out for the rest of the half. The Longhorns scored the next 17 unanswered to take a commanding 24-3 lead into the break. The Wolverines had two turnovers during that span as well.
Michigan lost to a Texas team that looked faster and stronger all day on Saturday.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 7, 2024
Quinn Ewers and the Longhorns had the Wolverines looking at a past version of themselves, and mistakes didn't help. pic.twitter.com/5sFkPFjbCZ
In the second half, Michigan's offense was dragging through the mud again. They could only muster another field goal, while Texas added one more trip to the endzone for good measure. Michigan football rallied for a late touchdown in garbage time to make the score look a little less humiliating. The loss was reminiscent of the 2021 Orange Bowl loss to Georgia.
Here are three of the takeaways from the first regular-season loss since October of 2021.
1. Steve Sarkisian completely outcoached Wink Martindale
From the opening drive coach Sarkisian had his way with Michigan's defense. He utilized his backs in the passing game, even without their best one available. Gunnar Helm outplayed Colston Loveland. But the most impressive performance came from Quinn Ewers who looked like a Heisman frontrunner on Saturday.
Martindale had no way of fixing things, especially in the passing game. Texas did have a short field on two of their scoring drives, but they still were able to penetrate a notoriously stingy defense. Ryan Wingo had their longest play from scrimmage which set up their final touchdown of the blowout. The coaches tried to rotate defenders so they wouldn't tire out, but it was to no avail.
Wink Martindale inherited one of the most talented defenses in America and made them average
— PT (@talpostal) September 7, 2024
Texas won't be the fastest offense that Michigan faces this year. Quinn Ewers might not even be the best quarterback that they meet up with either, but Texas might be the most dangerous team that Michigan battles all season long.