Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a persevering win over Fresno State
By Nick Popio
2. Fresno State carried the rock more times then they had rushing yards
The official stat is 22 carries for nine yards. That is not even half of one yard for an average. Fresno's longest run of the night was for nine yards. Their leading rusher didn't even break the 25 yard mark in the loss. Mikey Keene was responsible for the negative yards because he was sacked three times by Michigan's vaunted front line.
Keene was turned over twice and was living on the edge until that second interception finally happened. Quinten Johnson appeared to have a pick, but the ball hit the ground and was overturned. A play later Makari Paige caught a tipped pass out of the air, but the play was nullified because of one of the most disputed calls in the win. T.J. Guy got whistled for roughing the passer, after the replay the crowd was letting the refs have it for the remainder of the drive.
Michigan’s path to victory against every team on their schedule will be in the hands of their defense. We all knew this going in and tonight proves it. Wolverine D is strong enough to shut down every offense they face.
— HUGE (@Hugeshow) September 1, 2024
Not long afterward Will Johnson jumped the route and took it to the house to send the Michigan football faithful home satisfied with a 20-point win. Unsportsmanlike conduct was called following the play, but the result still stood and Fresno really didn't threaten again.