Michigan football vs. Fresno State: 3 keys to a Wolverines victory

Looking ahead to the Fresno State game, here are three keys for Michigan football.

Michigan running back Donovan Edwards celebrates with Michigan offensive lineman Drake Nugent after a touchdown in the first quarter during the College Football Playoff national championship game against Washington at NRG Stadium in Houston on Monday, Jan. 8, 2024. / Melanie Maxwell / USA TODAY NETWORK

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Establish the run

Running the ball well is a no-brainer for Michigan football, except the Wolveriners will get a taste on Saturday of how teams will try to defend them.

Last season, even with a top-10 pick at quarterback, teams were stuffing the box. I think we'll see teams be even more aggressve about it in 2024, starting with the Bulldogs.

Fresno State allowed 4.3 yards per attempt last season. So the Bulldogs shouldn't offer too much resistance. It's a test I'd like to see the offensive line pass.

We saw even in the early games last season that Michigan football struggled to run the ball and whether it's Alex Orji or Davis Warren, that makes the job tougher on the quarterback.

The offensive line still has some moving pieces and the competition there could bleed into Saturday, just like it could at quarterback.

But if the offensive line can impose its will on the Bulldogs and if Donovan Edwards and Kalel Mullings get going, it's hard to see Fresno State having a chance.

If Michigan runs the ball well, it will win, easily.

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