There is a lot to improve in offense and defense

Free Press sportswriter Jared Ramsey grades the Michigan football team on a scale of A to F after the Wolverines’ 31-12 loss to Texas on Saturday at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor:

Attack: D

Without two field goal drives and a touchdown pass from Davis Warren in overtime, Michigan would have received an “F” due to self-inflicted errors and an inability to sustain drives. The Wolverines lost the ball three times, twice in the first half and once in the second, and finished the game with 284 yards.

Warren struggled in his second career start. The senior quarterback completed 22 of 33 passes for 204 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Michigan couldn’t move the ball far in the passing game and Warren struggled with accuracy. In the second quarter, he threw a pass high to Tyler Morris that was deflected and intercepted with Michigan trailing 14-3. And with the offense trailing 31-6 at the end of the third quarter, he tried to throw a pass over the middle to Colston Loveland, but the tight end didn’t turn around because the Texas defense had been reading the pass the entire time.

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Loveland was again the top target with eight catches for 70 yards, but was also responsible for Michigan’s third turnover, knocking the ball out of his hands as he tried to tuck it in after a safe catch.

Michigan’s running game was limited to 80 yards on 23 carries. Lead back Donovan Edwards rushed for 41 yards on eight carries, while Kalel Mullings added 25 yards. Michigan scored a touchdown on the final drive with less than two minutes left on a 30-yard pass to Semaj Morgan on a deep crossing route.

Defense: D-plus

The Longhorns had no problems against Michigan’s vaunted defense. The Longhorns scored on five of their nine possessions, including four of five possessions in the first half, and outgained Michigan by 105 yards, including a 190-yard halftime lead. Texas picked up 19 first downs, converted 10 of 16 third down attempts and didn’t have to punt until the second half.

Michigan’s defensive line was unable to generate pressure at the line of scrimmage, giving quarterback Quinn Ewers time to make deep hits. Michigan was unable to record a sack or force a turnover. The Wolverines did have four tackles for loss but gave up 143 rushing yards, mostly after physical contact. Ewers navigated the pocket to extend plays and find receivers in scramble drill situations, leading to big plays down low.

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Ewers completed 24 of 26 passes for 246 yards with three touchdowns and no turnovers. He frequently found tight end Gunnar Helm and created space in the middle of Michigan’s defense for seven catches, 98 yards and a touchdown. Receivers Matthew Golden and Isaiah Bond created space against Michigan’s man coverage on the outside to create plays further up front.

The Longhorns gained 279 yards, managed 15 first downs and converted eight of 10 third down plays in the first half while building a 24-3 lead that was accelerated by Michigan’s turnovers. They let their foot off the gas in the second half while Texas defended the lead. The Longhorns punted on every second-half possession except for a touchdown drive sparked by a 55-yard reverse.

Special teams: B

Tommy Doman’s first punt had a net distance of just 28 yards after the ball bounced hard backward, resulting in a short field on Texas’ first touchdown drive. Dominic Zvada did his job on his only opportunities, kicking a 37-yard field goal in the first quarter and a 52-yard field goal in the third. Michigan picked up 79 all-purpose yards on four kickoff returns, mostly handled by Jordan Marshall, while Morgan intercepted Texas’ two punts.

Coaching: C

Sherrone Moore suffered his first loss as a head coach, including his time as interim coach last season. Offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell had some difficulty gaining easy yards, but the offensive game plan with Michigan’s personnel did not test Texas’ defense overall. Wink Martindale’s defense kept trying to find ways to slow down Ewers and Texas, but could not generate enough pressure to disrupt the passing game. Michigan was penalized for 30 yards only four times.

But ultimately, the Wolverines seemed inferior from the start.

Jared Ramsey is a sports reporter for the Detroit Free Press, covering the city’s professional teams, the state’s two top universities and more. Follow Jared on X @jared_ramsey22 and email him at [email protected].

Attack: D

Defense: D-plus

Special teams: B

Coaching: C

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