The Texas Longhorns just handed a surprisingly easy defeat to the Michigan Wolverines at “The Big House.” Saturday at noon, No. 3 Texas thunderously stampeded their way into Michigan and took no prisoners. In a thrilling contest, Michigan’s defense could not withstand Texas’ onslaught. Touchdown after touchdown, the Texas Longhorns roared onto the field and sent a clear message to Michigan and the SEC.
Here Comes Texas
The air was electric from the start, as famous respective alumni flag bearers Matthew McConaughey and Charles Woodson faced off for some friendly pregame antics. The festivities would end there for Michigan. Facing the hungry Texas team proved too much for the former champions, who were looking to prove their national championship a year ago was no fluke. Two quarterbacks in their arsenal should provide a worthy challenge…right?
Recapping The Madness
First Quarter
Right from the start, the Texas offense moved steadily down the field with ease. Isaiah Bond caught a perfect pass from Quarterback Quinn Ewers on his outside shoulder, gaining 33 yards. After another first down by Bond, Ewers himself decided to get in on the action and snatch his own first down after breaking out of the pocket. Unfortunately, penalty flags would play a much larger role in this game than in the Texas vs. Colorado State game. False starts, holdings, and other infractions were an occurrence for both teams.
The most gut-wrenching moment of the first quarter came when Texas’ first touchdown was removed due to a holding penalty. The resulting field goal attempt was wide right, and the Texas Longhorns failed to capitalize on their early momentum.
Michigan would not do much better with their first possession, ending their limited progress with a 31-yard punt. The Texas Longhorns Gunnar Helm would go on to score on a pass from Quinn Ewers. The extra point was good, and Texas was on the board. Michigan finished out the quarter with a stellar catch from Wide Receiver CJ Charleston for a 22-yard gain.
Second Quarter
This quarter was full of action, mostly on the part of the Texas Longhorns offense. The Texas Longhorns started with a 7-0 lead and increased it to 24-3 going into the half. Texas put a stop to Michigan Wolverines’ Alex Orji on the first drive and forced Michigan to kick the field goal to make it 7-3.
Texas Longhorns Running Back Quintrevion (Tre) Wisner was the fire-starter this quarter, receiving several passes from Ewers. On a 2nd and goal, Texas Running Back Jerrick Gibson ran right through Michigan’s defense and scored Texas’ second touchdown.
At 14-3, it was Michigan’s turn to close the gap – but it would prove to be short-lived. Defensive Back Andrew Mukuba of the Texas Longhorns (formerly Clemson) picked up a stunning interception. Ewers took over and completed passes to Golden and Wisner as Texas continued their drive. He ultimately threw a third down pass into the dirt to save the field goal attempt on fourth down. Texas scored the field goal and went ahead 17-3.
Much happened in the final two minutes between that field goal and the half. Jaydon Blue came back in the game and ran for 23 more yards. One Texas timeout after a busted play later, and Ewers tossed another touchdown to Golden. The extra point was good, and Texas had a commanding 24-3 lead going into halftime.
Third Quarter
Michigan’s Loveland recorded a nice reception after a pass from Quarterback Alex Orji, who had come to a complete stop before the throw. All their efforts culminated in another field goal, and it was now 24-6.
Remember Wide Receiver Ryan Wingo from Texas dominating Colorado State last week? The player to watch burst into a near-touchdown run before being brought down by Michigan’s Johnson at the 5-yard line. There was a brief confrontation after a Michigan player tackled Quinn Ewers after the latter had already taken a knee.
This upset Ewers’ linemen, who came after the Michigan player and caused the referee to issue personal conduct fouls on both teams. Another amazing touchdown by Running Back Jaydon Blue and an interception by Defensive Back Williams Jr. made it 31-6 going into the fourth quarter.
Fourth Quarter
A pause at the beginning of the quarter for a targeting review of play found no penalty. The Michigan Wolverines boldly went for it in their fourth down and it paid off; they made the catch and gained about 16 yards. Unfortunately for their offense, Orji was sacked by Texas Edge Rusher Colin Simmons and Texas took their first timeout.
Michigan again went for it on fourth down, but this time there was drama. The Texas Longhorns attempted to scoop it up like a fumble, but it was ruled an incomplete pass. After the turnover on downs, Texas Longhorns’ Running Back Jerrick Gibson (pictured above) made his way up the field and Wide Receiver Johntay Cook gained 20 yards.
With five minutes left in the game, Michigan would make their move. After a breathtaking throw and a foot in bounds, Michigan caught a break with an incomplete pass vs fumble ruling. After the two minute warning, Wide Receiver Semaj Morgan of the Wolverines was halted at the 1-yard line. Further review from the pylon cam showed him extending the ball across the line before going out of bounds. Michigan was awarded the touchdown, bringing the final score to 31-12.
Final Thoughts
The Texas Longhorns are clear contenders for this year’s national championship. Highlights from the game show a definitive trampling of last year’s champions. What does this mean for the rankings? Texas is on its way up, but for how long and which teams are actively gunning for them now?
One thing is for sure, the Texas Longhorns are enjoying their victory against prestigious Michigan. Planting their flag in enemy territory – midfield at the Big House – is a bold move; let’s see if they can back it up next week.
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