Michigan Wolverines vs. Texas Longhorns: Five Predictions for this Top Ten Week 2 Showdown

I've written extensively about this game, breaking down Michigan's offense , defense , and their keys to a win .

I suppose it's time to make an actual prediction for this one.

All eyes will be on Ann Arbor for this highly-anticipated matchup. It won't be an easy out for the Wolverines at all in this one, and the betting markets are treating it accordingly. The Longhorns are seven-point favorites as of the time of writing this, and that line is holding steady.

Offensive Prediction

I'm not expecting much of Michigan's passing game in this one. Unless Davis Warren and those playmakers have clicked exponentially this week, I don't expect the Wolverines to get much through the air.

Texas has playmakers in the secondary, and Michigan's wide receiver room is largely unproven. Warren getting over 200 yards in the game would be a bit of a surprise but would be a good sign for the passing game and means the game is likely closer than the betting line suggests (or it's a total blowout and he gets in garbage time).

I will bet on Kalel Mullings getting over 100 yards on the ground in this one. Texas isn't quite as stout up front against the run as they were last year. While Michigan's offensive line also isn't as good as last year's, I do anticipate they'll be able to carve out some good runs against Texas's front.

Defensive Prediction

Prediction One: Michigan holds the Longhorns under 100 yards rushing

Texas's offensive line struggled to generate much push against Colorado State last week. According to Sports Info Solutions, the Longhorns posted a 10% blown block rate, which finished 96th(!). Additionally, Texas averaged just 1.8 yards per carry before contact.

Now they've got to go against Michigan's defensive line? I know who I'd bet on to win that matchup.

Related: Former NFL executive calls one Michigan Wolverines' position the 'best in college football' ahead of 2024 season

Prediction Two: Michigan gets at least one interception

I've said my piece about how I feel about Quinn Ewers as a quarterback in my defensive piece. This boils down to my belief that Michigan just has too many playmakers to not pull off at least one interception. Especially with the pressure they'll be able to create on Ewers with their defensive line and blitz-heavy defenses.

I'll be even bolder and say Jyaire Hill gets his first interception in this game. I don't expect them to throw at Will Johnson all that often.

Final Prediction

I've said a lot that suggests I think Michigan will win this game. Indeed, there's a path for this one to be a slugfest that the Wolverines come out on top of.

I am largely hesitant to say Michigan outright wins this game, however. I just think Texas is more capable of creating an explosive play on offense than Michigan is, and in a game that will likely be close, that's the difference.

With Michigan at home and this defense, however, I do believe Michigan will at least cover. I'm not as sold on Texas's talent

I'll say : Texas 17-Michigan 13