Texas vs. Michigan: Longhorns dominate Wolverines with 31-12 road victory

AUSTIN (KXAN) — No. 3 Texas scored early and often en route to an emphatic 31-12 win over No. 10 Michigan on Saturday at Michigan Stadium.

The Longhorns scored 17 points in the second quarter to take a 24-3 lead into halftime and forced three turnovers with two interceptions and a fumble recovery. Texas scored on four consecutive drives in the first half.

“We stayed ahead of the chains and didn’t have many plays for losses,” Longhorns head coach Steve Sarkisian said. “This one game won’t define our season, but it serves as a barometer of the type of team we can be. Our versatility showed up in all three phases and our ability to run it and be physical. It’s a good start to the season, but we’ve got a long way to go.”

Michigan was kept out of the end zone until there was 1:52 left in the game. Semaj Morgan caught a Davis Warren pass at the 2-yard line, then turned to extend the ball over the goal line to make the final score look a little better than how the game actually went.

The talk leading up to the game was all about Michigan’s vaunted defense, but the Longhorns moved the ball at will against them on their own field. Texas racked up 385 total yards with Quinn Ewers throwing for 246 on 24 of 36 passing. He hit Gunnar Helm, Matthew Golden and Jaydon Blue for scores and didn’t throw an interception.

Texas freshman Ryan Wingo led the Longhorns in rushing with just one carry, a 55-yard scamper on a reverse that set up Texas’ last touchdown, a 7-yard pass by Ewers to Blue in the third quarter.

The Longhorns converted 10 of 15 third-down plays and averaged 10.3 yards per completion and nearly five yards per rush. Texas was also perfect in the red zone, scoring all on four possessions with three touchdowns and a field goal.

In his first game as a Longhorn after transferring from Clemson, Austin native Andrew Mukuba had an interception in the first half. Derek Williams added another takeaway in the third quarter.

Helm had a tremendous game, leading the Longhorns with 98 receiving yards on seven catches. Golden reeled in six grabs for 41 yards while Isaiah Bond had 51 yards on three catches.

“A lot of times, he’s been overshadowed by JT (Sanders), but he was a really viable player for us a year ago,” Sarkisian said of Helm. “Coming into this season, he’s in tip-top shape. He’s moving better than he ever has and his ability not just catch balls but to make people miss. He’s been in the program for four years and his story is his development.”

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David Gbenda had seven tackles while Anthony Hill Jr. notched six. Freshman edge rusher Collin Simmons and junior defensive back Jaylon Guilbeau each had quarterback sacks.

The loss ended a 16-game winning streak for the Wolverines and it was the first time they’ve lost at home in their last 24 games at The Big House.

“For our players to come in and play with the poise and composure, but also with the toughness and physicality, it was just a nice job,” Sarkisian said. “I’m super proud of our team in a tough building against a tough team.”

Texas (2-0) hosts UTSA at 6 p.m., Sept. 14. Michigan (1-1) hosts Arkansas State at noon Sept. 14.

Scoring summary

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