Texas vs. Michigan score, takeaways: No. 3 Longhorns overwhelm No. 10 Wolverines in dominant road victory

Texas was cruising in all facets on Saturday as the Longhorns throttled Michigan in The Big House

For the second season in a row, Texas has put college football on notice with a seismic Week 2 road win. The No. 3 Longhorns thrashed No. 10 Michigan 31-12 on Saturday at Michigan Stadium behind a surgically efficient offensive attack and a defense that exacerbated the issues with a reeling Michigan offense.

The high-water mark for the Wolverines (1-1) came on the game's opening possession with a missed Texas field goal, but it was a struggle from there for Michigan, which allowed scores on Texas' next four possessions. The Longhorns (2-0) converted on 8 of 10 third downs in the first half while taking a 24-3 lead into the break.

Two turnovers in the second quarter proved especially costly to Michigan's cause as they led to 10 points for the Longhorns. Michigan's passing attack proved ill-equipped to mount a comeback as an offense designed to rely on the run was forced to rely on unproven quarterback Davis Warren. A week after going eight straight possessions without a touchdown during an ugly Week 1 win over Fresno State, the Wolverines were similarly listless, scoring their only touchdown with under 2 minutes left in the game. 

Texas rode a Week 2 win at Alabama last season to its first-ever College Football Playoff appearance. Though the Longhorns lost 11 players from that team to the NFL Draft, they showed in another big road win Saturday that they are once again among college football's elite class.

Read on below for the biggest takeaways from Texas' dominant win over Michigan in the Big House on Saturday. 

[Sep 7, 2024 at 3:31 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan has a QB problem

There's no way to sugarcoat or excuse the fact that Michigan has a quarterback problem. When J.J. McCarthy declared for the NFL Draft after leading the Wolverines to last season's national title, Michigan did not land a transfer to replace him. Instead, it turned inward. Former walk-on Davis Warren beat out Alex Orji for the job in preseason practice, but he's struggled mightily in his first two starts. Orji made some cameo appearances against Texas, but it's obvious the Michigan staff doesn't trust him as a passer. The lack of a clear QB succession plan is an indictment on previous coach Jim Harbaugh as much as it is an indictment on the current staff. But it's the current staff's problem, and first-year head coach Sherrone Moore must find a solution if the Wolverines want to have a shot at making the College Football Playoff.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 3:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Ryan Wingo flashes again

Texas freshman receiver Ryan Wingo enjoyed a strong debut last week in the Longhorns 52-0 season-opening win over Colorado State, making four catches for 70 yards. He popped again against the Wolverines. But this time, he put his highlight-reel speed on display in a new capacity. When Wingo popped off for a 55-yard gain in the third quarter, it was as a runner, not a pass-catcher. Wingo lined up as a receiver and then came in motion as Ewers faked a handoff. Instead, he pitched to a sprinting Wingo, who ran untouched around the left side before he was finally chased down at the Michigan 3-yard line. There was concern, and rightfully so, about how Texas would replace the production of three receivers and a tight who were selected in the 2024 NFL Draft. While Alabama transfer receiver Isaiah Bond is doing much of the heavy lifting on that front, Wingo's emergence as an early contributor is evidence that Texas is doing just fine in the playmaker department.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 3:30 pm ET · David Cobb]

Looking ahead

This Week 2 showdown between two historical powers looked like a potential game of the season candidate entering the day. It was only the second-ever meeting between the teams and the first in an on-campus venue. The only other meeting had been a Rose Bowl thriller won  by Texas 38-37 on a last-second field goal on Jan. 1, 2005. With both teams ranked in the top 10, Saturday's game had all the makings of a potential thriller. It turned out surprisingly one-sided, which opens the door for another Texas game to be the showdown of the season. The Longhorns host No. 1 Georgia on Oct. 19 in the first regular-season meeting between the teams since 1958. Both teams have hurdles to overcome before that Week 9 clash. But it's got the early makings of a special showdown as both teams have already picked up convincing victories over strong programs in the first two weeks of the season.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 3:26 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan finally scores a TD

Late 4Q: Texas 31, Michigan 13

It took 10 possessions, but Michigan finally found the end zone. Davis Warren found Semaj Morgan for a 31-yard score with 1:54 remaining. It was a great effort from Morgan to reach pay dirt as he was being wrestled to the ground. That will help Davis Warren's numbers look a bit more respectable, but it doesn't change the fact that the Wolverines have some serious questions to answer offensively.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 3:10 pm ET · David Cobb]

No Arch Manning

Late 4Q: Texas 31, Michigan 6

It would have been reasonable to expect an Arch Manning appearance on that series. However, coach Steve Sarkisian elected to keep starting quarterback Quinn Ewers in the game. Manning threw his first career touchdown pass in mop-up duty during last week's win over Colorado State. But it doesn't look like his number will be called in this one, despite the Longhorns' significant advantage.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 3:01 pm ET · David Cobb]

Colston Loveland is it for Michigan's passing game

Mid 4Q: Texas 31, Michigan 6

Michigan has nothing in the passing game aside from Davis Warren looking for Colston Loveland. There is no threat of the Wolverines stretching the field vertically with downfield throws to receivers. Semaj Morgan has three catches for eight yards. Tyler Morris has two catches for 17 yards and CJ Charleston has one catch for 22 yards. But it's mostly Loveland or bust. He's got eight grabs for 70 yards and has been targeted 11 times. Unfortunately for Michigan, he also had a costly fumble in the first half.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 2:47 pm ET · David Cobb]

Playing for pride

4Q: Texas 31, Michigan 6

Michigan has the football to begin the fourth quarter and is playing for pride at this point. The Wolverines are down bad against Texas, which has dominated in all facets. The Longhorns own a 373-154 edge in total yards and have dominated on third downs on both sides of the football. At this point, the Wolverines just need to build some offensive confidence for a long season ahead.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 2:39 pm ET · David Cobb]

Getting worse for Michigan

Davis Warren just threw his second interception of the game. He was looking for Colston Loveland, but Loveland wasn't looking for the football. Matthew Golden was there for the pick. That's the third turnover for the Wolverines, who are getting run out of their own stadium. Warren is now 9 of 16 for 73 yards with two interceptions. 

[Sep 7, 2024 at 2:34 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas inflicts a KO blow

Quinn Ewers hit Gunnar Helm for a 22-yard gain, and then he handed off toTrey Wingo for a 55-yard gain to set up first-and-goal. Finally, on third down, Ewers hit Jaydon Blue for a 7-yard touchdown. The Longhorns are now 9 of 12 on third downs, and it's encouraging for Texas that Blue is back in and factoring into the game. That may just be the knockout blow.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 2:29 pm ET · David Cobb]

Settling for a field goal

Mid 3Q: Texas 24, Michigan 6

Michigan avoided a three-and-out when Davis Warren hit Colston Loveland for a contested 24-yard catch. But, once again, the Wolverines couldn't sustain a drive and were forced to settle for a field goal, as Dominic Zvada hit from 52 yards out. Field goals aren't going to cut it for the Wolverines if they want to have any chance of getting back into this game.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 2:14 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan's defense holds 

For the first time today, Michigan's defense stopped Texas from reaching Wolverines' territory. Quinn Ewers hit Isaiah Bond for an 11-yard completion, but the drive stalled out from there after Michigan stuffed a couple of Texas runs. Perhaps that series will restore some confidence to the Wolverines' defense. But it will amount to nothing unless Michigan can find an offensive spark.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 2:08 pm ET · David Cobb]

Quick punt for Michigan

Michigan picked up its fifth first down of the game on its opening possession of the third quarter, but that was it. Tommy Doman was forced to punt from Michigan territory, and the Longhorns will take over at their own 29 after a quick stop by their defense. Jaydon Blue is back but perhaps not 100%, so it will be interesting to see how much Texas relies on a couple of unproven backs in this second half as it seeks to bleed some clock with a big lead. Quintrevion Wisner and Jerrick Gibson seemed plenty capable of handling the job in the first half, but Michigan will probably be loading the box.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 2:00 pm ET · David Cobb]

Third down efficiency 

Texas was immaculate on third downs in the first half, repeatedly converting on pivotal plays to keep scoring drives alive. Their 8 of 10 mark on third downs compared quite well to Michigan's 1 of 5 total. For Michigan to have a chance, its defense needed to be at an elite level. But it's not. There's been nothing elite in any facet for the Wolverines, who look hapless offensively after a worrisome performance against Fresno State in Week 1.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 1:40 pm ET · David Cobb]

Halftime stats

Half: Texas 24, Michigan 3

Texas had possession for 19:06 of the first 30 minutes as it racked up 279 yards on Michigan's vaunted defense. Quinn Ewers completed 18 of 26 passes for 203 yards and two TDs with no interceptions. Even with Jaydon Blue exiting in the first quarter due to injury, the Longhorns were still able to run the football fairly effectively. Davis Warren is 8 of 11 for 49 yards with an interception for Michigan. Donovan Edwards has 33 yards rushing on six carries, but Michigan will have to be more explosive throwing the football in the second half to rally from this massive deficit.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 1:37 pm ET · David Cobb]

Making Michigan pay

Texas 24, Michigan 3

Michigan's two turnovers in the second quarter hampered the Wolverines from scoring themselves and led directly to 10 points for Texas. The Longhorns just surged ahead 24-3 with 10 seconds left in the half on a 5-yard Quinn Ewers pass to Matthew Golden. It's a total disaster for the Wolverines on their home field as Texas is now 8 of 10 on third down plays.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 1:32 pm ET · David Cobb]

Another Michigan turnover

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland just fumbled after making a grab on third down. There was no one around him, and he just lost the ball. Now, the Longhorns are back in business with a chance to add even more to their lead before the break. It was close on whether or not Loveland had possession before losing the ball. But the play was not reviewed.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 1:22 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan forces FG

Late 2Q: Texas 17, Michigan 3

Texas took advantage of the Michigan interception with a field goal from Bert Auburn. The Longhorns had a first-and-goal from the 6-yard line before a false start penalty stymied their momentum. It's been total dominance from Texas thus far, and the Longhorns would be leading by more, if not for a missed field goal on the game's opening possession. Michigan needs to get something going offensively here to close the half. It could go 2-for-1 since it gets the football to begin the third quarter. The Wolverines can't afford to go three-and-out and give it back to Quinn Ewers before halftime.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 1:13 pm ET · David Cobb]

Disaster for Michigan

Andrew Mukuba intercepted Davis Warren on a third-and-2 play inside Wolverines territory. It was a crowded window that Warren was trying to cram the football into, and the ball was tipped into the air, which made for an easy INT. Michigan's back is against the wall here as the Longhorns take over at the Michigan 37.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 1:06 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas punches it in

Mid 2Q: Texas 14, Michigan 3

Jerrick Gibson is now in on the action at running back as well, and he just scored from seven yards out to cap a 12-play drive for the Longhorns. Given the status of Michigan's offense, the Wolverines are not a team that's equipped to play from behind. But that's what they'll have to do. The Longhorns are having no trouble moving the football and have all the momentum early in the Big House.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 1:02 pm ET · David Cobb]

Quintrevion Wisner looking good

With Jaydon Blue still sidelined after getting dinged up in the first quarter, Quintrevion Wisner is getting some heavy-duty action at running back for Texas and looking good. He was just a three-star prospect in the Class of 2023 and was expected to be behind both CJ Baxter and Blue. But he's making the most of his opportunity. Blue's ankle has been re-taped and he's back from the locker room, according to the Fox broadcast. His status is uncertain, though.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 12:55 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan takes the points

Early 2Q: Texas 7, Michigan 3

Faced with a fourth-and-3 at the Texas 20-yard line, Sherrone Moore opted to take the points. Dominic Zvada hit from 37 yards out to get the Wolverines on the board. That was an encouraging drive for the Michigan offense, but it stalled out with Alex Orji stuffed for no gain on a third-and-3. It's pretty obvious when Orji enters for Warren that Michigan is going to run the football, and Texas had that sniffed out.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 12:48 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan's offense coming to life

End 1Q: Texas 7, Michigan 0

Texas dominated the first quarter time of possession as the Wolverines went three-and-out on their first series. But Michigan is driving as the second quarter begins. Davis Warren found CJ Charleston for a 22-yard gain on a flea-flicker. Warren nailed the throw. Then, Donovan Edwards ticked off a 12-yard run to push Michigan into field-goal range as the first quarter came to a close.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 12:37 pm ET · David Cobb]

Touchdown Texas

Texas 7, Michigan 0

Quinn Ewers connected with Gunnar Helm for a 21-yard touchdown pass to cap a six-play, 56-yard drive. Helm began the series with a 22-yard gain on a tipped pass and then finishes it wide open in the back of the end zone. Something to watch: Jaydon Blue limped off for Michigan after a 3-yard gain. The Longhorns are, of course, without CJ Baxter already at the position. Quintrevion Wisner could be in line for an increased role if Blue is hobbled.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 12:29 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan goes three-and-out

Michigan started its first series behind the chains because of a false start penalty. Donovan Edwards ran the football for gains of 2 and 6 yards from there to make it third-and-7. But Davis Warren threw incomplete to Colston Loveland on the left side. Now, the Wolverines' defense will have to quickly return to the field after Texas just ran 13 plays over six minutes. It's been a high-stress first quarter for the Wolverines' defense.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 12:24 pm ET · David Cobb]

Isaiah Bond makes an early impact

With Texas facing a third-and-13 and at risk of going three-and-out to open the game, Quinn Ewers hit Isaiah Bond for a diving, 33-yard reception at the Michigan 46-yard line. It was a big-time catch from Bond, and a really nice throw from Ewers, who fit the football in over the cornerback's head but in front of a safety who was converging on the route. Ewers then found Bond on a screen to move the chains on a third-and-5. While the drive didn't result in points, Bond looks like he could be a problem for the Wolverines today.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 12:23 pm ET · David Cobb]

Michigan defense escapes

1Q: Texas 0, Michigan 0

A 24-yard touchdown pass from Quinn Ewers to DeAndre Moore Jr. was wiped off due to a holding penalty. Subsequently, Texas was forced to settle for a field goal attempt. Bert Auburn missed it wide right as the Wolverines somehow escaped the game's first possession without allowing a point. Texas converted its first three third-down attempts of the game while marching deep into Michigan territory but couldn't finish the job. That one could come back to haunt the Longhorns.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 12:11 pm ET · David Cobb]

Texas ball first

Texas and Michigan are set for action with Texas receiving the opening kickoff. Quinn Ewers and Co. get the first crack at it as the vaunted Michigan defense will take the field field. The Longhorns actually won the toss and chose to receive the football. Steve Sarkisian looking to make a statement with his offense early.

[Sep 7, 2024 at 12:00 pm ET · Dennis Dodd]

Texas vs. Michigan storylines

When it comes to reloading a football program, there are different ways to go about that process. No. 3 Texas has done it seamlessly on the fly. No. 10 Michigan? Well, it's been a bit of an awkward transition. One team made the College Football Playoff for the first time in its history and is over the moon playing in the SEC. The other is reigning national champion while defending itself against the NCAA. One team is ascending. The other is, well, descending, even if just a bit. Their fates meet in the middle of some X and Y axis at The Big House on Saturday. 

College football games, Week 2: Texas looking forward, Michigan plagued by past as blue-blood clash headlines

Dennis Dodd

[Sep 7, 2024 at 11:45 am ET · Chris Hummer]

Quinn Ewers' journey

Quinn Ewers, who will lead Texas against No. 10 Michigan on Saturday in Ann Arbor (12 p.m. ET, FOX), had conversations with his family and the Texas coaching staff after the 2022 season ended in an Alamo Bowl loss to Washington. What could he do to improve?

Texas QB Quinn Ewers ditched the 'party in the back' mullet; now he's putting his business front forward

Chris Hummer

[Sep 7, 2024 at 11:31 am ET · Will Backus]

Michigan in (almost) uncharted territory 

Michigan is a 6.5-point home underdog against Texas Saturday afternoon. The last time the Wolverines weren't favored at home as the reigning national champions? That was on Nov. 7, 1998 against Penn State. Michigan's offense was led by a first-year starting quarterback named Tom Brady. The Wolverines put 27 points on the board while holding the Nittany Lions scoreless to secure the upset. Brady completed 17 of his 30 pass attempts for 224 yards and two touchdowns. The Michigan faithful are hoping that history can repeat itself in The Big House.