Michigan finally finds offensive rhythm in 24-17 rivalry win over Michigan State

Eight weeks into the season and three quarterback changes later, the Michigan football team found itself right back at square one on Saturday night. 

Just like the first few games this season, senior quarterback Davis Warren started under center while junior quarterback Alex Orji rotated in on designed plays. The Wolverines veered away from that identity after Warren’s three-pick performance in Week 3, but unproductive starts from Orji and an undisclosed injury to graduate quarterback Jack Tuttle forced the Wolverines to revert back.

And this time, under the lights against in-state rival Michigan State, they finally figured out how to make it work.

Although the Spartans refused to go down easy — as is expected in a rivalry game — Michigan (5-3 overall, 3-2 Big Ten) found a way to earn a much-needed victory, edging out Michigan State (4-4, 2-3), 24-17.

After a fruitless 14-play, 68-yard opening drive, the Spartans cashed in on their second series and took an early 7-0 lead. The Wolverines had possession of the ball for just one minute and 39 seconds in the first quarter, gaining a single yard before going three-and-out to start the game.

It wasn’t until the final three minutes of the first half that Michigan finally found a semblance of offense. Driven by five completions from Warren and five rushes from senior running back Donovan Edwards, the Wolverines strung together their first sustainable drive. To cap it off, Warren found junior tight end Colston Loveland wide open in the end zone and put six points on the board for Michigan.

And in a surprising turn of events, following a forced fumble and field goal, the Wolverines took a 9-7 lead into the locker room. Despite mustering just 15 total yards in the first quarter, Michigan suddenly had the upper hand.

Riding the momentum of those two straight scores, the Wolverines dug deeper into their playbook coming out of halftime. They mixed in a few trick plays while continuing to use Orji, who made his appearances productive with a 29-yard pickup and a rushing touchdown.

Michigan State threatened to respond with seven points of its own, but a sack from junior defensive lineman Kenneth Grant forced the Spartans to settle for a field goal. On the other side, Michigan’s offense kept rolling with its reinvigorated game plan. 

Early in the fourth quarter, a lateral to Edwards created a clear path to the end zone for Loveland, who hauled in Edwards’ well-placed pass to score his second touchdown of the night. A successful two-point conversion — again, to Loveland — put the Wolverines up 24-10.

A few minutes later, though, Michigan State clawed its way back within one score. The Spartans capitalized on Michigan’s long-term tackling issues, fighting their way into the end zone midway through the final frame.

Michigan State had a chance to tie the game up with two minutes left, but quarterback Aidan Chiles’ pass fell incomplete and the Wolverines took over on downs. With Orji under center, Michigan rode out the remaining time to secure a seven-point win. 

So although the Wolverines entered Saturday night back at square one, it looks like they might’ve finally found a sustainable way forward — and with it, they retained the Paul Bunyan Trophy.

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