Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore signaled the Wolverines are still a work in progress after a lackluster season opener against Fresno State.
“Everything,” Moore said when asked what the team must improve, via Alejandro Zuniga of 247 Sports. “We’re not just going to say that we want one piece of our game to be better. We’re going to strive for perfection and chase excellence, so everything. We’re going to try to get better on offense in all phases, defense in all phases. I thought we were really good on defense, but we’re going to try to get better on that and then special teams as well.”
Michigan’s defense did its part in Saturday’s 30-10 victory. The unit only allowed 244 yards, and cornerback Will Johnson’s 86-yard pick-six iced the game.
The Wolverines offense, however, left much to be desired. According to Cody Nagel of 247 Sports, Michigan averaged 4.4 yards per play, its worst mark in a non-conference game since the Outback Bowl at the end of the 2017-18 season.
Michigan quarterback Davis Warren, a former walk-on, was making his first start, possibly contributing to some of the issues. Warren posted a below-average 33 QBR, completing 15-of-25 passes for 118 yards, one touchdown and one interception.
The Wolverines only rushed for 35 rushing yards in the first half but gained 113 in the second half. Michigan lost six of its offensive linemen this offseason, which may explain the ground attack’s early struggles.
Per Zuniga, Moore said the O-line still needs time to develop, but the unit should improve.
This offseason, former Michigan HC Jim Harbaugh and quarterback J.J. McCarthy left for the NFL. Still, it’s fair to expect more from a program that’s a defending national champion.
While it’s early in the season, the No. 9 Wolverines must quickly solve their problems before a critical home matchup against No. 4 Texas in Week 2.
