Early Scoreless Battle
No. 19 Michigan and UTEP Remain Scoreless After Opening Drive Action
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Key Points
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ESPN’s FPI rated Michigan 22nd nationally at 14.4 and UTEP 129th at -17.2, producing a projected 34.6-point Michigan margin after accounting for home-field advantage—nearly identical to DraftKings’ 34.5-point spread.
2
Michigan had generated only 281 passing yards through two games; Bryce Underwood was completing 21 of 40 passes (54%) with one touchdown and one interception. Transfer receiver JJ Buchanan was his leading target with eight catches for 174 yards, while Andrew Marsh had five catches for 28 yards.
3
UTEP entered the game seeking what would have been the biggest upset in program history, with the sold-out 107,601-seat Michigan Stadium expected to provide the largest crowd ever to watch the Miners.
4
UTEP’s offensive success against Texas Southern was driven by quarterback EJ Colson’s ability to run and throw, Tavorus Jones’ production behind an improved offensive line, and pass-catchers including Kam Thomas, Cash and Carver Cheeks. The Miners’ defense also forced two turnovers in that win, with safety Xavier Smith and linebacker Garrett Hawkins singled out as emerging contributors.
5
Michigan’s pregame personnel picture included the returns of tight end Hogan Hansen and defensive end Carter Meadows, both of whom were dressed after missing the Wolverines’ first two games.
No. 19 Michigan and UTEP remained scoreless after the opening drive, with the Wolverines stalling deep in enemy territory. MLive reported that Michigan moved into UTEP's red zone before a holding penalty and a Bryce Underwood strip-sack ended the possession. The Miners, entering as 34.5-point underdogs in their first-ever matchup with the Wolverines, came to Ann Arbor seeking what would be the biggest upset in program history.
Michigan arrived at 2-0 after upsetting No. 11 Oklahoma 17-10, while UTEP sat at 1-1 following a stunning 51-10 win over Texas Southern and a 51-0 loss to Oklahoma. Sports Illustrated noted that ESPN's FPI rated Michigan 22nd nationally while ranking UTEP 129th, projecting a 34.6-point Michigan margin. The Wolverines' defense had allowed just 11 points per game, but their offense had struggled to pass consistently, with quarterback Bryce Underwood completing only 54 percent of his throws through two games.
Michigan's Passing Game Remains a Concern
Underwood has generated only 281 passing yards in two games, completing 21 of 40 passes with one touchdown and one interception. Leading receiver JJ Buchanan has eight catches for 174 yards, while Andrew Marsh adds five catches for 28 yards. MLive reported that Michigan's offensive line underwent changes with Evan Link at left tackle and Blake Frazier at right tackle, while Andrew Sprague remained unavailable.
UTEP's Upset Bid Built on Strong Running Game
The Miners showed offensive promise in their 51-10 win over Texas Southern, driven by quarterback EJ Colson's ability to run and throw. Running back Tavorus Jones powered the attack behind an improved offensive line, while pass-catchers Kam Thomas, Cash, and Carver Cheeks provided receiving targets. Sports Illustrated highlighted that UTEP's defense forced two turnovers in that victory, with safety Xavier Smith and linebacker Garrett Hawkins emerging as key contributors.
Michigan Adds Key Players Back for Week Three
The Wolverines got healthy heading into the UTEP game, with tight end Hogan Hansen and defensive end Carter Meadows both dressed after missing the first two games. These additions bolster both Michigan's passing game and defensive line. The game took place in a sold-out 107,601-seat Michigan Stadium, marking the largest crowd ever to watch the Miners play.
Wet Conditions and Penalties Add to Game's Complexity
Michigan had accumulated 19 penalties through two games entering the UTEP matchup, adding to the team's early-season struggles. Wet conditions at Ann Arbor presented additional challenges for Underwood's already-inconsistent passing attack and the Miners' bid to establish their run game. Sports Illustrated noted these wet-weather conditions would test both offenses' execution on the field.
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