Aug 302 min read

Michigan Set to Defend 'The Big House' Against Fresno State

Wolverines | The Big House — © David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Head coach Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines will kick off their 2024 season under the lights at home against the Fresno State Bulldogs on Aug. 31.

After going 4-0 as interim head coach during Jim Harbaugh’s suspension, Moore will look to build on his 2023 momentum in his first season as head coach. The game is scheduled to kick off at 7:30 p.m. EST on NBC and Peacock.

Key Players: Michigan Wolverines

Between heavy turnover and new offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell, the Wolverines' offense is going to look quite different. After losing several key pieces on offense, a Donovan Edwards-led run game will be key to their success. An inexperienced receiving corps put together a combined 438 yards on 40 receptions for 3 touchdowns in 2023. No starting quarterback has been named yet. Whoever it is will look to dynamic tight end Colston Loveland in the passing game.

The Wolverines boast a lot of star power on the defensive side. That's due to arguably the best defensive tackle duo in the FBS, Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant. This group is primed to succeed in the trenches. They are monsters in the tackles-for-loss (TFL) area. Graham and Grant combined for 12.5 TFL last fall. Michigan fills out the box with Josaiah Stewart, Derrick Moore, Jaishawn Barham and Ernest Hausmann. Defensive backs Will Johnson and Makari Paige are there, too. Michigan will rely on their defense to control the game.

Key Players: Fresno State Bulldogs

While losing their elite coach, Jeff Telford, the returning roster is fantastic. There's a lot of dependence on the Bulldogs' skill players as they enter The Big House.

Fresno State has some of the best offensive talent in the entire Mountain West Conference. The Bulldogs return most of them, including standout quarterback Mikey Keene and stud running back Malik Sherrod, seven of their 10 pass catchers and four starting offensive linemen.

Tim Skipper will have his work cut out for him on the defensive side of the ball. The Bulldogs lost their four most valuable defenders after last season, Morice Norris Jr., Levelle Bailey, Carlton Johnson and Kemari Munier-Bailey. They will rely heavily on last season's sixth-leading tackler Devo Bridges and their leading tackler, anchor Malachi Langley.

Trends to Watch

Michigan’s Defense Against Fresno State’s Passing Attack

Michigan's secondary will be under pressure against Fresno State’s high-octane passing attack. The Wolverines' defensive backs will be tested early and that could be an opportune time for Keene to exploit any weaknesses. The Bulldogs like to play fast-paced football. Michigan will need to be prepared to adjust to the Fresno State tempo and control the game in the trenches.

Michigan's QB Decision

The biggest question circulating around the Maize and Blue has been about the quarterback situation. Depending who we may see taking snaps will ultimately change the offense's dynamic. With the dual-threat athleticism of Alex Orji, we may see more of a run-pass-option (RPO) style attack. Whereas with either Jack Tuttle or Davis Warren, we could see a more traditional pro-style offense.