Aaron Meullion-USA TODAY Sports
It’s about as big of a game as you could conjure in nonconference play — a top-10 matchup between two teams that were in the College Football Playoff the year before and a game that’s taking place on a college campus instead of at a neutral site.
No. 9 Michigan hosts No. 3 Texas for the first time since the 2005 Rose Bowl, in the second-ever meeting between the two storied programs and the first game of a home-and-home. It’s a game that will set the narratives for these two teams for the rest of the season and perhaps have major College Football Playoff implications down the line.
While we’ve heard from the Michigan contingent all week, down in Austin, the Longhorns have sounded off about their thoughts on the big game as they prepare to travel north. Here are some notable quotes from Texas players and head coach Steve Sarkisian.
On the Michigan run game
Photo: Isaiah Hole
Michigan’s identity the past several years has been offensive line play and the run game. Though both looked rather shaky in Week 1, the Wolverines are not going to depart from the blueprint.
Despite the disjointed effort against Fresno State, Texas’ defensive front is on high alert for what the Wolverines bring to the table and are hoping to stall or stymie what Michigan does up front.
“Fundamentals will really help us succeed in this game,” defensive tackle Alfred Collins said. “That’s what it comes down to. Just dialing it in during the week on all the little drills, I feel like that will help us.”
Texas allowed 118 yards on 32 carries last week against Colorado State, with RB Justin Marshall managing 106 yards on 25 carries. Last year, the Longhorns had a stellar run defense with its two now-NFL defensive tackles forcing the issue. They only allowed six teams to amass more than 100 yards and one over 200…
Source link : https://sports.yahoo.com/said-texas-players-coaches-playing-192216493.html
Author : Wolverines Wire
Publish date : 2024-09-05 19:22:16
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