TACTICAL PROWESS: Defense shines in season opener, leading Michigan football to victory over Fresno State
Late-game pick-6 by Will Johnson seals victory
The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Fresno State Bulldogs 30-10 in the season opener, behind stellar play by their defense, to extend the longest winning streak in the regular season to 16 straight.
Coming into the game, media pundits were focused on who the starting quarterback would be, but they should’ve been asking,
“How’s Fresno State going to move the ball on this stout defense?”
The Bulldogs were held to 247 total yards, with 238 coming through the air and nine on the ground, thanks to edge rusher Josaiah Stewart (5 total tackles, 5 solos, 2 sacks, 3 tackles for loss)
Makari Paige (5 total tackles, 1 solo), defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny (5 total tackles, 2 solos, 1 sack), and Mason Graham (4 tackles, 2 solos).
But it was a late-game pick-six by future top-10 pick Will Johnson for 86 yards to put the game out of reach.
The Wolverines opened the first series of the game with an interception by defensive back Zeke Berry, the first of his career, to put the offense in scoring range.
Alex Orji capped off a goalline package and hit running back Donovan Edwards with a speed option pass for the team’s first and only touchdown of the half.
