Arkansas St. Red Wolves vs. Michigan Wolverines Pick & Prediction SEPTEMBER 14th 2024

Preview and Prediction

It has been quite some time since Michigan has experienced a defeat during the regular season.

The reigning national champions saw their impressive 16-game winning streak, 29-game regular-season winning streak, and 23-game home win streak come to an end when they were soundly defeated by Texas 31-12 last Saturday.

Following their drop from No. 10 to No. 17 in the latest Associated Press poll, Michigan will be seeking redemption as they host Arkansas State this Saturday in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

"It is definitely a tough loss, and it stings for everyone," first-year Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore stated. "Many of our players have never experienced a loss at our home stadium, and no one enjoys that feeling. People often talk about the coaches and others, but it is truly the players who feel it the most. So, for us, it is about comforting them and helping them move on because they are still feeling the effects of it."

Not only did the Wolverines (1-1) suffer a defeat last week, but they also appeared to be outmatched at times against the Longhorns. Michigan was unable to score a touchdown until late in the fourth quarter, and their leading rusher, Donovan Edwards, only managed 41 yards on eight carries. Furthermore, Texas held a commanding 24-3 lead at halftime.

Moore is not convinced that his team was outmatched, however. He pointed to three turnovers and a struggle with third-down conversions (3 of 12) as the main reasons for the Wolverines' downfall.

"They executed their plays very well. All credit to them for what they did and how they played," Moore acknowledged. "I am not taking anything away from them. However, we know that the turnovers and our third-down performance were major factors in our loss. If we can improve in those areas, we will have a much better chance at success. We know where we stand, and this was a valuable lesson for us to learn."

The positive news for the Wolverines is that their goals remain unchanged. With the expansion of the College Football Playoffs to 12 teams, there is more room for teams to qualify.

"Saturday was a disappointing day for Michigan, but we still have 10 more opportunities in the season," Michigan edge rusher TJ Guy stated. "We cannot dwell on the loss and let it affect us in the coming weeks because that will not help us at all."

Ironically, Arkansas State will be the undefeated team stepping onto the field in Ann Arbor, as the Red Wolves hold a 2-0 record for the first time since 2008.

Arkansas State staged an impressive comeback against Tulsa last Saturday, scoring 21 points in the third quarter to secure a 28-24 victory. Red Wolves quarterback Jaylen Raynor completed 21 of 32 passes for 255 yards and two touchdowns, in addition to rushing for 73 yards and a touchdown.

Now, Arkansas State must face two consecutive ranked teams. After their game against Michigan, the Red Wolves will travel to face No. 21 Iowa State next weekend.

"I am not aware of any other G5 team playing back-to-back perennial top 25 teams. However, it is a fantastic opportunity," Arkansas State coach Butch Jones remarked. "Michigan will expose any weaknesses if you are not fundamentally sound."

Jones grew up in Saugatuck, Michigan, and has connections at the University of Michigan. However, he is approaching this week's game as a business trip.

"Our job is to win. That is our mindset," he stated. "It will be nice to see some familiar faces, but our focus is on the task at hand, and that is the defending national champions."

PREDICTION

Arkansas St. Red Wolves

13

34

Michigan Wolverines

Arkansas St. Red Wolves vs. Michigan Wolverines Recap SEP 14TH 2024