Tag: Wolverines

Michigan offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell talks to quarterback Davis Warren (16) at a timeout against Ohio State during the second half at Ohio Stadium in Columbus, Ohio on Saturday, Nov. 30, 2024.

Michigan fires OC Kirk Campbell

Posted on | by Field Level Media

Michigan dismissed offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell on Monday.

Tight ends coach Steve Casula was named the interim offensive coordinator as Michigan prepares for a bowl game.

Campbell, 38, had been on the Wolverines’ staff since 2022, but 2024 was his first year as their offensive coordinator. Michigan ranked 112th in Division I in scoring offense (22.2 points per game) at the end of a 7-5 regular season, one year after winning the national championship.

Michigan ranked No. 128 of 133 teams in total offense (294.2 yards per game) and No. 129 in passing offense (133.6 ypg), better than only Iowa and the three service academies.

“After a thorough assessment of our offense, I made the decision to relieve Kirk Campbell of his duties and move in a different direction,” head coach Sherrone Moore said in a statement. “This was a decision that I felt was in the best interest of our football program. I want to thank Kirk for his hard work and dedication to the university, Michigan Football and our student-athletes. I wish him well in his future coaching endeavors.”

Prior to Michigan, Campbell worked at Old Dominion as offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach (2020-21).

–Field Level Media

Nov 23, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings (20) runs the ball against the Northwestern Wildcats in the second half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

Michigan hammers Northwestern to become bowl eligible

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Kalel Mullings rushed for three touchdowns and Michigan scored 40 straight in a 50-6 victory over visiting Northwestern on Saturday afternoon in Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Wolverines (6-5, 4-4 Big Ten) became bowl eligible and won for just the second time in six games with the Senior Day victory.

Sparked by its defense, Michigan dominated after Northwestern (4-7, 2-6) pulled within four points, 10-6, late in the second quarter.

Quarterback Davis Warren connected with Colston Loveland for a 3-yard TD toss to cap an 11-play, 65-yard drive eight seconds before halftime for a 17-6 lead. The Wolverines then outscored the Wildcats 33-0 in the second half.

Michigan gained 396 yards to Northwestern’s 127 and won the first-down battle 25-8.

Warren completed 26 of 35 passes for 195 yards with a touchdown and an interception, while Mullings carried the ball 12 times for 92 of Michigan’s 201 rushing yards.

Aamir Hall put Michigan in a great position after making an interception to end Northwestern’s opening drive.

Eleven plays later, Mullings punched the ball into the end zone on a 2-yard TD run for the first score.

Dominic Zvada booted a 56-yard field goal on the Wolverines’ next possession to increase the lead to 10-0.

Northwestern responded with its own field goal – a 28-yarder by Luke Akers – after Xander Mueller picked off a pass in Michigan territory.

Both teams added to their scores in the final two minutes of the first half. Akers made another chip-shot field goal with 1:57 remaining to make it a four-point game. Warren then led the Wolverines on an 11-play, 65-yard scoring drive with eight seconds on the clock to make it 17-6 for Michigan.

The Wolverines opened the second half strong, picking up a pair of touchdown runs by Mullings for a commanding 31-6 lead.

Donovan Edwards and Tavierre Dunlap each scored 20-yard rushing touchdowns, Zvada kicked another field goal and the Wolverines notched a safety in the fourth quarter.

Quarterback Jack Lausch tossed for 106 yards and two interceptions on 10-of-21 passing for Northwestern, which needed a win to remain bowl eligible.

–Field Level Media

Belleville quarterback Bryce Underwood keeps the ball and runs against Saline during the second half of district final at Belleville High School in Belleville on Friday, Nov. 8, 2024.

No. 1 prospect Bryce Underwood flips from LSU to Michigan

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Five-star quarterback Bryce Underwood, the No. 1 overall prospect in the 2025 class, reneged on his commitment to LSU and announced Thursday he will attend Michigan.

Underwood committed to LSU in early January but the Wolverines remained in contact with the Belleville, Mich. native. Less than two weeks before the start of the early signing period, he made it official that he’s headed to Ann Arbor during a social media video.

Speculation that Underwood might flip from LSU to Michigan picked up after four-star quarterback Carter Smith decommitted from the Wolverines in late October.

When Underwood announced his original commitment to LSU on Jan. 6 in the Belleville High cafeteria, Michigan was one of the three finalists along with Alabama.

The 6-foot-4 Underwood won two state titles at Belleville, which is located approximately 20 miles east from Ann Arbor. He fell short in both his junior and senior seasons.

Underwood’s high school career ended last Friday night when Belleville lost 35-21 to Novi Detroit Catholic Central in a Division I quarterfinal matchup.

Underwood bypassed Michigan in January two days before the Wolverines defeated Washington in the national championship game. At that time, there was heavy speculation that coach Jim Harbaugh would not return to Michigan.

Harbaugh indeed left for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers and he was replaced by offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, who is 5-5 this season.

–Field Level Media

Michigan and Michigan State players get into a fight on the field as time expires at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Oct. 26, 2024.

Big Ten probing postgame fight between Michigan, Michigan St.

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While it wasn’t as dire as 2022, another fight between the Michigan and Michigan State football teams is being investigated by the Big Ten Conference, Michigan State athletic director Alan Haller said Monday.

In the final moments of Michigan’s 24-17 home win over Michigan State on Saturday, Spartans defensive lineman Anthony Jones and Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland began to scuffle, and both teams left the sidelines as the clock ticked down.

Loveland was seen headbutting Jones with his helmet on, and later in the fracas, Michigan running Kalel Mullings appeared to be stomping on a player at the bottom of a pile.

Haller said Monday he would not pursue criminal charges, which happened in 2022 when a fight broke out between the same programs in the tunnel of Michigan Stadium, leading to criminal charges for seven Spartans players.

“I don’t think that situation (in 2022) should have been a criminal incident, and I don’t think this should be as well,” Haller said. “This is a sportsmanship policy situation, and the conference will look at it. And it’s my wish that the same standard that everyone’s held to, that (Michigan) be held to the same standard. But I do not believe that incident or this incident is a criminal situation.”

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore called the fight “unacceptable” during his press conference Monday and said discipline would be handled internally.

The 2022 fight resulted in a $100,000 fine for Michigan State, the largest in Big Ten history, and an eight-game suspension for Michigan State’s Khary Crump along with four-game bans for six other Spartans players. The players saw their charges reduced in court.

Neither the two head coaches nor the conference commissioner involved in 2022 are still in place. Jim Harbaugh left the Wolverines for the NFL’s Los Angeles Chargers after winning a national championship last winter; Mel Tucker was fired for cause by Michigan State after a sexual harassment scandal; and commissioner Kevin Warren left the Big Ten to become the president and CEO of the NFL’s Chicago Bears.

Tony Petitti now leads the Big Ten, and Haller explained what he hopes and expects from Petitti’s office.

“We have a new commissioner. We have new leadership in the conference office,” Haller said. “My wish is that the new leadership handles this in a clean slate and treat every school with the same standard.”

–Field Level Media

Oct 19, 2024; Champaign, Illinois, USA; Illinois Fighting Illini wide receiver Pat Bryant (13) makes a short catch and run against Michigan Wolverines linebacker Ernest Hausmann (15) during the first half at Memorial Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Ron Johnson-Imagn Images

No. 22 Illinois handles business at home, topping No. 24 Michigan to improve to 6-1

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Luke Altmyer threw for one touchdown and ran for another as No. 22 Illinois defeated No. 24 Michigan, 21-7, in Champaign, Ill., on Saturday.

Altmyer completed 9 of 18 passes for 80 yards and rushed for 48 yards on 10 attempts. Aidan Laughery rushed for 54 yards on nine carries, and the Fighting Illini defense forced three turnovers and sacked Michigan quarterback Jack Tuttle five times.

Illinois (6-1 overall, 3-1 Big Ten) had dropped its last six meetings vs. the Wolverines, with its last victory coming in 2009.

Tuttle completed 20 of 32 passes for 208 yards and Colston Loveland caught seven passes for 83 yards. Kalel Mullings rushed 19 times for 87 yards and one score for the Wolverines (4-3, 2-2).

Illinois scored on its first possession, as Laughery’s 29-yard run set up David Olano’s 47-yard field goal.

Early n the second quarter, Illinois linebacker Malachi Hood recovered a Tuttle fumble at Michigan’s 38-yard line, but the Wolverines defense again managed to limit the Fighting Illini to a 32-yard Olano field goal.

Donovan Edwards fumbled on the Wolverines’ next possession and Miles Scott recovered it, giving Illinois the ball at its own 49-yard line.

Altmyer had a 14-yard run and the Wolverines committed pass interference, leading to Altmyer’s 2-yard scoring pass to Tanner Arkin.

Michigan responded with a 72-yard drive. Tuttle completed two passes to Colston Loveland during the 12-play possession and Mullings scored on a 1-yard dive with 1:40 left in the half.

Olano had a 44-yard field goal attempt blocked on the final play of the half, which ended with Illinois up 13-7.

Arkin raced 36 yards on a fake punt to set up the first score of the third quarter. That play put Illinois at Michigan’s 16-yard line, and four plays later, Altmyer scored on a 1-yard run. The Illini added a 2-point conversion to make it 21-7.

Michigan’s Dominic Zvada had a 28-yard field goal attempt blocked in the final minute of the quarter.

After the Wolverines drove to the Illinois 15 midway through the fourth, Matthew Bailey picked off a Tuttle pass and returned it 20 yards. It would Michigan’s final scoring threat.

–Field Level Media

Oct 5, 2024; Seattle, Washington, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jack Tuttle (13) rushes against the Washington Huskies during the second quarter at Alaska Airlines Field at Husky Stadium.

Coach: No. 24 Michigan likely to use third different starting QB

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Quarterback Jack Tuttle is expected to make his first start for No. 24 Michigan when the Wolverines return from a bye week to visit No. 22 Illinois on Oct. 19.

Michigan coach Sherrone Moore brought Tuttle in against Washington last week to replace starter Alex Orji. Tuttle, in his first action of the year, went 10-for-18 for 98 yards, one touchdown, one interception and a lost fumble during Michigan’s 27-17 defeat to the Huskies.

“I think right now he gives us the best chance to win,” Moore said of Tuttle on Wednesday on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show. “We’ll continue to process that as an offense, as a team, but that looks like the direction we’re heading.”

Tuttle would be the third quarterback to start this season for Michigan (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten). The Wolverines started the year with Davis Warren under center before benching him for Orji against Arkansas State on Sept. 14.

Orji earned wins over Southern California and Minnesota before being benched against Washington.

Tuttle transferred to Michigan from Indiana ahead of the 2023 season and was the backup quarterback for the Wolverines’ national-championship-winning team last year.

Tuttle has played in 22 games since 2019. He has completed a combined 129 of 217 passes (59.4 percent) for 1,129 yards, seven touchdowns and seven interceptions in that span.

Orji has connected on 23 of 43 passes (53.5 percent) for 148 yards, three touchdowns and one interception this year. Warren is 48 for 72 (66.7 percent) for 444 yards, two touchdowns and six interceptions.

–Field Level Media

Sep 28, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Minnesota Golden Gophers running back Darius Taylor (1) is tackled by Michigan Wolverines defensive back Jyaire Hill (20) in the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

No. 12 Michigan holds off Minnesota’s late charge for 27-24 win

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Kalel Mullings rushed 24 times for 111 yards and two touchdowns Saturday as No. 12 Michigan hung on for a 27-24 win over Minnesota in Big Ten Conference play at Ann Arbor, Mich.

The Wolverines (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) led 24-3 after Dominic Zvada made a 53-yard field goal halfway through the third quarter but nearly blew the lead and the game.

The Golden Gophers (2-3, 0-2) rallied for three fourth quarter touchdowns, drawing within three points on Max Brosmer’s 12-yard touchdown strike to Daniel Jackson with 1:37 left.

But Minnesota couldn’t get the ball back after an initial recovery on an onside kick was ruled offsides. Mullings recovered a second onside kick at the Gophers’ 38 yard-line and Michigan was able to run out the clock.

Brosmer completed 27 of 40 passes for 258 yards with an interception as the Gophers earned a 296-241 advantage in total yardage. Darius Taylor rushed for 36 yards on 13 carries, scoring on runs of 3 and 4 yards less than three minutes apart early in the fourth quarter that pulled Minnesota within 24-17.

Alex Orji hit 10 of 18 attempts for 86 yards with a touchdown and an interception for the Wolverines, which got a 35-yard field goal from Zvada with 4:33 remaining for the insurance points that made the difference.

Michigan controlled the first half, generating one long drive and then capitalizing on two short fields for easy touchdowns.

First came a 79-yard march in the first quarter that Mullings capped with a 27-yard scoring run. Then came the Minnesota mistakes. First was a fumble that teed up the Wolverines for a 16-yard field that Mullings cashed in via a 1-yard plunge with 8:59 left in the first half.

It became 21-0 at the 3:48 mark when Michigan turned a fumbled punt into an 11-yard touchdown pass from Orji to Tyler Morris. The Gophers finally got on the board as time expired when Dragan Kesich connected on a 20-yard field goal.

Michigan was outgained 130-107 in the half but came up with four sacks in addition to producing 14 points off two turnovers.

–Field Level Media

Michigan tight end Colston Loveland (18) celebrates his touchdown against Fresno State during the second half at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.

Michigan star TE Colston Loveland ruled out with injury vs. USC

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Michigan will be without Colston Loveland in Saturday’s home matchup against No. 11 Southern California, as the team’s star tight end was ruled out of the game with an undisclosed injury.

In last weekend’s 28-18 win over Arkansas State, Loveland appeared to suffer a shoulder injury, though Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore hasn’t revealed specifics about the injury.

Loveland’s 19 receptions this season not only leads the team, but no other pass catcher for No. 18 Michigan has more than nine total catches.

The junior standout was a preseason All-American. He has a career total of 80 receptions for 1,071 yards and seven touchdowns in 32 games.

–Field Level Media

Sep 1, 2024; Paradise, Nevada, USA; Southern California Trojans running back Woody Marks (4) rushes against the LSU Tigers during the first quarter at Allegiant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Stephen R. Sylvanie-Imagn Images

No. 11 USC, No. 18 Michigan set for ‘iconic’ Big Ten opener

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For the first time since 1958, No. 11 Southern California will visit Ann Arbor, Mich., to take on No. 18 Michigan for the Trojans’ first-ever Big Ten Conference game.

USC (2-0, 0-0 Big Ten) last visited Michigan Stadium on Sept. 27, 1958, for a 20-19 Wolverines win. The two programs faced off in seven Rose Bowl Games in the years since, last meeting in the 2007 edition.

“Two of the most iconic brands (in college football playing) … it’s cool, man,” USC coach Lincoln Riley said at his post-practice media availability on Tuesday.

The Trojans aim to make a statement about their place in the new-look Big Ten by knocking off the conference’s three-time defending champion and the reigning national champion in Michigan (2-1, 0-0).

USC heads into traditional Big Ten territory for the first time coming off a bye week. The Trojans won their first two games in nonconference play, but needed a decisive touchdown in the closing seconds of their 27-20 Week 1 win over LSU in Las Vegas.

No such heroics were needed in Week 2, as USC pounded Utah State, 48-0. Trojans running backs combined for five rushing touchdowns against the Aggies, led by Quinten Joyner’s two.

Woody Marks reached the end zone twice against LSU, including on the game-winner.

The bye week provided USC with an opportunity to heal up, most notably linebacker Mason Cobb and cornerback Jaylin Smith. Both returned to practice on Tuesday and should play key roles as the Trojans look to extend Michigan’s initial offensive woes.

The Wolverines endured a rocky nonconference slate. After losing a 31-12 rout at home in Week 2 to Texas, they were sluggish offensively for stretches last week in a 28-18 win over Arkansas State, prompting a quarterback change.

Alex Orji will make his first career start after closing out the Week 3 victory. Stepping in for Davis Warren, Orji passed for a touchdown and carried for 27 yards.

“Take the reins, perform like he did the first couple weeks of camp,” coach Sherrone Moore said of his advice to Orji ahead of the quarterback’s move to the first string. “I think he will. He’s had a great couple weeks of practice — so has Davis, but obviously you’ve got to perform in the game.”

Warren threw progressively more interceptions each week, from one in the opener vs. Fresno State, to two against Texas and then three vs. Arkansas State before his benching.

With the passing game seeking its footing, Michigan has leaned on Kalel Mullings carrying the ball. Mullings is averaging 7.5 yards on his 36 rushes.

While Michigan is trying to recapture its offensive productivity from a year ago, the Wolverines’ defense remains stout through three games. Michigan is holding opponents to 70 rushing yards per game behind the effort of a talented front seven, starting on the line with All-American Mason Graham.

Graham is a Southern California native. Riley said on Tuesday that he recruited the defensive tackle to USC upon taking the job in late 2021, but that Graham was firmly committed to Michigan by then.

Graham is one of the “(future) NFL players all over” the Wolverines’ roster, as Riley described it.

–Field Level Media

Sep 7, 2024; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Texas Longhorns quarterback Quinn Ewers (3) rushes in the first half against the Michigan Wolverines at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-Imagn Images

No. 3 Texas halts No. 10 Michigan’s win streak at 16

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Quinn Ewers threw three touchdown passes and No. 3 Texas snapped No. 10 Michigan’s nation-best, 16-game winning streak with a resounding 31-12 victory at Ann Arbor, Mich., on Saturday afternoon.

Ewers completed 24 of 36 passes for 246 yards.

Gunnar Helm caught seven passes for 98 yards and a touchdown for the Longhorns (2-0). Matthew Golden had six receptions for 41 yards and a score.

The defending national champions also saw their 29-game regular-season winning streak and 23-game home winning streak end. Michigan (1-1) was held to 284 total yards in its first regular-season loss since October 2021.

The Wolverines’ Davis Warren completed 22 of 33 passes for 204 yards with one touchdown and two interceptions. Colston Loveland caught eight passes for 70 yards.

Texas led 24-3 at halftime.

On its first possession, Texas had a touchdown pass wiped out by a holding penalty. Bert Auburn then missed a 43-yard field goal attempt.

The Longhorns scored on their next possession, which began on their 44-yard line. It began with a 22-yard pass from Ewers to Helm. They connected again five plays later, as Helm snared a 21-yard pass in the middle of the end zone.

Michigan got on the board early in the second quarter on Dominic Zvada’s 37-yard field goal.

Texas answered with a 76-yard drive, relying mainly on its ground game. Jerrick Gibson finished off the 12-play drive with a 7-yard touchdown run.

Andrew Mukuba’s interception of a Warren pass set up the Longhorns’ next score, a 26-yard Auburn field goal.

Loveland fumbled a pass reception in the final minute of the half. Texas cashed in on Ewers’ 5-yard touchdown pass to Golden.

Zvada’s 52-yard field goal in the third quarter cut Texas’s lead to 24-6.

Ryan Wingo’s 55-yard run highlighted the Longhorns’ next scoring drive, which they finished off with a 7-yard pass from Ewers to Jaydon Blue.

Warren completed a 31-yard touchdown pass to Semaj Morgan with two minutes remaining, the first touchdown the Longhorns have allowed in two games.

–Field Level Media