Michigan
Grading Michigan football at midseason: Will Wolverines improve in second half?
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — The expanded Big Ten means more cross-country flights and, for teams that lose on the road, more time to sit in an airplane and ruminate.
Michigan had one of those somber flights after losing at Washington. With six games remaining, the Wolverines have two regular-season losses for the first time since 2020 and face a daunting schedule in the second half. For a program that’s accustomed to being on top, adjusting to that new reality was like a nasty case of jet lag.
“It wasn’t a moment where we all had to sit back and weep or overthink what was going on,” safety Quinten Johnson said. “We took it all in, and after 24 hours, we flushed it. We got better from it.”
With an extra week to prepare for Saturday’s game at No. 22 Illinois, the No. 24 Wolverines (4-2, 2-1 Big Ten) dusted off the playbook for avoiding back-to-back losses. Coach Sherrone Moore told the players not to let one game beat them twice. The Wolverines talked about relying on their team leaders, taking things one day at a time, not getting caught up in the outside noise. These are familiar sentiments for a team coming off a disappointing loss, but it’s been a long time since anybody had to use them at Michigan.
“Guys on this team, some of them have never lost before, especially in the regular season,” edge rusher Josaiah Stewart said. “It’s kind of hard for them to stomach that. You’ve just got to push through. Some guys have lost on this team, so it’s just showing them how to respond.”
As the second half of the season begins, here’s a midseason report card for each of Michigan’s position groups.
Quarterbacks: D
It’s tough to find many positives for Michigan’s quarterbacks in the first half of the season. Davis Warren, Alex Orji and Jack Tuttle have thrown eight interceptions, and Michigan’s interception rate of 6 percent ranks 133rd out of 134 FBS teams, per TruMedia. The Wolverines are averaging 115 passing yards per game, last among all Power 4 teams. In some ways, Michigan is fortunate to be 4-2 after getting such dismal production from its passing game.
Tuttle will be taking over as Michigan’s starter against Illinois after missing the first five games with an injury. He came off the bench against Washington and gave the offense a spark, despite having limited reps with the first unit in practice. If Tuttle can give Michigan C-plus quarterback play in the second half of the season, it would be a noticeable improvement and might be enough to stabilize Michigan’s offense.
GO DEEPER
What Michigan’s QB flip-flopping says about 2024 and beyond
Offensive line: C
Michigan’s offensive line has improved since Week 1, but not quickly enough. The quarterbacks have been pressured way too often — the Wolverines rank 116th in pressure rate allowed, according to TruMedia — which has contributed to Michigan’s turnover problems. The run blocking, though solid at times, hasn’t been dominant. Redshirt freshman Evan Link has been up and down after beating out more experienced players for the right tackle job, and the center position has been a grab bag between Dominick Giudice and Greg Crippen. Injuries have also become an issue, as Giudice and left tackle Myles Hinton both missed the Washington game.
Some teams can get by with average O-line play, but Michigan isn’t one of them. The Wolverines need to get back to being dominant up front if they want to be successful.
Running backs: B+
Where would Michigan be without Kalel Mullings?
His performances against USC and Minnesota helped the Wolverines win two games that easily could have gone the other way, and he’s continued to be the most consistent option for Michigan’s offense. Michigan fans know what to expect from Donovan Edwards by now: He’s going to break some big plays, as he did against Washington and USC, but he’s also going to have some droughts. The biggest issue is that Michigan hasn’t been able to get both running backs going at the same time.
| Running back | Att | Yds | TDs | Avg | Snaps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Kalel Mullings |
91 |
589 |
6 |
6.5 |
174 |
|
Donovan Edwards |
73 |
353 |
3 |
4.8 |
180 |
Wide receivers: D
Through six games, Michigan’s wide receivers have 31 receptions for 280 yards. There are 187(!) players in the FBS with at least that many receiving yards. Whether you call that a quarterback problem or a wide receiver problem, the reality is that it’s both.
Michigan hasn’t been able to get the ball to Semaj Morgan and Tyler Morris when they’re open, and the wide receivers haven’t been open frequently enough when quarterbacks have had time to throw. Michigan’s transfer portal additions, C.J. Charleston and Amorion Walker, have one reception each for 22 yards, and no wide receiver has a reception of longer than 31 yards. The explosive plays just haven’t been there for this unit, and that’s on everybody.
Tight ends: A
If there’s one position group that escapes blame for Michigan’s offensive struggles, it’s this one. Colston Loveland has consistently gotten open despite being the clear No. 1 option, and Marlin Klein was a capable replacement when Loveland was injured. Max Bredeson is an old-school tight end/fullback who’s led the way for a lot of Michigan’s biggest plays on the ground. It’s a shame that the offense has been held back by so many other issues, because this tight end group is fun to watch.
Colston Loveland has a team-high 29 catches for 261 yards. (Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
Edge/defensive line: B+
Michigan’s front four has been pretty much as advertised. Josaiah Stewart is on pace for double-digit sacks and has 8.5 tackles for loss. Mason Graham has had flashes of dominance that show why he’s a potential top-10 pick, and TJ Guy has backed up the offseason buzz with disruptive plays off the edge. Though the defense has taken a step back in some areas, Michigan still has a top-10 run defense, with opponents averaging 2.9 yards per rush. Perhaps the only knock on this unit is that it hasn’t been dominant enough to cover up issues on the back end.
Linebacker: C
In hindsight, Michigan’s coaches should have been a bit more measured in their praise for Jaishawn Barham. The Maryland transfer was described as a game-wrecker in practice, but against offenses other than Michigan’s, he hasn’t delivered the same level of disruption. The new starters at linebacker, Barham and Ernest Hausmann, had a rough start to the season, though they’ve cleaned up some of their mistakes in recent weeks. This is still a talented unit, but it’s surprising that Barham has gone six games without getting a sack or forcing a turnover.
Secondary: C
This secondary is too good to be allowing this many explosive plays. It’s tough to run on Michigan, so the Wolverines are defending more downfield passes than a lot of other teams. Still, it’s alarming that teams have been able to find vulnerabilities in Michigan’s secondary with such frequency.
The Wolverines clearly miss Rod Moore, who always seemed to be in the right place at the right time. The new starters, including Zeke Berry at nickel and Jyaire Hill at corner, have been in the right place a lot of the time, but when they’re not, teams have found ways to exploit it. Will Johnson is still doing Will Johnson things, but even his two pick sixes haven’t been enough to outweigh the inconsistencies elsewhere in the secondary.
Special teams: B
If everybody on the team had Dominic Zvada’s consistency, the Wolverines would be in a much better place. Zvada is 8-for-8 on field goal attempts and 4-for-4 from 50-plus. Punter Tommy Doman hasn’t been as consistent, and this year it actually matters. If Michigan wants to play the field position game — and at this point, the Wolverines don’t have much of a choice — the punting unit needs to execute at a higher level.
GO DEEPER
Michigan mailbag: How does Sherrone Moore need to change? Can O-line be fixed?
Coaching: C
Last year, Sherrone Moore and Jesse Minter could trust their players to execute almost anything on the call sheet. That’s not the case this year for Kirk Campbell and Wink Martindale. Players are responsible for executing what’s called, and when that’s not happening, it’s up to the coaches to adjust. Nothing’s working? That’s a roster problem, a coaching problem, or both.
Ultimately, it’s up to Moore to build a team that’s capable of contending in the Big Ten and advancing in the College Football Playoff. Over the final six games, the Wolverines are going to find out exactly how they match up with Oregon, Indiana and Ohio State, three CFP contenders. If they don’t like the answer, it’s up to them to change it.
Michigan schedule
| Date | Team | Site | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Aug. 31 |
Home |
W 30-10 |
|
|
Sept. 7 |
Home |
L 31-12 |
|
|
Sept. 14 |
Home |
W 28-18 |
|
|
Sept. 21 |
Home |
W 27-24 |
|
|
Sept. 28 |
Home |
W 27-24 |
|
|
Oct. 5 |
Away |
L 27-17 |
|
|
Oct. 19 |
Away |
||
|
Oct. 26 |
Home |
||
|
Nov. 2 |
Home |
||
|
Nov. 9 |
Away |
||
|
Nov. 23 |
Home |
||
|
Nov. 30 |
Away |
(Top photo of Kalel Mullings: Gregory Shamus / Getty Images)
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Hello, is it an awesome event you’re looking for? Well, you can see some great options not in a pair of eyes or a smile, but in this weekend planner.
Here is a look at what you can do the weekend of May 15:
Acrisure Amphitheater Grand Opening
It’s been a long time coming, but finally, the Acrisure Amphitheater is set to welcome in its first guests with not one, but two shows this weekend.
It kicks off Friday with a grand opening performance by Lionel Richie. And then on Saturday, catch several local artists as part of the Community Celebration.
Click here to grab tickets while you still can.
Heritage Hill Tour of Homes
Saturday marks the start of the 58th annual Heritage Hill Tour of Homes, where guests can explore some of the historic homes in the historic neighborhood.
One of those homes includes the Voigt House, which was built in 1895 and has not been open to the public in 17 years.
For more information, click here.
Puppies on the Patio at Harmony Brewing
What’s better than a cold one after a stressful week? How about sharing a cold one with your best friend?
You and your dog can enjoy a frosty beverage this Saturday at Harmony Brewing Company with a Puppy Pool Party. There will be kiddie pools, activities for dogs and humans and plenty of aforementioned beer.
Click here to learn more.
WestFest
Spring is in the air and you can tell not by the pollen closing in on us, but by the fact that WestFest is happening for another year.
For more than three decades now, the carnival has served as a way for those living on the West Side of Grand Rapids to come together and celebrate the changing of the season. The funds raised by the event will also go towards servicing families of Sacred Heart Parish & Academy.
Details can be found here.
Creston Neighborhood Pancake Breakfast
On Saturday, the Creston Neighborhood in Grand Rapids is inviting the community to partake in its free pancake breakfast and resource fair.
The event will provide plenty of resources from local organizations, a chance for folks to meet their neighbors and also enjoy some delicious pancakes for free.
More information can be found here.
Butterfly Release in Paw Paw
A special memorial butterfly release will be held Saturday in the village of Paw Paw to help those deal with their grief and loss.
Attendees are asked to arrive before 10 a.m. That is when the memorial service will begin, followed by the butterfly release.
For details, click here.
The Kite Festival at Grand Haven
One of the most visually stunning events returns to Grand Haven State Park Saturday and Sunday with the Kite Festival.
It’s your chance to check out dozens upon dozens of kites soaring through the sky. The best part is that it’s completely free to attend.
You can get more information by clicking here.
Kalamazoo Toy Show
On Saturday, head on out to the Kalamazoo County Expo Center for this year’s Kalamazoo Toy Show.
Kids 12 and under get in free to check out some incredibly preserved antique toys like cap guns, action figures, Pez dispensers and more.
Details can be found by clicking here.
Prom with a Purpose
The signature event of the Momentum Center in Grand Haven is Prom with a Purpose and it’s back this weekend.
The event gives folks a chance at reliving the glory days with a night of dancing, eating and fun. The event helps raise funds for the Momentum Center’s initiatives.
Click here to learn more.
Michigan
Michigan DNR confirms black bear roaming Downriver communities in furthest southeast sighting ever
FLAT ROCK, Mich. (WXYZ) — A black bear has been confirmed roaming the Carleton, Rockwood, and Flat Rock area — the furthest southeast the Michigan DNR has ever recorded a bear sighting in the state.
Watch Jeffrey Lindblom’s video report:
Two black bear sightings confirmed in southern counties
Residents near Woodruff Road first spotted the animal on a trail camera, with many initially mistaking it for a large cat. The Michigan DNR has since confirmed two black bear sightings in the area since Sunday, along with tracks to match.
Dale Hicks, a Rockwood resident, was among the first to spot the animal.
“I looked, and I said there’s a big cat by the double gate,” Hicks said.
WXYZ-TV
Neighbor Carolann Foerch said she was surprised to learn the animal had passed through her property.
“It was here and apparently walking through our back yard. He says, there’s a bear out there!” Foerch said.
WXYZ-TV
Foerch, who is originally from northern Michigan, said she welcomed the unusual visitor.
“I love the bear, you betcha,” Foerch said.
Fellow resident Corry Stanley summed up the reaction many neighbors shared.
“Guess it was a real bear,” Stanley said.
WXYZ-TV
Jan Saintamour, another Rockwood resident, called the sighting “kind of cool. Kind of odd.”
WXYZ-TV
What the DNR says
Cody Norton, a bear specialist with the Michigan DNR, said the sighting is unprecedented for the region.
“This is the furthest southeast we’ve seen,” Norton said.
WXYZ-TV
Norton described southeastern Michigan as far more developed than other parts of the state, making the bear’s appearance in the area without any reported sightings along its path especially unusual.
The DNR reports approximately 12,000 bears living across Michigan’s Upper and Lower peninsulas. Norton said the lower peninsula bear population has grown significantly in recent years.
“Our bear population in the lower peninsula has grown about 60-percent,” Norton said.
As bear numbers have risen, the animals have begun moving into areas further west and south. Norton said younger male bears in particular tend to wander in search of territory not already claimed by dominant males.
“They are able to survive and make a living in habitats we previously thought wouldn’t be suitable for bears,” Norton said.
Norton said bears would have historically inhabited this area before development pushed them out, and that as populations continue to grow, sightings in unexpected places like southeastern Michigan are likely to increase.
“Their world revolves around food,” Norton said.
What to do if you see the bear
The DNR says residents do not need to be overly concerned.
“I don’t think anyone should be too worried about this individual bear roaming around in this area,” Norton said.
Norton said there has not been a bear-related human fatality in Michigan since 1930. He added that residents do not need to worry about walking pets or letting animals outside.
However, there are steps residents can take to avoid unintentionally attracting the bear to their property:
- Secure garbage cans
- Manage bird feeders
- Do not leave pet food outside
If you do encounter the bear, the DNR advises against running. Instead, make yourself appear large, make noise, and slowly back away to a safe location.
As of now, the bear does not appear to be bothering anyone or displaying aggressive behavior. The DNR says it will continue to leave the bear alone unless it begins acting aggressively or causing property damage.
Hicks, for his part, said he plans to keep an eye out.
“I’m going to look at it and take pictures of it,” Hicks said.
—————————————————————————
This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.
NOVI — Surprise! Sakura Novi is getting yet another Michigan premiere store with the opening of TESO Life at 42688 Grand River Avenue on May 15.
The 12,000 square-foot store offers thousands of Asian-themed beauty products, collectibles, snacks, beverages and more.
“Hopefully people will like us,” said store manager Jackal Saw. “I’m excited about the whole new culture here and I see a lot of excited customers. I have faith in Michigan.”TESO Life was founded in 2017 and while the company offers mainly Japanese, Korean, Chinese and Taiwanese products that cater to a “global consumer,” it is U.S. based, with headquarters in New York City and stores sprouting up across the east and west coasts, as well as in Texas, Florida and Chicago.Novi is the 27th location for TESO Life, which has a loyal following among Asian populations, but which has fun finds for anyone with an interest in Asian culture, food and fun collectibles.
Among the most popular items are “blind boxes,” in which there are mystery collector items that Saw describes as similar to Popmart, but with different brands, including Care Bears, Lucky Emma, Maltese, Smiski and more.A wide variety of do-it-yourself kits from Rolife line shelves, offering creative challenges.
Snack aisles abound with sweet treats, including freezers full of ice cream specialties seen on TikTok and plenty of refrigerated beverages.
TESO Life in Novi has about 30 employees waiting to greet you and is open 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., seven days a week.
On opening weekend from May 15-17, spend any amount and get a free pin. Guests spending $50 or more will also get a free snack and those spending more than $100 will receive a free gift bag.
Contact reporter Susan Bromley at sbromley@hometownlife.com
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