Michigan
Inside the Numbers: Texas defense put Michigan in unfamiliar territory
The then-No. 3 Texas Longhorns went into Ann Arbor and dominated the defending national champion Michigan Wolverines, putting them and the country on notice that they are legitimate contenders for the title.
While there is still a lot to coach and a lot of work to do, Texas played up to its level of talent on both sides of the ball as they prepare for the grind of SEC play. From quarterback Quinn Ewers already appearing to be in midseason form to red-zone efficiency and everything in between, the Longhorns dominated the Wolverines on their home turf.
Quinn Ewers: 24-36, 246 yards, three TDs (all three came in the first three quarters)
One of the biggest stories on Saturday was the performance of Texas’ senior quarterback in one of the toughest environments in the country. While the final stat line was shy of 2023’s Week Two statement game, Ewers’ offensive performance in Ann Arbor was everything Texas needed him to be to come away with the victory. It has been a feature of the head coach Steve Sarkisian offense to pass the ball on first downs, and Ewers often rewards his coach for his faith in him.
Saturday was no different.
Texas went to the air 12 times on first down, with Ewers completing six of those attempts for 72 yards and resetting the chains three times — an average of six yards per attempt through the air. The air game was more efficient than the ground game for Texas against Michigan, which we knew would likely be the case, but the Longhorns managed to out-gain the Wolverines on the ground and through the air Saturday. Perhaps most impressively, however, was Ewers’ efficiency when Texas had to convert on third downs.
On the money down, Ewers finished the day 6-of-9 for 81 yards, moving the chains five times and scorning two touchdowns, including a 33-yard strike to Isaiah Bond on the opening drive of the game. That drive should have ended with a third-down touchdown and what would have been Texas’s second explosive play of the drive if not for a questionable holding call on Cameron Williams. Despite the referees interfering with that drive, Texas finished with seven explosive passes, one of which went for a touchdown, accounting for 156 of Ewers’ 246 yards.
Red-zone conversions: 4-4, three touchdowns
After a year of abysmal red-zone performance in touchdown rate, Texas has seemingly turned the corner to red-zone success and found its footing in that critical space. Texas turned in back-to-back perfect games in the red zone for the first time since Weeks Two and Three of last year, after going 4-of-4 against Alabama and 3-of-3 against Wyoming. The difference is that in 2023, Texas left more points on the field — converting three of those seven via field goal. The 2024 Longhorns have shown greater consistency from a year ago, with 10 of their 11 trips to the red zone ending in a touchdown; Texas didn’t reach 10 red-zone touchdowns last year until the fifth game against Kansas.
Texas wasn’t perfect from inside the 25 against the Wolverines, with their fourth drive of the first half ending with a Bert Auburn field goal. Texas quickly responded by punching it in from the 5-yard line on their next drive to take a 24-3 lead. Sark and the Texas offense showed it can punch it in using all parts of the offense, with tight end Gunnar Helm scoring the game’s first touchdown from 21 yards out, running back Jerrick Gibson carrying the ball from seven yards out, and running back Jaydon Blue snagging a designed swing pass from Ewers to cap off a long drive.
Texas: Plus-three turnover margin (two INTs, fumble recovery)
When safety Andrew Mukuba intercepted Michigan quarterback Davis Warren in the second quarter, Wolverines fans experienced something they had experienced just once since last September — their quarterback giving up the ball via interception.
The Wolverines lost the turnover battle just twice last year, in Weeks Two and Three as they tried to figure out the quarterback situation before settling in. They responded with five straight weeks without a turnover and seven without an interception. From that point on, Michigan was either even or positive in the turnover battle and went without a multi-turnover game through their national title win. They threw just one interception in the final 12 games of their national championship season.
The pair of interceptions by Mukuba and sophomore Derrick Williams, plus the Jahdae Barron-recovered fumble, put Texas plus-three in the turnover margin for the day. That number is the second-best performance under fourth-year defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, tied with last year’s opener against Rice. Texas currently sits tied at No. 8 in turnover margin, after finishing last year No. 30 and No. 55 two years ago.
Now, Texas has cleared one of the major hurdles in its march back to the College Football Playoff, cementing itself as a legitimate contender for the title. Now, Texas returns home for another non-conference tuneup against the UTSA Roadrunners, with just two more games before officially starting conference play.
A four-star receiver out of Texas, Zion Robinson has moved his official visit up from June 13th to May 30th. Robinson is an elite athlete, coming in at 6-foot-4 and weighing 180-pounds. He’s a tough cover with a great catch radius, the type of long, lanky, and speedy receiver that offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey has been targeting since getting to Ann Arbor.
Robinson is ranked as the 135th overall recruit for 2026 in composite ratings. Some recruiting sites have him slotted as high as 72nd overall. In addition to being an elite football player, Robinson is also a state champion track star. He won the Texas high jump last year with an amazing 6-foot-8 leap. That athleticism will make him a tough cover on the football field and jump balls in the end zone will certainly tip in his favor with that leaping ability.
Robinson made a visit to Michigan for the spring game and was seen talking to fellow Texas receiver Andrew Marsh after the game. Michigan is in the thick of this race and it is a huge plus that Robinson has moved his date up. Right now, there are no crystal balls for Robinson and he’s keeping his recruitment very private. It feels like Michigan could snag this talented young man if they play their cards right and win his team over on May 30th.
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A 54-year-old Michigan man accused of beating his roommate to death over a year ago pleaded no contest to manslaughter.
According to the Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office, Mark Joseph Newsome, of Roseville, was living in a group home on Jan. 31, 2024, when he got into an altercation with his roommate, 72-year-old Dale Francis Mitchell. Prosecutors say another person witnessed the fight and called police.
Responding officers found Mitchell unconscious and bleeding on the floor. The Roseville Fire Department was also called to the home and attempted lifesaving measures; however, Mitchell was pronounced dead at a local hospital, according to a news release.
Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office
Police arrested Newsome and initially charged him with second-degree murder. On Tuesday, he pleaded no contest to manslaughter, which comes with a five to 15-year sentence agreement.
“Mr. Mitchell’s life was cut short in the very dwelling that should have been his safe place. The Macomb County Prosecutor’s Office stands as the voice of the victim to achieve justice for this horrible act by Mr. Newsome,” said Prosecutor Pete Lucido in a statement. “Conflicts between individuals should never be settled by violence.”
Sentencing is set for June 24.
Exploring the Great Lakes: Facts about Lake Superior, Michigan, Huron, Erie, Ontario
Dive into the fascinating world of Michigan’s Great Lakes. Learn intriguing facts about Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Lake Huron, and Lake Erie.
- The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular tourist attraction on the coast of Lake Michigan in northwest Michigan.
- The national lakeshore features sand, beaches, forests, inland lakes, islands, historic villages and more.
- Visitors can buy entrance passes online or in person to check out the national lakeshore.
A trip to northwest Michigan this summer can land you at one of Michigan’s national lakeshores, a top attraction for those seeking sweeping views, trails to hike and beaches to relax on.
The popular tourist destination, Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, welcomes 1.5 million visitors each year with its expansive sand dunes and sandy beaches, former Life-Saving Service/Coast Guard stations, inland Manitou islands, a historic farm district and coastal village, inland lakes, 1871 lighthouse, forests and campgrounds, according to the National Park Service.
“The park was established primarily for its outstanding natural features, including forests, beaches, dune formations, and ancient glacial phenomena,” Pure Michigan says.
Michigan’s other national lakeshore is Pictured Rocks, which features the towering Grand Sable Dunes on Lake Superior.
Here’s what to know about Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore.
What is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore is a popular tourist destination and one of two national lakeshores in Michigan.
Where is Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore?
The lakeshore lies along 35 miles of Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline in west Michigan northwest of Traverse City. Nearby are the villages of Glen Arbor and Empire. The lakeshore is about 39 miles from Traverse City. M-22 runs north and south along the lakeshore.
How can you visit this season?
To visit the lakeshore, you will need a national parks entrance pass, which you then display on your car. You can buy the pass ahead online or in person at the Philip A. Hart Visitor Center.
If you’re planning a camping trip, you’ll need to book a reservation at one of the lakeshore’s campgrounds; you can reserve up to six months in advance.
How much do lakeshore passes cost?
Entrance passes to the lakeshore include a $25 standard pass, with varying prices for larger vehicles; $45 annual pass and America the Beautiful pass at varying prices. There are also seven-day digital passes.
The America the Beautiful National Parks and Federal Recreation Lands pass is $80 for an annual pass, $80 for a senior lifetime pass, $20 for a senior annual pass and free for military annual pass, military lifetime pass, access pass, fourth grade pass, and volunteer pass.
The following will be national park free entrance days in 2025:
- Juneteenth National Independence Day: June 19
- Great American Outdoors Acts Anniversary: Aug. 4
- National Public Lands Day: Sept. 27
- Veterans Day: Nov. 11
Are there beaches, other activities at the lakeshore?
The national lakeshore offers sand dunes, beaches, trails, inland islands, camping, forests, rivers, inland lakes, a lighthouse and more. The tallest dune is 450 feet.
For those looking to relax near the water, the park offers seven beaches. Platte River Point Beach includes the gently-flowing river’s mouth at Lake Michigan, a popular place for canoers and tubers to pause before loading up for home.
While visiting, you can hike the lakeshore’s various trails, bike the paved heritage trail, swim at the beach, set up camp, navigate the dunes, kayak or tube or canoe the rivers, take a trip to the Manitou Islands, explore historic coastal villages and museums and and more, per the lakeshore website.
What islands are part of the lakeshore?
The lakeshore features two inland islands, the Manitou Islands. The North and South Manitou Islands form part of an island chain spanning north toward the Straits of Mackinac. The islands offer hiking and camping in vast nature and the nearby Manitou Passage State Underwater Preserve to explore shipwrecks.
North Manitou Island is closed for the 2025 season amid a multi-year project to move the islands’ docks.
On South Manitou Island, there are 10 miles of pebble beaches, a lighthouse, sand dunes, village, over 500-year-old white cedar trees, campgrounds, historic tours and more, per the NPS website.
How can you get to the islands?
The islands are accessible by Manitou Island Transit ferry service from Leland, Michigan or by private boat. The islands do not have food service, stores or medical centers, so come prepared and be aware emergency responders may take hours or days to arrive, depending on weather.
To access the islands, you need an entrance pass to the lakeshore. Pets are not allowed on the islands.
How many lighthouses are at the lakeshore?
The lakeshore features one lighthouse, located on South Manitou Island. The 100-foot South Manitou Island Lighthouse was in operation from 1871-1958, per the lakeshore’s website.
Previously, North Manitou Island Lighthouse, built in the late 1890s stood, joined by a lightship in 1910, until 1927. The light was replaced by the current North Manitou Shoal Light, an offshore beacon, completed in 1935, according to the North Manitou Light Keepers.
Contact Jenna Prestininzi: jprestininzi@freepress.com.
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