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Inside the Numbers: Texas defense put Michigan in unfamiliar territory

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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.

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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.

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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.



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Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025

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Michigan Lottery Daily 3, Daily 4 results for Dec. 16, 2025


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The Michigan Lottery offers several draw games for those aiming to win big. Here’s a look at Dec. 16, 2025, results for each game:

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Winning Daily 3 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

Midday: 8-9-0

Evening: 9-0-2

Check Daily 3 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily 4 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

Midday: 8-7-2-6

Evening: 5-6-3-7

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Check Daily 4 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Lucky For Life numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

03-04-19-24-39, Lucky Ball: 11

Check Lucky For Life payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Poker Lotto numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

QS-KS-AS-5C-5D

Check Poker Lotto payouts and previous drawings here.

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Winning Fantasy 5 numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

11-20-31-32-38

11-18-28-29-34

Check Fantasy 5 payouts and previous drawings here.

Winning Daily Keno numbers from Dec. 16 drawing

09-17-22-23-24-27-30-36-43-44-49-51-55-58-59-60-62-69-70-71-73-79

Check Daily Keno payouts and previous drawings here.

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Feeling lucky? Explore the latest lottery news & results

Are you a winner? Here’s how to claim your lottery prize

All Michigan Lottery retailers can redeem prizes up to $600. For prizes up to $99,999.99, winners have the option to submit their claim by mail or in person at one of Michigan Lottery’s Regional Offices.

To claim by mail, complete a ticket receipt form, sign your winning ticket, and send it along with original copies of your government-issued photo ID and Social Security card to the address below. Ensure the names on your ID and Social Security card match exactly. Claims should be mailed to:

Michigan Lottery

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Attn: Claim Center

101 E. Hillsdale

P.O. Box 30023

Lansing, MI 48909

For prizes over $100,000, winners must claim their prize in person at the Michigan Lottery Headquarters in Lansing located at 101 E. Hillsdale in downtown Lansing. Each winner must present original versions of a valid government-issued photo ID (typically a driver’s license or state ID) and a Social Security card, ensuring that the names on both documents match exactly. To schedule an appointment, please call the Lottery Player Relations office at 844-887-6836, option 2.

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If you prefer to claim in person at one of the Michigan Lottery Regional Offices for prizes under $100,000, appointments are required. Until further notice, please call 1-844-917-6325 to schedule an appointment. Regional office locations are as follows:

  • Lansing: 101 E. Hillsdale St. Lansing; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Livonia: 33231 Plymouth Road, Livonia; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Sterling Heights: 34700 Dequindre Road, Sterling Heights; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Detroit: Cadillac Place, 3060 W. Grand Blvd., Suite L-600, Detroit; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Grand Rapids: 3391-B Plainfield Ave. NE, Grand Rapids; Phone: 844-917-6325
  • Saginaw: Jerome T. Hart State Office Building, 411 E. Genesee Ave., Saginaw; Phone: 844-917-6325

For additional information, downloadable forms, and instructions, visit the Michigan Lottery’s prize claim page.

When are Michigan Lottery drawings held?

  • Daily 3 & Daily 4: Midday at 12:59 p.m., Evening at 7:29 p.m.
  • Fantasy 5: 7:29 p.m. daily
  • Poker Lotto: 7:29 p.m. daily
  • Lotto 47: 7:29 p.m. Wednesday and Saturday
  • Lucky for Life: 10:38 p.m. daily
  • Daily Keno: 7:29 p.m. daily

This results page was generated automatically using information from TinBu and a template written and reviewed by a Michigan editor. You can send feedback using this form.



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‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos

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‘Michigan is like an oil field’: Why the coaching search could deliver an elite upgrade despite the chaos


CLEV ELAND, Ohio — The Michigan coaching search has dominated college football headlines this week, creating both uncertainty and opportunity for the defending national champions.

Despite the chaotic nature of the situation, college football analyst Josh Pate makes a compelling case that Michigan will ultimately emerge with a significant upgrade at head coach.

“I think they’re going to end up so much better for this. They’re not in a great place right now, but I mean once the fog clears, like Michigan will have clearly upgraded at their head coaching position,” Pate claims on the latest episode of his podcast, setting an optimistic tone despite the current turmoil.

One of the most significant developments has been Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer’s definitive statement removing himself from consideration.

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“I don’t think Kalen DeBoer is going anywhere. Feel pretty good about our sourcing on that,” Pate said. “You guys are free to believe whatever you want, but I do believe that he’ll be at Alabama this Friday and well beyond this Friday, no matter what the outcome of that game is. I hope I’ve been pretty clear there.”

With DeBoer firmly committed to Alabama, the podcast makes an impassioned case for Arizona State’s Kenny Dillingham as the ideal candidate to revitalize Michigan’s program.

“I think Kenny Dillingham is a wonderful candidate for Michigan. That would be the guy that I would pursue,” Pate said. “I look at that guy and I see what he’s done in terms of quarterback development. I see what he’s done in terms of lighting a fan base on fire. I love the energy. I love the passion. I love how much his guys will go over a cliff for him.”

What makes this endorsement particularly compelling is the podcast’s vivid metaphor about Michigan’s untapped potential and why someone with Dillingham’s energy could be transformational.

“Michigan is like an oil field. I’ve been watching Land Man lately. It’s like an oil field that really hasn’t been drilled properly,” Pate said. “When you do, money is flying all over the place. It’s there. It’s there. I’ve got it on good word. A little birdie has flown in my ear recently and told me, you know, maybe since the Sherrone Moore firing, there’s a little bit of an uptick even in NIL contribution.”

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This assessment suggests Michigan’s NIL and donor resources remain largely untapped, creating an opportunity for an energetic, passionate coach like Dillingham to unlock unprecedented support.

Pate notes that despite Michigan’s recent national championship, no one has “really drilled deep at Michigan yet” when it comes to maximizing resources in college football’s new era.

The podcast also addresses the complexity of the search process, noting it’s moving “way differently than the Penn State search” with Michigan employing “search firm stages” that will lead to a search committee.

This methodical approach suggests Michigan is prioritizing making the right hire rather than the fastest hire.

Other candidates mentioned include Lincoln Riley, Eli Drinkwitz and Jedd Fisch, though the podcast clearly positions Dillingham as the transformational choice who could best capitalize on Michigan’s dormant potential.

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Interestingly, the podcast draws a distinction between Dillingham and DeBoer’s public statements about being happy at their current jobs: “I don’t think those were the same thing,” hinting that while DeBoer is genuinely staying put, Dillingham might still be in play despite expressing love for Arizona State.

For Michigan fans enduring a turbulent week, the podcast’s perspective offers a compelling reason for optimism.

Despite the messy nature of the coaching change, Michigan appears poised to emerge with a dynamic leader who could elevate the program to even greater heights.



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Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority

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Michigan Gov. Whitmer lays out student literacy plan, says it will be her top priority


Literacy is on the decline in Michigan, and Gov. Gretchen Whitmer says she wants to stop it in its tracks.

The governor shared during this year’s Michigan Literacy Summit that one in three students in Michigan tests below average.

Michigan used to rank higher, but nowit is 44th in the nation when it comes to reading at grade level. Whitmer says it’s due to multiple things, from decades of disinvestment in education to the pandemic.

“Literacy is directly correlated to higher incomes, greater productivity more innovation,” Whitmer said at the summit.

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For the rest of her term as governor, Whitmer says literacy will be her top priority.

“A literate population is more civically engaged, more empowered, more equal,” said Whitmer.

In a room filled with educators from across Michigan, the governor didn’t place blame for the problem, but encouragement and next steps to improve literacy, such as proper resources and training.

“They’re taught by skilled, qualified educators who are getting more and more of every year with scholarships, retention and recruitment programs,” said Whitmer.

Educators say support, such as funding, has helped them be better educators to their students. Teachers say helping them pay for expensive training has allowed them to reach their students in a new way.

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“All of these things accelerated my knowledge and just gave me hope for Michigan’s direction,” said educator David Pelc

However, Whitmer recognized it’s not just the knowledge they are teaching, it’s the ability to connect with the young minds, especially in a world that is ever changing.

“They are growing up against rapidly changing technology, rising mental health challenges, increasing political division, they see violence playing out, and its a uncertain economic environment,” said Whitmer.

From the state Capital, the governor emphasized the bills she has passed that help lead to improving literacy, such as free pre-K and school lunches.

 Whitmer says she plans to offer advice to future budgets and leaders to continue to improve literacy in Michigan.

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