Michigan
Quinn Ewers says the Texas offense responded to Wink Martindale’s defense by ‘fighting fire with fire’
In 2023 Michigan had the best defense in the nation ranking No. 1 in fewest points per game (10.4) and yards allowed (252). Now a year later with plenty of new starters and a new defensive coordinator in Don “Wink” Martindale, No. 10 Michigan gave up lots of yards and points to No. 3 Texas in a 31-12 defeat.
Texas had 389 yards of total offense for the game and was particularly effective in the first half, scoring 24 of their 31 points before halftime.
Michigan’s defense ranks No. 109 in returning production (47%). Some of the inexperience showed against a Texas team that ranks No. 30 in offensive returning production (74%).
Texas quarterback Quinn Ewers put on a clinic. It didn’t seem to matter if Michigan was playing man or zone coverage, or if they pressured or just simulated pressure — Ewers was consistently a step ahead and showed why he’s considered one of the best quarterbacks in the nation. Ewers was 24-of-36 for 246 yards with three touchdowns.
Part of Ewers’ success can be tied to what he expected Martindale to dial up in the game. Ewers expected pressure.
“We knew their defensive coordinator likes to blitz and likes to kind of win games with his calls,” Ewers said.
Martindale, whose last two previous positions were as defensive coordinator of the New York Giants (2022-23) and the Baltimore Ravens (2018-21), has had some of the highest blitz-rate totals in recent NFL history. The Ravens were No. 1 in blitz rate in three of Martindale’s four seasons as Baltimore’s DC.
Martindale said this offseason that he’s more aggressive, “sometimes to a fault”, than Michigan’s prior two defensive coordinators, Mike Macdonald and Jesse Minter, who both were on Baltimore’s staff with Martindale at one point.
Michigan totaled one sack, nine QB hurries, and three QB hits.
“For us to do what we did and kind of fight fire with fire, it felt good,” Ewers said.
While Ewers pointed to the blitz of Michigan as what he prepared for, Martindale’s aggressive tendencies were by no means why the Longhorns had sustained success on offense in the first half. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore felt missed tackles and missed assignments were at the forefront of the defensive struggles.
“It’s tackling,” Moore said. “We’ve got to make sure we wrap up because they had 135 yards after contact.”
While it wasn’t a good day for the Michigan defense against Texas, they can still hold their head high on how they finished the game, allowing just one touchdown in the second half.
“That gives you some sign that there’s resolve there,” Moore said. “But now we’ve got to put the things in place so in the first half it doesn’t go the way it did.”
Michigan’s defense will look to get back on track next week against Arkansas State, a noon kickoff at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan
117th annual Race to Mackinac takes off from Chicago’s Monroe Harbor
Saturday, July 11, 2026 2:48PM
CHICAGO (WLS) — Sailors are making their way from Chicago to Mackinac Island on Saturday morning.
The racing division of the Race to Mackinac took off from Monroe Harbor. The first sailors began their journey at 9 a.m.
ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch
The race, spanning over 300 miles into Michigan, brings sailors from all over the world to compete. The event is considered the longest annual freshwater sailing race in the world.
The Race to Mackinac is now on its 117th year and is the Chicago Yacht Club’s signature sailing event. This year, there are 2,000 sailors competing on 252 boats total.
The race’s unpredictable weather and shifting winds on Lake Michigan serve as a challenge for sailors. The event goes on, rain or shine.
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Michigan
Michigan State Police rule out suspect in Electric Forest baby death investigation
ROTHBURY, Mich. — Michigan State Police (MSP) detectives shared some more information Friday about their investigation of the infant death at this year’s Electric Forest music festival in Rothbury.
Troopers recently received a tip about a Muskegon woman who was said to have information about the incident, but after interviewing her and completing other necessary investigative steps, MSP said they ruled her out as a suspect.
A restroom vending company employee at the festival found the body of a neonate, a newborn infant who is four weeks old or younger, in a portable restroom in the festival camping area on June 28, according to troopers.
The festival is hosted at the Double JJ Resort, which was locked down to anyone entering the following day as police surrounded the scene.
Troopers are asking for tips from the public at michigan.gov/michtip.
Michigan
Harmful algal blooms reported on 2 large West Michigan lakes
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) — Harmful algal blooms have been reported on two notable lakes in West Michigan: Gun Lake and Muskegon Lake.
The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy says cyanobacteria was reported on Muskegon Lake July 3, but no tests have confirmed it.
The Barry-Eaton District Health Department says a harmful algal bloom was confirmed Thursday on Gun Lake. The lake remains open, but the BEDHD is encouraging visitors to use caution and avoid water that has “visible algae.”
Visitors are encouraged to avoid any contact with water that appears bright green, blue-green, brown or red or has “floating mats of scum.”
Pets should also avoid the water. If they come into contact with the algae, pets should be rinsed off as soon as possible with clean, fresh water.
Exposure to algae can cause a rash or irritation to the skin, eyes, nose and throat. It can also cause stomach cramps, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headache, fever and trouble breathing.
“If you become sick, contact your healthcare provider. Seek medical care right away if you have trouble breathing, severe vomiting, or other serious symptoms,” the BEDHD said in a statement. “If your pet was exposed, rinse them well with clean water and do not let them lick their fur until they have been washed. Contact your veterinarian right away if your pet has vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, trouble walking, excessive drooling, shaking, or seizures.”
Harmful algal blooms are powered by the sudden growth of cyanobacteria, also known as blue-green algae. Cyanobacteria occur naturally in lakes, rivers and ponds but is often boosted by a sudden excess of nutrients, often caused by fertilizer runoff from farms or failed septic systems.
They can last for several days and sometimes even months. The water will look “scummy” or like “spilled paint or pea soup.” They are typically found in the summer and fall — usually peaking in August or September and dying off by the end of October.
You can report a suspected harmful algal bloom to EGLE at AlgaeBloom@Michigan.gov or 1.800.662.9278.
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