The Wolverines Defense learned quickly that there were two teams on the field as the Flames got the ball first and were able to score on their first possession. The Wolverines appeared to had stuffed Kaidon Salter on his 3rd and Goal attempt at the one, however, a second wind rolled him over the pile and into the end zone.
The Wolverines Offense started out slow as Orji throws an interception over the middle on the 3rd play leaving the Flames with excellent field position. Unfortunately, the Flames got within 2 yards of the Goal line on their second drive. Liberty attempted a 19 yard Field Goal and missed by a foot.
Michigan's Offense redeemed themselves on their 2nd drive with a 2 play 80 yard Touchdown drive led by an Alex Orji 24 yard pass to Tyler Morris and 44 yard run after the catch for a 68 yard TD. Morris scored two touchdowns in the first half and Makari Paige eyed down the quarter back for an INT right before half to kill the momentum.
The Flames had a few chances to make a big 3rd down stop but Alex Orji called up an RPO on 3rd and long and got a key first down that led to Orji scoring on a draw play later in the drive. Michigan's Defense played a solid second half holding Liberty to a total of 14 points.
Alex Orji was Michigan's MVP of the day, throwing for 224 yards on (11 completions, 13 attempts) and adding 26 yards on the ground.
Michigan turns its focus to a road test at Indiana.
Liberty has a heck of a coach, win that conference and see you in the upcoming season!
Date: September 4, 2024
Location: Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor, MI
In a thrilling top 25 college football showdown, the Michigan Wolverines secured a dominant 27-14 victory over the Liberty Flames.
First Half: Wolverines’ late Dominance
From the opening kickoff, Liberty looked to control the game when they march slowly down the field and Salter finishes off the drive on a 1-yd TD run on the opening drive of the game. The Wolverines start to the game was not what they were hoping for. On their opening drive, Alex Orji throws an interception 3 plays in and sets Liberty up inside Michigan 30-yard line. After a poor start from Michigan, the defense stood tall when they forced Liberty to 4th and goal and the Flames Special teams failed to put up 3 points on a missed Field goal. After the miss field goal by Nick Brown, the momentum shifted fast, and it was all Michigan the rest of the game.
Alex Orji connected with Tyler Morris twice in the second quarter, once on a 68-yd TD pass and a 16-yd TD pass late in the half to put the Wolverines up 14-7 at halftime. Liberty struggled to counter Michigan's aggressive passing attack in the first half. Michigan’s defense, anchored by Will Jonhson and the defensive line, consistently pressured Salter, disrupting Liberty's offensive plans.
Second Half: Wolverines' Power Surge
The second half saw Michigan continue their offensive onslaught. The Wolverines’ offensive line dominated the line of scrimmage, creating running lanes for Donovan Edwards, and clean pockets for Alex Orji. Orji, who was magnificent in this game, helped Michigan pull away with a 4-yd TD run and a 23-yd TD pass to Fredrick Moore to take a 27-7 lead. Liberty ended up getting something going late in the 4th quarter when Salter hits his Tight End, Bentley Hanshaw, on a 6-yd TD pass to bring the score to 27-14. The Big House seemed to be too much for the Flames to handle as the Wolverines secure a big win at home.
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