Report Card: Grading Michigan in the loss to Texas

By Chris Balas

Michigan faded late and dropped its fourth game of the year to finish 9-4, losing 41-27 to Texas. We grade U-M in all areas following the loss …

RELATED: Texas 41,Michigan 27: Notes, quotes, and observations – time to turn the page

Michigan rushing offense: B-

Jordan Marshall didn’t play, so Michigan veteran Bryson Kuzdzal stepped in and was solid, running for 82 yards on 20 carries. They finally ran frosh quarterback Bryce Underwood more on designed runs — 77 yards — and Micah Ka’apana provided a spark with 20 yards on three carries.

Passing offense: D

Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood made some nice throws, but his mechanics still need a lot of work. He threw for 199 yards and two scores, including a great touchdown grab by Kendrick Bell, but he also threw three picks and was throwing off his back foot too often. Talented freshman receiver Andrew Marsh caught only three passes for 10 yards. This room needs to be upgraded in 2026.

Michigan rushing defense: D-

In addition to quarterback Arch Manning’s unscripted runs (he’d finish with 155 yards), frosh Christian Clark ran for 105 and the Longhorns finished with 7.1 yards per carry. The Michigan defensive front simply wasn’t good enough much of the year, and it was no different Wednesday.

Passing defense: D

Texas quarterback Manning completed 21 of 34 passes for 221 yards and two scores and wasn’t sacked. Additionally, his ability to take advantage of abandoned rush lanes allowed him to run for 155 yards. That’s not acceptable. 

The Michigan secondary and pass rush were both weaknesses in this game. 

Michigan special teams: B-

Punter Hudson Hollenbeck punted twice for a 48-yard average before getting hurt. Frosh Andrew Marsh came up big on kick returns, averaging 36 yards on four runbacks. Grad kicker Dominic Zvada missed yet another field goal, this one a 45-yarder before the half that might have given the Wolverines momentum going into halftime.