Michigan and Texas have only clashed once before, but it was an unforgettable encounter.

The 2005 Rose Bowl is widely regarded as one of the best bowl games in recent years. With quarterback Vince Young leading the team, the Longhorns mounted an impressive comeback by scoring 17 points in the fourth quarter, clinching a 38-37 victory with a 37-yard field goal just before the finish.

Twenty years later, these two elite programs are set to compete in a notable non-conference showdown featuring two of the most formidable teams in college football.

The reigning national champion Michigan enters the season with a new head coach, a different quarterback, and fresh talent on both offense and defense. The No. 9 Wolverines kicked off the year with a shaky victory over Fresno State, resulting in a slight drop in this week’s YSL News Sports US LBM Coaches Poll.

No. 3 Texas dominated Colorado State 52-0 in their opening game, making a strong start after a successful year under coach Steve Sarkisian. Despite facing roster changes during the offseason, the Longhorns’ lineup appears to be the deepest and most talented under Sarkisian, which is crucial given the transition to the SEC this season.

Here are some critical questions that will shape the outcome and overall implications of this pivotal matchup that could impact the 2024 season’s trajectory:

What do we know about Michigan?

Not a whole lot, except for one important detail: Michigan has claimed 16 consecutive victories, including 23 straight at home.

All but one of those wins occurred during Jim Harbaugh’s tenure, who is now the head coach for the Los Angeles Chargers. His successor, Sherrone Moore, who previously served as the offensive line coach and coordinator, is still working to imprint his style on the program.

Despite the significant changes since the January victory over Washington, the Wolverines are well-positioned to be one of the leading teams in the Big Ten and a strong contender for the playoffs. On defense, Michigan is formidable in the center with lineman Mason Graham and has sharp performance on the edges, highlighted by cornerback Will Johnson, who sealed the win against Fresno State with a pick-six.

However, there are serious questions regarding their offensive capabilities. New starting quarterback Davis Warren, a former walk-on, completed 15 of 25 passes for 118 yards with one touchdown and one interception in the game against the Bulldogs. The Wolverines managed just one drive that exceeded 47 yards, a 75-yard progression in the fourth quarter that extended their lead to 23-10 after Fresno State closed the gap to just 7 points.

Overall, the 269 yards of offense marked the lowest amount for Michigan in a regular-season non-conference game since they recorded the same yardage in a 41-14 loss to Alabama at the start of the 2012 season. While Fresno State could end up being a strong competitor in the Mountain West, Michigan’s lack of offensive strength raises concerns heading into Saturday.

How strong is Texas?

They are likely one of the top teams in the nation. There’s a lingering debate about whether Texas deserves a spot among the top three or four teams in the country, or if they should be seen more as second-tier playoff contenders alongside Michigan.

We’ll find out the truth come Saturday. If Texas is one of the elite teams in the FBS, they should be able to head into Ann Arbor and secure a win by 10 or 14 points; that would showcase their talent and highlight Michigan’s ongoing search for its identity.

Texas has the capability to do just that and substantiate the offseason expectations. Quarterback Quinn Ewers was impressive against Colorado State, completing 20 of 27 passes for 260 yards and tossing three touchdowns; backup Arch Manning also made his mark by throwing his first career touchdown. Alabama transfer Isaiah Bond contributed 61 receiving yards, an additional 25 rushing yards, and a touchdown. The Longhorn defense forced two turnovers, allowed only 3.1 yards per pass attempt, and achieved their second shutout in non-conference play since 2013.

How can Michigan defeat Texas?

By controlling the game’s tempo. Engaging in a shootout would likely spell trouble for Michigan, which has a dismal record of 1-10 when allowing 30 or more points since 2018.

Letting Texas dictate the rhythm of the game would be the worst-case scenario for the Wolverines. Based on their performance in the first week, they lack the firepower to match Ewers and the Texas offense’s intensity; even if they can keep pace for a quarter or half, eventually they might succumb to an offensive barrage.

However, if Michigan implements a heavily run-oriented strategy, they can restrict the Longhorns’ offensive opportunities and rely on two key elements that could lead to an upset: controlling the time of possession and maintaining a tough defense. Since Sarkisian took the helm in 2021, Texas holds a record of 19-7 when running 65 or more plays, compared to just 7-7 when they don’t.

What must Texas do to beat Michigan?

They need to avoid turnovers and excel on third downs. Michigan has enjoyed a streak of 13 games without losing the turnover battle, dating back to their victory over Rutgers last September. For the Wolverines, falling behind in the turnover margin would significantly complicate their chances of coming out on top.

The challenge of defeating Texas is considerable.

For the Longhorns, a straightforward strategy to counteract any talent or tactical edge is to grant Michigan more opportunities. This became a vital problem for Fresno State, which faced an interception in its own half during the first possession, allowing the Wolverines to take an early 7-0 lead.

The key factor will be if Texas can stop opponents on third down. Last season, their defense excelled in short-yardage scenarios, permitting only 1.4 yards per carry on third down, and restricted opponents to three yards or less, with no gain on five first downs stemming from 11 fourth-down attempts. The question remains whether the current year’s defense can be as effective in similar situations, especially given the losses they’ve faced since last year.

What is the long-term significance of this game?

In most years of modern college football, Saturday’s matchup would be recognized as a significant non-conference event with the potential to heavily influence the national championship race.

For instance, last season, a victory in September against Alabama ensured the Longhorns’ first-ever appearance in the playoffs by clinching the Big 12. However, that was in the context of a four-team playoff format.

The introduction of a 12-team format this season may lessen the importance of the regular season by focusing more on conference titles and reducing the consequences of a single loss. Against this backdrop, what significance does Saturday’s clash in Ann Arbor truly hold?

This contest won’t be an elimination game like many past non-conference matchups; while the losing team will see a slip in the US LBM Coaches Poll, they will still remain in contention for postseason play. The victorious team will gain immediate poll recognition but must continue to perform well in conference play to secure a playoff spot.

In the longer view, the outcome may influence how the playoff selection committee evaluates the top two conferences, the Big Ten and the SEC. It’s assured that both leagues will have at least two teams in the final top 12, likely three or more. When assessing second, third, or fourth-place teams from these conferences for at-large bids, the committee might use the result of Saturday’s game to distinguish between contenders with comparable records.