ORLANDO, Fla. (AP) — The Michigan Wolverines' present and future were in the same hotel room Sunday morning. Bringing those two together will be the big challenge in the coming months.
The shadow around the program has centered on the firing of head coach Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 for what the school said was an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
The team had to push on and prepare for the Citrus Bowl matchup Wednesday against No. 14 Texas amid all the changes.
“We talk about always being a player-led team, and, obviously, it sucks to have our leader go out," running back Jordan Marshall said, “but I truly believe everything happens for a reason, and we will get stronger from that moment.”
No. 18 Michigan hired former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham and introduced him Sunday. He met with his new team briefly at their Orlando hotel Saturday.
With all the noise, the Wolverines are trying to focus on the game.
“I have one job right now, and that is what (athletic director) Warde (Manuel) told me to do, is to love and care for the kids,” Michigan interim coach Biff Poggi said last week before Whittingham’s hire. “Right now, it’s not about winning a game, it’s not about auditioning, it’s about focusing on these kids and their families.”
The highlight of the Citrus Bowl will be the battle of the quarterbacks.
Arch Manning led Texas to a 9-3 record in his first year as a starter, finishing with 2,942 yards passing, 24 touchdowns and seven interceptions. He announced he will return to Texas next season, foregoing the NFL draft.
“I felt like I developed a lot this year, especially towards the back half,” Manning said. “I want to keep it going. I feel like I have a lot more football left to play, and excited to still be part of this team.”
Michigan freshman Bryce Underwood threw for 2,229 yards, nine touchdowns and six interceptions, adding 323 yards rushing and five rushing touchdowns.
Michigan and Texas are two of the most-decorated programs in college football. But they have met only twice before.
Texas won both matchups, the last 31-12 at Michigan in 2024. The Wolverines are slated to travel to Austin in 2027.
Texas is undergoing its own coaching change.
The Longhorns fired defensive coordinator Pete Kwiatkowski, among other coaches, and hired former Florida and South Carolina coach Will Muschamp to replace him.
The Longhorns finished eighth in the SEC in total defense, giving up 335.7 yards per game.
Linebackers coach Johnny Nansen will serve as the defensive coordinator for the Citrus Bowl.
As has become the norm in college football bowl games, both teams will have several key opt-outs from the game.
Michigan will be without leading pass rushers Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham, who are opting out to prepare for the NFL draft.
Texas will be without leading rusher Quintrevion Wisner and second-leading receiver Deandre Moore Jr., who will both enter the transfer portal. Texas linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and defensive back Michael Taaffe will also opt out to prepare for the NFL draft.
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