Michigan earned its first win of the 2024 campaign, downing Fresno State, 30-10, on Saturday. Improving to 1-0, the Wolverines — specifically cornerback Will Johnson — confirmed that the ball, indeed, does not lie.
Johnson sealed the victory, returning an interception 86 yards for a pick-six with 3:57 remaining in the fourth quarter. As the snap reached Fresno State quarterback Mikey Keene, the junior defensive back was already in a full sprint, jumping a wide receiver screen with nothing in front of him but open field.
Will Johnson doing Will Johnson things! pic.twitter.com/sH2Y2TmXLm
— Michigan Football (@UMichFootball) September 1, 2024
It was sweet justice for Johnson and the defending national champions after having two separate would-be turnovers nullified early in the drive.
Fittingly, Johnson was the first victim, having what appeared to be a pick overturned by officials following a review. Two plays later, DB Makari Page had an interception wiped out by a roughing the passer call.
The pick-six was the second of Johnson's collegiate career, with the first coming in 2023 against Minnesota. Last season, he finished sixth in the Big Ten with four interceptions.
The highlight-reel play masked what was, overall, a lackluster effort from the Wolverines' offense.
Michigan jumped ahead 7-0 only 4:57 into the contest off a three-yard touchdown reception by Donovan Edwards, set up an interception by Zeke Berry five players earlier. But the offense went stale the rest of the first half, recording three punts, a turnover and a field goal over the remaining five drives.
The struggles continued to start the second half with the unit managing two field goals and a punt over its first three drives. While leading 16-3 early in the fourth quarter, a Fresno State touchdown cut the advantage to 16-10.
Michigan responded with perhaps its best series of the game, a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped off by Colston Loveland's 18-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Davis Warren. Johnson's pick-six followed on the ensuing possession, ending any hopes of a Bulldogs' upset.
A win is a win, but things are far from perfect for the No. 9 ranked team in the country. Michigan doesn't have long to regroup with No. 4 Texas, fresh off a 52-0 beatdown of Colorado State, scheduled for next Saturday.
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