The Michigan Wolverines opened Big Ten play with a 27-24 win over the USC Trojans last week, improving to 3-1 on the season.
The victory was much-needed for first-year head coach Sherrone Moore and the Wolverines, who picked up two cupcake victories in nonconference play but were outclassed start to finish in their September 8 loss to the Texas Longhorns.
One of the most stunning parts of Michigan’s win was that quarterback Alex Orji recorded just 32 total passing yards in the game, as the Wolverines leaned heavily on their vaunted rushing attack.
Orji’s passing game was likely hampered by the loss of All-Big Ten tight end Colston Loveland, who was ruled out of the USC game shortly before kickoff with a shoulder injury he suffered in Michigan’s win over the Arkansas State Red Wolves.
Fortunately for Loveland, Moore, and the Wolverines, the star tight end could be back in the lineup as early as this Saturday against the Minnesota Golden Gophers.
“Yeah, we’ll see. Doing better. Doing a lot better,” Moore said via On3 regarding Loveland’s status before revealing the tight end was close to playing last week against USC.
“[Loveland was] close to playing last Saturday but doctors felt it would be in the best interest that he not,” Moore added.
Despite missing a game and a half, Loveland still leads the Wolverines in receptions this season with 19 and receiving yards with 187. Last season saw the tight end haul in 45 receptions for 649 yards to go with four touchdowns.
[On3]
