The Texas Longhorns and Michigan Wolverines faced off in what was likely the game of the week. In the second week of the 2024 college football season, there was already a Top 10 matchup that was likely going to have huge playoff implications. Well, with today’s results in the books, there is likely going to be a massive change to how we view each of these teams.
Texas Longhorns Blow Out Michigan Wolverines 31-12
The Texas Longhorns had a tough road test going to the Big House. However, the Longhorns passed this test with flying colors, knocking off the defending champions with ease. Texas had a 24-3 lead at halftime, which resulted in a notable number of Michigan fans heading for the exits with a half still left to play.
Michigan did manage to put up another field goal early in the second half to try to claw their way back into the game. However, Texas shut this down almost immediately, scoring another touchdown not long after that to make the score 31-6. With a garbage touchdown by Michigan late, the final score ended up being a comfortable 31-12 win for Texas.
Michigan Playoff Odds and Rankings Change
Before today’s game, you could find playoff odds better than +5000 for the Michigan Wolverines. However, following today’s blowout loss, some sportsbooks are putting the odds for the Wolverines at around +15000 now.
Michigan fans and bettors have a right to be concerned about the team. In Week 1, the Wolverines relied on their defense to carry them to victory over Fresno State. Today, Texas showed that an elite offense can neutralize this type of defense.
On top of this, Michigan still has some tough tests left on its schedule. For starters, they face #13 USC in two weeks. Michigan also has to play #7 Oregon on November 2nd and has to go on the road to face #2 Ohio State in the final week of the regular season.
The Wolverines entered this week as the #10 team in the country. When Clemson got blown out by Georgia in Week 1, they fell from #14 to #25. Do not be surprised if something similar happens with Michigan.
Texas Playoff Odds and Rankings Change
Texas already had great odds to make the playoffs before this road victory over Michigan. Going into this game, their odds were about +550. That was good enough to be the third-best odds in the country.
The Longhorns’ schedule is certainly favorable to make a playoff run. Right now, this is the only true road game scheduled against a ranked opponent for Texas. They play #15 Oklahoma on a neutral field and host #1 Georgia on their home turf.
Even if Texas loses both of those games, this statement win and taking care of all of their currently unranked opponents should put the Longhorns in great position to make the playoffs. Because of this win, Texas should also move up to #2 tomorrow and may even steal some first-place votes from Georgia.
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