It’s going to be two of faculty soccer’s most distinguished blue bloods squaring off Wednesday within the Citrus Bowl as No. 13 Texas and No. 18 Michigan tangle in the hunt for their tenth victories. Will probably be simply the third all-time assembly between the storied packages, and the Wolverines might be in search of their first-ever win over the Longhorns.
The assembly will convey an finish to a weird December for the Wolverines, who’re within the midst of a training transition that has rocked this system. Sherrone Moore was fired with trigger on Dec. 10 on account of an alleged inappropriate relationship with a employees member. His subsequent arrest shocked the faculty soccer world and left Michigan with a surprisingly timed teaching search.
Former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham has been employed to wash up the mess, however it is going to be interim coach Biff Poggi main the Wolverines within the bowl recreation. Poggi may have his fingers full in opposition to a Texas staff that can look to hold the momentum of a season-ending rivalry win over Texas A&M into bowl season.
Whereas there are many opt-outs on either side that can alter the flavour of this recreation, each beginning quarterbacks are anticipated to play. A matchup of Texas’ Arch Manning and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood will make for one of the vital fascinating QB battles of bowl season.
Observe together with stay updates and evaluation as Texas vs. Michigan headlines the 2025 Citrus Bowl.
The place to observe Texas vs. Michigan stay
Date: Wednesday, Dec. 31 | Time: 3 p.m. ET
Location: Tenting World Stadium — Orlando, Florida
TV: ABC | Stay stream: Fubo (Attempt without cost)
Texas vs. Michigan: Must know for Citrus Bowl
Notable opt-outs: Michigan might be a bit lean on the sting defensively with its prime sacks leaders Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham opting out. Moore and Barham have been every honorable point out All-Massive Ten choices. Likewise, Texas might be with out a number of of its prime defenders, together with star linebacker Anthony Hill Jr. and security Michael Taaffe. New Longhorns defensive coordinator Will Muschamp will get a protracted take a look at a few of Texas’ defensive depth as he begins charting the course for subsequent yr’s unit.
Quarterback showdown: Arch Manning and Bryce Underwood weren’t simply the top-ranked quarterbacks of their respective recruiting lessons; they have been the No. 1 total gamers, no matter place. Manning topped the charts from the Class of 2023 and is wrapping up his redshirt sophomore season on a efficiency upswing following a rocky starting to his first yr because the starter. Not like Manning, Underwood began from Day 1 at Michigan. The celebrated prospect has accomplished 61.1% of his passes for two,229 yards with 9 touchdowns and 6 interceptions and one other 5 dashing scores. It has been a stable if not spectacular true freshman marketing campaign for the Michigan native.
Whittingham’s function: Do not anticipate to see new Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham involving himself within the Wolverines’ Citrus Bowl operation. Requested what his function might be on recreation day, Whittingham mentioned: “I will attempt to keep out of the best way. I am excited to be round, observe, however I will keep within the background.”
Texas vs. Michigan prediction, picks
Texas is grappling with a big variety of defensive opt-outs, however Michigan’s subdued offensive assault will not be well-equipped to capitalize. On the flip facet, the Wolverines are with out their finest go rushers, which ought to release Arch Manning to prepare dinner as he seeks to construct on the momentum of a powerful near his redshirt sophomore season. It could even be sensible to think about the potential psychological impression of Michigan’s unceremonious teaching change, which has rocked the Michigan program this month. Texas is extra of a gradual operation in the meanwhile, and that must be evident on the sphere. Choose: Texas -7.5
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