Citrus Bowl Preview: Michigan vs. Texas - A Clash of Tradition, Transition, and Talent
The Cheez-It Citrus Bowl is serving up a heavyweight showdown between two of college football’s most storied programs. No.
18 Michigan and No. 13 Texas will square off Wednesday at Camping World Stadium in Orlando, with kickoff set for 3 p.m.
ET on ABC. And while both teams come in at 9-3, their paths to this point-and the storylines surrounding them-couldn’t be more different.
Let’s dive into what makes this matchup compelling beyond the numbers and records.
A Historic Matchup with Some Unfinished Business
This will be just the third meeting between Michigan and Texas, but the history is already rich. The Longhorns have taken both previous games, most memorably the 2005 Rose Bowl thriller where Vince Young put on a show with five total touchdowns to steal a 38-37 win in the final moments. That one still stings in Ann Arbor.
Together, these two bluebloods have racked up 1,992 wins, 16 national championships, and five Heisman Trophy winners. This game may not be for a title, but it’s brimming with pride, legacy, and a chance to end the season on a high note.
Michigan: A Season of Highs, Lows, and Sudden Change
Michigan opened the year strong, winning four of its first five before hitting a wall in a 31-13 loss at USC. The Wolverines rebounded with five straight wins to stay in the Big Ten title hunt, but their postseason dreams came crashing down in a 27-9 loss to top-ranked Ohio State. That defeat knocked them out of College Football Playoff contention.
Then came the off-field bombshell. Head coach Sherrone Moore, in just his second year, was dismissed on December 10 following an internal investigation into an inappropriate relationship with a staff member.
Biff Poggi steps in for the bowl game, making his Michigan head coaching debut. He brings a 6-16 overall record to the table, but this is a different kind of opportunity.
All eyes now turn to freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who’s been a bright spot in an otherwise turbulent season. Underwood has accounted for 2,552 yards of total offense, with 14 touchdowns and six picks.
Among true freshmen across the Power Four, he ranks eighth in total offense-impressive company when you’re chasing names like Bear Bachmeier (BYU) and CJ Carr (Notre Dame). If Michigan is going to pull off the upset, Underwood will have to play beyond his years.
Texas: From No. 1 to Citrus Bowl-Still Dangerous
Texas began the season with sky-high expectations, entering the year as the No. 1 team in the country. But a 14-7 loss to Ohio State in the opener sent them reeling. After bouncing back with three straight wins, the Longhorns took another hit with a 29-21 loss to Florida.
Just when it looked like the season might slip away, Texas found its footing-and then some. Wins over No.
6 Oklahoma and No. 9 Vanderbilt turned the tide, and a statement victory over No.
3 Texas A&M had many thinking the Playoff was within reach. It wasn’t meant to be, but make no mistake: this is still a team with elite talent and something to prove.
That said, the Longhorns will be without three of their top running backs-Quintrevion Wisner, CJ Baxter, and Jerrick Gibson-all of whom have opted out of the bowl game. Texas already struggled to run the ball consistently this season, averaging just under 130 yards per game.
Now, that challenge becomes even steeper. Expect the offensive burden to shift squarely onto the shoulders of Arch Manning, the young quarterback with the famous last name.
Speaking of which…
Arch Manning Steps Into a Familiar Spotlight
There’s a bit of family history on the line here. Arch’s uncle, Peyton Manning, played in two Citrus Bowls himself, including a standout MVP performance in 1996 when he led Tennessee to a 48-28 win over Northwestern. While Arch is still carving out his own path, this game offers a chance to take a step forward under the postseason lights.
With the backfield thinned out, Manning will likely be asked to do more-both through the air and with his legs. Whether he can rise to the moment could determine whether Texas finishes the season with a statement or a stumble.
What to Watch For
- Texas’ Rushing Woes
With three key backs opting out, Texas will need to get creative in the run game-or lean heavily on its passing attack. That’s not ideal when facing a Michigan defense that’s been stout against the run all season.
- Bryce Underwood’s Bowl Debut
The freshman QB has shown flashes of brilliance this year. Now, he gets a big stage against a talented SEC defense.
If he handles the pressure well, Michigan could keep this one close-or even pull the upset.
- The Manning Factor
Arch Manning’s development has been one of the more intriguing storylines in college football this season. This bowl game gives him a chance to show just how far he’s come-and maybe hint at what’s next.
The Bottom Line
This isn’t just a bowl game-it’s a measuring stick. For Michigan, it’s a chance to steady the ship after a chaotic end to the season and give fans a glimpse of the future under Bryce Underwood. For Texas, it’s about proving they’re still among the nation’s elite, even after falling short of the Playoff.
Texas enters as a 7.5-point favorite, but with so many variables-opt-outs, coaching changes, and young quarterbacks under the spotlight-this one could be closer than expected. One thing’s for sure: when two programs with this much history meet, the stakes are always bigger than the final score.