Citrus Bowl Collapse: Michigan Fades Late as Texas Storms Back for 41-27 Win
For three quarters, the Citrus Bowl looked like it was shaping up to be a back-and-forth thriller. Michigan and Texas traded punches, big plays, and momentum swings. But when the fourth quarter hit, the Wolverines ran out of steam-and the Longhorns hit another gear.
Texas closed the game with a 17-0 run in the final 15 minutes, turning a four-point deficit into a 14-point win. It was a gut-punch ending for Michigan, who had shown flashes of promise throughout the afternoon, especially from freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood. But in crunch time, it was Arch Manning and the Longhorns who executed with poise and power.
Let’s break down how it all unfolded.
First Quarter: Trading Blows Early
Texas started with the ball and wasted no time getting into rhythm. Arch Manning connected with Ryan Wingo on a 22-yard strike on 3rd-and-10, and Christian Clark chipped in with a 22-yard burst of his own.
But Michigan’s defense stiffened just in time-Tre Williams blew up a run on second down, and Manning misfired on third. Mason Shipley knocked through a 43-yard field goal to open the scoring.
Michigan’s offense showed some early promise with Underwood finding Andrew Marsh and Donaven McCulley on back-to-back completions, but a false start derailed the drive and forced a punt.
After a quick three-and-out from Texas, Michigan got back to work and drove into Longhorn territory. Dominic Zvada nailed a 53-yarder to tie things up.
Momentum swung hard on the ensuing kickoff. Cole Sullivan forced a fumble from Ryan Niblett, giving Michigan prime field position at the Texas 23.
Underwood capitalized quickly, finding Kendrick Bell for a toe-tap touchdown on 3rd-and-6. Just like that, Michigan had its first lead.
Texas was driving again as the first quarter came to a close, but Michigan held the edge on the scoreboard.
End of Q1: Michigan 10, Texas 3
Second Quarter: Fireworks on Both Sides
Manning continued to show why he’s one of the most talked-about quarterbacks in college football. He converted a fourth down with a 19-yard run, then Clark finished the drive from three yards out to tie the game.
Underwood answered in a big way. The freshman QB showed off his dual-threat ability, using his legs to rip off runs of 11, 9, and 33 yards. He capped the drive with a four-yard touchdown pass to Marsh, putting Michigan back on top.
But Texas came right back. Manning needed just eight plays and 2:31 to march 74 yards, finding tight end Jack Endries wide open in the end zone for a 17-yard score. It was turning into a shootout.
Michigan’s next drive stalled after a drop by McCulley and a tackle for loss on Bryson Kuzdzal. Texas couldn’t do much with its next possession, and both teams traded punts as the half wound down.
Michigan had one last shot before the break. A 10-yard run from Kuzdzal and a couple of nice grabs by Marlin Klein got Zvada in range, but his 45-yard attempt missed wide.
Halftime: Michigan 17, Texas 17
Third Quarter: Momentum Swings Back and Forth
Marsh opened the second half with a 43-yard kick return, setting Michigan up with great field position. Casula showed some guts, going for it on back-to-back 4th-and-1s, both converted by Kuzdzal. But a drop in the end zone by Klein forced Michigan to settle for a 31-yard field goal.
Then came a pair of costly penalties. A roughing the passer call on Manning, followed by a pass interference flag on Zeke Berry, gave Texas life. Manning made Michigan pay, scampering in for a 23-yard touchdown to give Texas its first lead since early in the first quarter.
Marsh responded again with a 51-yard return, putting Michigan in business at the Texas 38. But on 3rd-and-18, Underwood forced a throw near the end zone-and Texas picked him off.
Fortunately for Michigan, the defense held, and Marsh delivered again with a punt return to the Texas 45. The Wolverines were driving as the third quarter ended, facing a critical 4th-and-2.
End of Q3: Texas 24, Michigan 20
Fourth Quarter: Texas Takes Over
Coming out of the break, Underwood hit Micah Ka’apana to move the chains on fourth down. Michigan kept the drive alive with another fourth-down conversion by Kuzdzal, and Underwood eventually punched it in himself to reclaim the lead.
Michigan 27, Texas 24.
But the Longhorns weren’t rattled. On 4th-and-2, Manning avoided a sack and scrambled for 15 yards to keep the drive alive.
Clark followed with a first down run, and a few plays later, Manning uncorked a 30-yard touchdown pass to Kaliq Lockett. Texas was back in front.
Then came the backbreaker.
With Michigan needing a touchdown to stay in it, Underwood threw his second interception of the game. On the very next play, Manning broke loose for a 60-yard touchdown run. Just like that, the game was out of reach.
Underwood’s third pick of the day set up a Texas field goal to put the final nail in the coffin.
Final Score: Texas 41, Michigan 27
Stat Leaders
Michigan
- QB Bryce Underwood: 23-of-42, 199 yards, 2 TDs, 3 INTs; 13 carries, 77 yards, 1 TD
- RB Bryson Kuzdzal: 20 carries, 82 yards
- WR Andrew Marsh: 3 catches, 10 yards, 1 TD
- WR Donaven McCulley: 4 catches, 54 yards
- WR Kendrick Bell: 2 catches, 24 yards, 1 TD
- TE Marlin Klein: 4 catches, 49 yards
- DB TJ Metcalf: 7 tackles, 1 pass breakup
- LB Cole Sullivan: 7 tackles, 1 pass breakup, 1 fumble recovery
Texas
- Key contributors included Arch Manning, Christian Clark, Kaliq Lockett, and Jack Endries, each making their mark in critical moments.
What’s Next for Michigan?
This was a tough way to end the season, no doubt. Michigan showed flashes of what could be a very promising future-especially with Underwood under center and young playmakers like Marsh, McCulley, and Kuzdzal stepping up. But the fourth quarter collapse will sting, and it highlights just how much work lies ahead for the next coaching staff.
The Kyle Whittingham era officially begins in 248 days when Michigan opens the 2026 season at the Big House against Western Michigan on September 5. The pieces are there. Now it’s about turning potential into results.