Sherrone Moore said the Michigan Wolverines are fully focused on Fresno State and won’t overlook the regular season opener, despite a massive showdown against Texas the following week:
With a highly anticipated showdown against the Texas Longhorns coming up next weekend, the Michigan Wolverines can’t overlook the Fresno State Bulldogs in the regular season opener Saturday night. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore said the Wolverines are taking it day by day and are fully focused on facing Fresno State as the season kicks off.
“We have a really mature culture. You can’t be worried about two or three days from now because then you’re going to lose today,” Moore told the media on Monday. “We know they are a good football team. Last year, they went into Purdue and beat them. There are no cakewalks in college football anymore so whoever you play, you have to be ready to go.”
Moore made it perfectly clear his team won’t be looking past the Bulldogs, despite a looming battle with SEC foe Texas the following week. It’s pivotal for the Wolverines to take each opponent seriously because every game will present a unique set of obstacles, and Fresno State has an explosive offense that could challenge Michigan’s defense early on.
The Bulldogs are fueled by four preseason All-Mountain West recipients, including quarterback Mikey Keene, running back Malik Sherrod, center Mose Vavao and defensive end Devo Bridges. Fresno State was selected to finish third in the Mountain West preseason poll after taking down Arizona State and Purdue en route to a 9-4 season in 2023.
“It starts with their quarterback Mikey Keene. He gets the ball out quick, he’s mobile and the offense goes through him,” Moore said. “For us to be successful against them, it’s about how we stop him and how we contain him. He’s going to be able to scramble outside of the pocket so we have to keep him contained and confuse him with coverages.”
Moore understands the pressure of leading a team with championship aspirations and he is determined to keep the players grounded as the season gets underway. Michigan defensive back Zeke Berry echoed Moore’s sentiments, emphasizing the team is taking it one opponent at a time and all their focus is on preparing for Fresno State.
“We’re just taking it day by day. Worry about the first opponent that we have in front of us,” Berry said. “Make sure we have a good game plan and stay focused with what we need to do for that week.”
Even though there is plenty of excitement from fans and media surrounding the Texas game, Moore is clearly committed to ensuring his players remain disciplined and focused on Fresno State first and foremost.
By keeping his team from looking ahead, Moore is not only preparing Michigan for the immediate challenge but also instilling a mindset that will be critical as the season progresses.