Over 18 years ago, two powerhouses in football faced each other for the first time on the biggest stage possible.
The Rose Bowl, the monument of west-coast college football, was the host of No. 6 Texas Longhorns versus No. 13 Michigan Wolverines, two of the greatest programs in college football’s history. As of 2024, Michigan is the only school with over 1,000 wins, but Texas is tied with Notre Dame for the fourth most all-time at 949 wins.
To kick off 2005, the two teams battled in an unforgettable bowl matchup, where just one point separated the two schools in a 38-37 victory for the Longhorns. Future college and NFL stars were riddled on each sideline, with future BCS National Championship Game MVP Vince Young and LaMarr Woodley, who would go on to record 58 sacks in his NFL career, earning the co-MVP award.
Though the 2006 Rose Bowl is the one that sticks out in most Texas fan’s minds, the 2005 matchup was one of the best games of the 21st century for the Longhorn nation. Texas solidified itself as a top team in the nation heading into the next season, as its only loss came to national championship runner-ups Oklahoma in a low-scoring Red River Rivalry game.
Now, fast-forwarding to the era of NIL and the transfer portal, the two teams will meet for a second time with so much still at stake. Despite this matchup occurring in September instead of January, both teams’ championship hopes rest on this game.
For the Wolverines, new head coach Sherrone Moore has something to prove. The northern powerhouse won last year’s College Football Playoff National Championship, but not without a myriad of controversies. Allegations of cheating and sign-stealing led to then-head coach Jim Harbaugh being suspended for multiple games, thrusting Moore into an early spotlight as an offensive coordinator turned head coach. With Harbaugh off to the NFL and ten offensive starters gone, the public is much lower on Michigan, ranking them outside of the top five despite recent success and a talented roster.
For Texas, this game will define what level the Longhorns are at. By all means, Texas is favored in this game. Even with them traveling away from home, the Longhorns are over a touchdown favorite according to ESPNBet. The Longhorns are one of the most talented teams in the nation on paper, but football isn’t played on a sheet, it’s played on a field.
The Longhorns are currently ranked No. 3 in the nation in their first year in the SEC, a testament to head coach Steve Sarkisian’s ability to build a team and program in four years. But this game will not be a cakewalk.
On the field, fans will see a clash of two different styles of play. While Texas employs a mixture of size, speed and creativity to manipulate the defense, Michigan works at a much slower pace, hoping to wear out its opponents.
Michigan has two key players, one on each side of the ball, both at the line of scrimmage. On defense, the Wolverines must contain Texas’ run, as Sarkisian’s best plays come from play-action and expected running downs. Michigan’s interior defensive line, featuring juniors Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant, is among the nation’s best. While Texas has experience on the offensive line with fifth-year center Jake Majors, Michigan’s talent could limit Texas’ run game. If Texas averages three or fewer yards per carry, Michigan’s defense will have the upper hand.
On offense, Michigan’s new offensive line must perform. Last year’s top-tier unit left for the NFL Draft, leaving this group with limited starting experience, despite their age. Texas’ defensive line has some uncertainty but could exploit Michigan’s inexperience to pressure quarterback Davis Warren and stifle the run.
Few games are decided from just two factors, especially with two fantastic programs, but all eyes will be on the trenches on Saturday as the Wolverines look for revenge 18 years later.
