Michigan football vs. UTEP: Live thread and updates from the Big House
- UTEP's rebuilt 2026 offense returns no starters, and the preview singles out offensive-line pass protection as a problem against Oklahoma. EJ Colson finished that opener with more rushing attempts than passes, although the Miners still reached deep into Oklahoma territory three times.
- UTEP kicker Carlos Arreola missed all three field-goal attempts against Oklahoma. The preview identifies failed scoring chances in that opener, but does not report a kicking competition, replacement or injury before Michigan.
- The preview describes UTEP's defense as an undersized 3-3-5 stack with four returning starters, including linebacker Jayden Wilson. It expects linebacker pressure to create negative plays and put Michigan in passing downs; this is the article's matchup expectation, not a newly announced package.
- The Michigan-UTEP preview cites a pregame forecast for rain, with heavy precipitation possible in Ann Arbor. It presents bad weather as a potential factor in the matchup, not confirmed game-time conditions or a stated change to either offense's plan.
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UTEP knows it has its hands full with Michigan's defense: 'They're the real deal'
- UTEP returns no offensive starters, and its Oklahoma opener included a punt-return touchdown allowed and a missed field goal during an early 21-0 deficit. Walden points to Western Michigan's cleaner performance against Michigan as a model and wants UTEP ready from the start; no specific lineup or special-teams replacement was announced.
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