Last Week at The Wolverine Den
Tailgate Attendance
182
Michigan 34 - New Mexico 17 (Home Opener)
Michigan Stadium
August 30, 2025 - 7:30 p.m. ET
Tailgate Pictures
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Game Preview
It all starts on Saturday against the New Mexico Lobos. From the Mountain West Conference, New Mexico is one of the worst teams in college football. The Lobos were mediocre in 2024 but had a strong offense behind QB Devon Dampier. He had 2,768 yards passing and 1166 rushing as a sophomore. NM averaged 484 yards per game and 33.5 points in 2024. But Dampier transferred to Utah and is the starter for the Utes. The new QB is Jack Layne, who came with new Head Coach Jason Eck from Idaho. Layne completed 64% of his passes for 1,477 yards and 14 TDs last year against FCS competition. The leading rusher for New Mexico transferred to USC and is vying for playing time. The leading receivers transferred to Arizona and Utah.
Lunch Menu
Pupusas
Curtido
Pre-game Menu
Carnitas (pulled pork burritos, tacos, & nachos)
Elote Street Corn Salad
Green Chili Mac & Cheese
Coleslaw
Seven Layer Dip
Chips & Guacamole & Salsa
The New Mexico defense was bad last year, giving up 492 yards and 38 points per game. The leading tacklers either graduated or transferred.
New Mexico hired new coach Jason Eck in the offseason. Eck was the head coach at FCS Idaho and led them to the FCS playoffs in each of the past three years. In last year's opening game, Idaho played well against #1 Oregon, losing 24-14. So, Eck has a record of performing well in overmatched games. He played college football at Wisconsin in 1995-1999 and was a graduate assistant for the Badgers in 2000-2001. Given his Wisconsin roots, you would expect Eck to run the ball and play a physical brand of football. In his career as a player and coach, Jason Eck is 0-5 against Michigan.
The Wolverine Den Trivia
Q: Who are the only two quarterbacks to win the College Football National Championship as a true-freshman?
A: Trevor Lawrence at Clemson in 2018 and Jamelle Holieway from Oklahoma in 1985 and the only true Freshman quarterbacks to win the National Championship. Neither began the season as the starter.
This will not be a challenging game for the Wolverines. The talent level is just too great. New Mexico is in a rebuilding phase after a massive exodus of their better players. It will be a great atmosphere to welcome the 2025 team to the season.
Michigan and New Mexico have never played each other in football. The Lobos will become the 150th opponent to lose to Michigan.
The Wolverines are a 36½-point favorite.
Post-Game Summary
The Michigan Wolverines started the season with a strong 34-17 win over the New Mexico Lobos. While the spread on the game was about twice the final score, the Wolverines did dominate. It was the first game for true-freshman Bryce Underwood. He did not disappoint. Bryce finished with 251 passing, the most ever by a freshman QB at Michigan and the most for Michigan since November 4, 2023 (19 games). He is poised, has a strong arm, and can make all the throws. He is special. Transfer RB Justice Haynes also had a good game with 159 yards and 3 TDs.
There were a lot of first game mistakes, 8 penalties: not indicative of a Michigan team. 2 fumbles on returns (one lost). The defensive line did not dominate, although New Mexico ran a bunch of misdirection and trick plays to keep the defense off balance. We did end up with 3 interceptions.
Not bad for the first game. The real test comes in the upcoming weeks, starting by traveling to Norman, Oklahoma for a match-up with the Sooners.
Brown's Prediction
41-7
Tim's Prediction
42-7
Steve's Prediction
42-7
Craig's Prediction
41-6
Brown 4, Tim 2, Steve 2, Craig 2