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20 Facts About Fresno State Vs Michigan

Dehlia Addington

Written by Dehlia Addington

Modified & Updated: 11 Sep 2024

Expert Verified Editorial Guidelines
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Source: Maizenbrew.com

Did you know that the Fresno State vs. Michigan game on August 31, 2024, was the first-ever meeting between these two teams? Held at the iconic Michigan Stadium, also known as the Big House, this game was more than just a football match. With over 110,000 fans in attendance, it was a spectacle of college football history and tradition. Michigan's dominant 30-10 victory under new head coach Sherrone Moore added another win to their impressive record. The game featured standout performances, including long field goals by Dominic Zvada and a strong defensive showing by the Wolverines. This matchup has set the stage for a potential new rivalry in college football.

Key Takeaways:

  • Michigan Stadium, also known as the Big House, hosted a historic game between Fresno State and Michigan, with a record-breaking attendance of 110,665 fans, showcasing the enduring popularity of college football.
  • Michigan's dominant win over Fresno State marked the beginning of a new rivalry, with future matchups promising exciting and competitive games between two teams with rich histories and passionate fan bases.
Table of Contents
01Fresno State vs. Michigan: A Historic Matchup
02First-Ever Meeting and Michigan's Dominance
03Record-Breaking Attendance and Honorary Captains
04New Leadership and Consistent Performance
05Home Opener Success and New Player Debuts
06Impressive Field Goals and Defensive Plays
07Defensive Dominance and Sacks
08Michigan’s Offense and Fresno State’s Struggles
09Fresno State’s Legacy and Fan Dedication
10Local Expectations and Future Rivalries
11The Start of a New Rivalry

Fresno State vs. Michigan: A Historic Matchup

The game between Fresno State and Michigan on August 31, 2024, was a significant event in college football. Held at Michigan Stadium, this game brought together two teams with rich histories and passionate fan bases.

  1. The Largest Stadium in the Country
    Michigan Stadium, known as the Big House, is the largest stadium in the United States and the Western Hemisphere. It can hold over 115,000 fans, creating an electrifying atmosphere for any game.

  2. Historic Setting
    Inside Schembechler Hall, Michigan's football history is celebrated with 1,004 footballs, each representing a win in the school's storied past. This backdrop added to the game's significance.

First-Ever Meeting and Michigan's Dominance

This game marked the first time Fresno State and Michigan faced off, making it a historic occasion for both programs.

  1. First Meeting Between Teams
    The 2024 season opener was the inaugural matchup between Michigan and Fresno State, adding a fresh chapter to college football rivalries.

  2. Michigan’s Dominant Win
    Michigan secured a decisive 30-10 victory, marking their first win of the season under new head coach Sherrone Moore. This win extended their home winning streak to 23 games.

Record-Breaking Attendance and Honorary Captains

The game drew a massive crowd and featured special guests who added to the event's prestige.

  1. Attendance Record
    The game attracted 110,665 fans, marking the 316th consecutive crowd of over 100,000 at Michigan Stadium. This turnout highlights the Big House's enduring popularity.

  2. Honorary Captains
    Jack and Jackie Harbaugh, parents of former head coach Jim Harbaugh, served as honorary captains. Their presence honored their contributions to Michigan football.

New Leadership and Consistent Performance

Under new leadership, Michigan continued to demonstrate their dominance in college football.

  1. New Head Coach Sherrone Moore
    Sherrone Moore, the new head coach, picked up his second win. He had previously served as acting head coach in four games in 2023, including a victory against Bowling Green.

  2. Regular Season Wins Record
    Michigan now holds 29 straight regular season wins, the most by any Big Ten team in conference history. This streak dates back to 2021.

Home Opener Success and New Player Debuts

Michigan's strong performance in home openers continued, with several new players making their debut.

  1. Home Opener Wins
    Michigan boasts a 101-15-2 record in home openers. They have won 11 consecutive night games, including a perfect 6-0 mark in 2023.

  2. New Players Making Their Debut
    Eight players made their first career starts, including quarterback Davis Warren and defensive back Zeke Berry. Their performances were crucial to Michigan's victory.

Impressive Field Goals and Defensive Plays

Key moments in the game included long field goals and crucial defensive plays.

  1. Field Goals by Zvada
    Graduate kicker Dominic Zvada made field goals of 53 and 55 yards, with the 55-yarder being the sixth-longest in Michigan's history.

  2. Interceptions by Wolverines
    Junior defensive back Zeke Berry recorded Michigan’s first interception of the season, leading to a touchdown. Will Johnson also had an 86-yard interception return for a touchdown.

Defensive Dominance and Sacks

Michigan's defense played a pivotal role in their victory, limiting Fresno State's offensive opportunities.

  1. Defensive Dominance
    Fresno State was held to 2-of-11 on third down and only nine rushing yards. Michigan's defense did not allow a 100-yard rusher throughout the 2023 season.

  2. Sacks by Wolverines
    Senior defensive lineman Rayshaun Benny recorded a sack, while Makari Paige and Josaiah Stewart led the team with five tackles each. Stewart also had three tackles for loss and two sacks.

Michigan’s Offense and Fresno State’s Struggles

Despite some offensive challenges, Michigan managed to control the game, while Fresno State struggled against a strong defense.

  1. Michigan’s Offense
    The Michigan offense settled for long field goals to maintain control of the game, taking a 16-3 lead with 12:42 left on the clock.

  2. Fresno State’s Performance
    Fresno State, led by quarterback Mikey Keene, struggled against Michigan's defense, managing only three points in the first half and converting just 2-of-11 third downs.

Fresno State’s Legacy and Fan Dedication

Fresno State's fans and players brought their spirit and determination to the game, reflecting the team's legacy.

  1. Pat Hill’s Legacy
    Fresno State fans, known as the Red Wave, are inspired by Pat Hill's mantra of 'Anytime, anywhere, any place!' This spirit was evident in their support during the game.

  2. Superfans and Family Traditions
    Superfan James Lundberg brought his eleven-week-old daughter, Avery, to her first game at Michigan Stadium, showcasing the dedication of Fresno State's fan base.

Local Expectations and Future Rivalries

Despite being underdogs, Fresno State's players remained confident, setting the stage for future encounters between the teams.

  1. Local Expectations
    Senior offensive lineman Moses Vavao and senior DB Camryn Bracha expressed respect for Michigan but were determined to put up a fight, reflecting the Bulldogs' grit.

  2. Future Rivalries
    This matchup marks the beginning of a new rivalry. Both teams have rich histories, and future games promise to be exciting and competitive.

The Start of a New Rivalry

The Fresno State vs. Michigan game on August 31, 2024, was more than just a football match. It was a clash of traditions, histories, and fanbases. Michigan's dominant 30-10 victory at the Big House, the largest stadium in the country, showcased their strength and consistency. With new head coach Sherrone Moore at the helm, the Wolverines extended their home winning streak to 23 games. Fresno State, despite the loss, demonstrated resilience and determination, embodying the spirit of their "Anytime, anywhere, any place!" mantra. The game featured standout performances, including impressive field goals by Dominic Zvada and key interceptions by Zeke Berry and Will Johnson. As both teams look ahead, this inaugural matchup sets the stage for future encounters. The rivalry between Fresno State and Michigan is just beginning, promising more thrilling games and memorable moments for fans on both sides.

Frequently Asked Questions

What makes the Fresno State vs Michigan matchup so intriguing?
Well, when you pit Fresno State against Michigan, you're looking at a clash of styles, cultures, and histories. Fresno State, known for its gritty, underdog spirit, brings a unique energy to the field. On the flip side, Michigan, with its storied program and legion of fans, represents the quintessence of college football tradition. This mix creates an unpredictable and thrilling spectacle every time they face off.
How often do Fresno State and Michigan play each other?
Not as often as fans might wish! These teams don't have a regular schedule against each other, making their matchups rare and highly anticipated events. Whenever they do lock horns, it's a treat for football aficionados, marking a special occasion in the college football calendar.
Have there been any memorable games between Fresno State and Michigan?
Absolutely! Each game they've played has had its own flavor of excitement. Though they haven't met on the field many times, when they do, it's memorable. Fans still talk about the games, analyzing every play and outcome. These matchups are etched in the memories of those who witnessed them, becoming part of college football lore.
Who has the upper hand in the Fresno State vs Michigan rivalry?
Historically, Michigan might have the edge in terms of wins and national recognition. However, Fresno State has shown they're no pushovers, often surprising opponents with their tenacity. Each game is a new chapter, with past records only adding to the narrative rather than dictating the outcome.
Can we expect Fresno State and Michigan to play against each other more frequently in the future?
That's a tough call. Scheduling depends on a lot of factors like conference commitments, non-conference game slots, and mutual agreement between the schools. Fans sure hope so, as more frequent matchups would only fuel this exciting rivalry. Keep an eye on future schedules for any announcements.
What's the best way to watch a Fresno State vs Michigan game?
Live, if you can! There's nothing like experiencing the electric atmosphere of a college football game in person. If that's not possible, television broadcasts and streaming services offer comprehensive coverage, complete with commentary and analysis. Either way, you won't want to miss a minute of the action.
Why do fans love the Fresno State vs Michigan games so much?
It's the unpredictability, the clash of titans, and the sheer joy of college football. These games symbolize what fans love about the sport: passion, tradition, and the thrill of competition. Each matchup is a celebration of football, bringing together communities and creating unforgettable moments.

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