Cornerback CJ Henderson returns an interception for a touchdown last season against Michigan. (Photo: Andrew Weber/UAA Communications)
Bowl Opponent: A Quick Glance at Michigan
Sunday, December 2, 2018 | Football, Scott Carter
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By: Scott Carter, Senior Writer
GAINESVILLE, Fla. -- Much has changed for the Gators since they last faced Michigan, a 33-17 loss 456 days ago in Arlington, Texas.
In a rare season opener away from Ben Hill Griffin Stadium and the first career start for quarterback Feleipe Franks, Florida led 17-13 at halftime behind a pair of interception returns for scores by defensive backs Duke Dawson and CJ Henderson.
Unfortunately for the Gators, they still had to play the second half. The Wolverines dominated the rest of the way, limiting UF to 192 yards of total offense and only nine first downs.
The loss foreshadowed a disappointing season for Florida, which finished 4-7 and suffered through a five-game losing streak late in the season that cost former head coach Jim McElwain his job (among other issues). The Wolverines started fast but finished with a thud, dropping their final three games to finish 8-5.
Both programs rebounded nicely in 2018. Florida finished 9-3 under first-year head coach Dan Mullen. Michigan finished 10-2 and was in contention for a College Football Playoff berth until losing to Ohio State in the regular-season finale.
The schools will meet for the fifth time on Dec. 29 in Atlanta in the Chick-fil-A Peach Bowl. While the game is four weeks away, here is a quick glance at the 2018 Wolverines for Gators fans interested in catching up on the latest from Ann Arbor: AT A GLANCE
MICHIGAN WOLVERINES
Head coach:Jim Harbaugh (fourth season, 38-13)
Key wins: Beat No. 15 Wisconsin, 38-13; won at No. 24 Michigan State, 21-7; beat No. 14 Penn State, 42-7. (Note: All rankings are from time of matchup).
Key losses: Lost at No. 11 Notre Dame, 24-17; lost at No. 10 Ohio State, 62-39.
Top offensive players: RB Karan Higdon (1,178 yards, 10 TDs, first UM 1,000-yard rusher since 2011); LT John Runyan (All-Big Ten first-team honors from coaches); QB Shea Patterson (2,364 yards passing, 21 TDs, 65.1 percent completion rate); WR Donovan Peoples-Jones (39 catches, 541 yards, 7 TDs).
Michigan linebacker Devin Bush Jr. was named Big Ten Defensive Player of the Year. (Photo: Courtesy of USA Today)
Top defensive players: LB Devin Bush Jr. (team-high 80 tackles, 5 sacks, Big Ten Defensive Player of Year); DE Rashan Gary (44 tackles, 3.5 sacks in nine games); LB Josh Uche (team-leading 7 sacks); DE Chase Winovich (62 tackles, team-high 14.5 tackles for loss), CB Lavert Hill (excellent cover corner had five pass breakups, one pick).
Story of season: The Wolverines showed their promise in a tough loss to Notre Dame in the season opener. They regrouped to win 10 consecutive games to take some pressure off Harbaugh, whose critics grew at the end of last season following a third consecutive loss to Ohio State. Well, the critics aren't too pleased with what happened at Ohio State eight days ago, a 62-39 loss to the Buckeyes that knocked Michigan from the College Football Playoff race. Ohio State quarterback Dwayne Haskins torched the nation's top-ranked defense for six touchdown passes as the Buckeyes rolled up 567 yards for their seventh consecutive win in the series. For a team that wins with a balanced offense and a defense directed by well-respected coordinator Don Brown, it was a deflating end to the regular season for the Wolverines. A transfer from Ole Miss, Patterson is an ex-teammate of Gators receiver Van Jefferson. He provided stability at a position that was a trouble spot for Harbaugh in 2017. Meanwhile, Gary has declared for the NFL draft and it remains uncertain if he plans to play in the bowl game. Bush is also expected to declare for the draft but has already said he plans to play in Michigan's bowl game. In his only season in Ann Arbor, McElwain made a difference as receivers coach, helping Peoples-Jones and Nico Collins (33 catches, 562 yards, 6 TDs) turn in solid seasons. Still, defense is the strength of this Michigan team. The Wolverines allow just 262.5 yards of total offense per game and limit opponents to 32 percent on third down (51 of 159). According to ActionNetwork.com, Michigan opened as a 7.5-point favorite in its first appearance in the Peach Bowl. This is Florida's first trip to the Peach Bowl since a 27-10 loss to Miami in 2004.
