The Longhorns defense will be under an interim play caller as Pete Kwiatkowski was fired after the season. Maybe more importantly the unit will be without six starters who opted out, including linebacker Anthony Hill, safety Michael Taaffe and cornerback Malik Muhammad. Meanwhile defensive ends Derrick Moore and Jaishawn Barham have opted out for the Wolverines. If Michigan can't generate a pass rush, Arch Manning could be in store for a big day. Give me the Over.
The Wolverines are used to distractions, as now-dismissed HC Sherrone Moore was already suspended for a couple of game earlier this season, and of course Jim Harbaugh missed several games due to suspension a few years ago. Former Charlotte HC and longtime Ann Arbor aide Biff Poggi, who stepped in for Moore earlier this season and won both games, reassumes command for the Citrus Bowl. The personnel is much different from early last season when Texas rolled 31-12, and there are opt-outs to consider, but this spread looks too high, as we suspect Arch Manning will have issues. If Bryce Underwood can make a few plays vs. a Texas D that just dismissed coordinator Pete Kwiatokwski, Michigan has a chance. Play Michigan (Citrus Bowl)
Curious what the books would do with this game with the utterly stunning Sherrone Moore news (spread rose 2), although there had been some rumors something was going on behind the scenes in Ann Arbor. But wow. I would think a mass player exodus is coming for U-M and that's the only reason I will play this game now. I will honestly be surprised if star freshman QB Bryce Underwood plays on New Year's Eve, for an example. Lot of chatter he's on the way to LSU. There is no chatter that Arch Manning won't play for Texas. Otherwise, don't expect to see bowl picks from me until hours before the game unless I get concrete evidence of a QB out or the like.
