Our favorite photos from Michigan’s season opener against Fresno State

September 1, 2024 Vaseline blog 0

Our favorite photos from Michigan’s season opener against Fresno State

ANN ARBOR – The reigning national champs are back in the Big House – Michigan football bested Fresno State for their season opener Saturday night.

Michigan made a statement under the lights of Michigan Stadium, starting Davis Warren at quarterback and seeking silence pundits who have overwhelmingly refused to pick the team for a spot in the new-look 12-team college football playoff. The Wolverines’ defense shone through as they switched up their passing game, bringing in Alex Orji for a handful of plays.

Warren and Orji each threw touchdown passes – Fresno State came within six points of Michigan’s lead in the second half, but the team rallied late behind a touchdown thrown by Warren to veteran tight end Colston Loveland and a pick-six by defensive back Will Johnson to build to a 30-10 final score.

For the first time in years, Michigan starts the season with a five-game home stint. The Wolverines will host Texas next Saturday at noon, then face Arkansas State, USC and Minnesota before hitting the road away games at Washington and Illinois.

MLive photographers were there to document all the action – check out the gallery above or some of our favorite photos below.

Michigan Wolverines defensive back Will Johnson (2) signs autographs for fans during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Attendees watch a flyover as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jadyn Davis (2) and Michigan Wolverines tight end Marlin Klein (17) kneel in the end zone during the University of Michigan football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

A person parachutes into the stadium during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Michigan players huddle during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines linebacker Jimmy Rolder (30) bears down on Fresno State Bulldogs quarterback Mikey Keene (1) as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines defensive back Makari Paige (7) celebrates an interception as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings (20) celebrates a first down during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Cheerleaders dance to Mr. Brightside song during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) runs in a touchdown as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

DJ. Truth dances during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) celebrates a touchdown as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Gymnastics wear their Big Ten Champion rings during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Michigan fans cheer as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Jadyn Davis (2) runs in a touchdown as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Gymnastics sing and dance during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines running back Kalel Mullings (20) rusn the ball as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Football Alum Braiden McGregor points to his Michigan tattoo during the University of Michigan Football vs Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Aug. 31, 2024. Michigan defeated Fresno State 30-10.Josh Boland | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) runs the ball as Michigan hosts Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

Michigan Wolverines tight end Colston Loveland (18) greets fans after Michigan defeated Fresno State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Friday, Jan. 5, 2024.Jacob Hamilton | MLive.com

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