Two teams that did very well but were not good enough to make it to the College Football Playoffs are facing off at the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl at the Camping World Stadium in Orlando, Florida. The Michigan Wolverines and the Texas Longhorns have had plenty of off-field drama, and both have 9-3 records, but only one team can leave Florida with a bowl game win.
Texas came into the season as the No. 1 favorites to win the national title, but floundered at the start of the season, as well as in the middle. Meanwhile, Michigan, still reeling from the Connor Stallions sign-stealing scandal, was hit with another one, after head coach Sherrone Moore was fired after his affair and mental health battles came to light. Now both teams are aiming to set their season right with at least a bowl game win.
`Cheez It Citrus Bowl: Michigan vs Texas Opt-Outs and Injury Report
Michigan Wolverines
- EDGE Derrick Moore: Opted out
- LB Jaishawn Barham: Opted out
- LG Giovanni El-Hadi: Opted out
- LB Ernest Hausmann: Injured, questionable
- S Mason Curtis: Injured, questionable
- LT Evan Link: Injured, questionable
- S Rod Moore: Injured, questionable
- RB Justice Haynes: Injured, questionable
- RB Jordan Marshall: Injured, questionable
- WR Semaj Morgan: Injured, questionable
- Backup QB Mikey Keene: Injured, out
- TE Max Bredeson: Injured, questionable
Former Charlotte head coach Biff Poggi will be acting as the interim head coach for the recently-fired Sherrone Moore before former Utah coach Kyle Whittingham takes over. All other players, including several potential opt-outs, have already made the trip to Florida, so there is a high possibility that they will be suiting up.
Texas Longhorns
- RB Quintrevion Wisner: Opted out, transfer portal
- RB CJ Baxter: Opted out, transfer portal
- RB Jerrick Gibson: Opted out, transfer portal
- OL Connor Stroh: Opted out, transfer portal
- LB Liona Lefau: Opted out, transfer portal
- S Derek Williams: Opted out, transfer portal
- CB Wardell Mack: Opted out, transfer portal
- DL Melvin Hills: Opted out, transfer portal
- S Michael Taaffe: Opted out
- CB Malik Muhammad: Opted out
- CB Jaylon Guilbeau: Opted out
- LB Anthony Hill Jr.: Opted out, declared for NFL Draft, injured
- EDGE Trey Moore: Opted out
- EDGE Ethan Burke: Opted out
- WR DeAndre Moore: Opted out
Texas was not hit with as many injuries as Michigan, but their transfer portal is expected to hurt them, especially with three of their top running backs, especially starting running back Quintrevion Wisner, all heading to the transfer portal. This is where Arch Manning has to step up, as the Longhorns might be facing some roster issues heading into the Citrus Bowl.
Related:
Bryce Underwood Transfer Portal Update: Top 3 Destinations for Michigan’s Five-Star Freshman
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