No. 17 Michigan improved its season record to 2-1 after defeating Arkansas State 28-18 at Michigan Stadium on Saturday afternoon.

These are the main points of the game.

QB competition should be wide open after Davis Warren’s struggles

Davis Warren completed 11 of 14 passes for 122 yards, the problem was that his three incomplete passes were all interceptions.

• Warren was under pressure on the first interception and the ball was not thrown properly.
• On the second interception, Warren was getting pressure from the right side, but he still had a wide area to advance. Warren stood still and his throw changed when his elbow was hit.
• The third interception was entirely his own and was thrown straight to a defender.

Quarterback Alex Orji entered the game after the third interception and Orji led a 9-play, 80-yard scoring drive that culminated in a 9-yard touchdown pass from Orji to tight end Hogan Hansen. Orji would go 2-of-4 on the day for 12 yards with the touchdown and also ran for 27 yards on three carries. Orji’s first incomplete pass was on a batted ball on an all-out blitz and the second was on a deep ball that Fredrick Moore didn’t track well enough to make it close.

Warre has now thrown six interceptions in just three games this season. That kind of ball uncertainty will be fatal when Michigan plays teams more talented than Arkansas State.

While the offensive line has struggled to start Michigan’s season, particularly in pass protection, the program isn’t getting enough out of the quarterback position. It’s becoming increasingly clear that this could be Warren’s ceiling, someone who is just a little bit short of the speed needed to be a starting quarterback at this level of college play.

The quarterback competition should be reopened in the name of meritocracy. Jack Tuttle suited up today and is nearly back after a midseason injury — it would be in Michigan’s best interest to give Tuttle a long look this week in practice for their next game against USC if he’s healthy and ready to roll. Furthermore, the way the game went against Arkansas State, a non-conference opponent that Michigan should have beaten by a larger margin, meant that Michigan was unable to give four-star true freshman Jadyn Davis any snaps. Davis not getting on the field was a missed opportunity, and it would have been nice to see how he matched up against an Arkansas State defense that intercepted Warren three times.

Whether Warren remains Michigan’s starting quarterback or players like Orji, Tuttle or Davis get more playing time this season, improved play at the position is needed if they want to compete in the Big Ten Conference.

The running game is back on, Mullings looks like RB1

Michigan entered the game ranked No. 101 in rushing offense, and that ranking should improve dramatically after Michigan rushed for 301 yards. Donovan Edwards had 82 yards and a touchdown on 17 carries, while Kalel Mullings had 153 yards and two scores on 15 carries.

Michigan has struggled with the passing game and really can’t use it enough right now. Not only is it the most efficient way to get up the field, but it’s also safer when it comes to the ball.

Donovan Edwards deserves credit for his tough running between the tackles, but it’s clear that Mullings has the ability to be an absolute wrecking ball at that position and not fall down no matter how hard he’s hit. Mullings looks uncannily like Hassan Haskins, and that kind of ability in a running back has done wonders for the Wolverines — just ask Ohio State, which allowed five rushing touchdowns to Haskins. Edwards should play a crucial role in this offense, but it’s clear that this team has two players who could be called RB1s.

Edwards’ role should evolve and be refined as the season progresses. Seeing Edwards used more in the passing game and on the outside where he can find open space would be a stark contrast to Mullings’ bread and butter of getting things done between the tackles.

Michigan has a big problem at running back if they can sustain this kind of production. A lot depends on how consistent the Wolverines can be in run blocking, and today was a big step in the right direction.

The defense took their foot off the gas pedal

Michigan led 21-3 at halftime, but was outscored 15-7 in the second half. Michigan’s defense gave up two touchdowns in the fourth quarter and the game ended in a tight 28-18 tie. It wasn’t all bad for Michigan’s defense, as they allowed just 280 total yards (just 58 on the ground) and safety Makari Paige had a nice interception with a toe-tap on the left side of the end zone. The best defenses are relentless for four quarters and take pride in an opponent not reaching the end zone. Michigan’s 2023 defense was maniacal in that way, and the 2024 team should have that mentality going forward.

Colston Loveland’s injury

Tight end Colston Loveland appeared to injure his shoulder twice during the game, the second time early in the third quarter. Loveland went to the locker room and eventually returned to the sideline in street clothes.

Loveland is by far Michigan’s most consistent weapon in the passing game and is one of the best tight ends in the country. Michigan’s offense would be in a much worse state if he were to miss an extended period of time. Let’s hope that whatever happened to Loveland, it’s not too serious. The game of college football is better off with a healthy Colston Loveland.