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

Michigan made a statement under the lights of Michigan Stadium, starting Davis Warren at quarterback and attempting to silence the pundits who have overwhelmingly refused to pick the team for a spot in the new 12-team college football playoff. The Wolverines’ defense shined as they turned their passing game on its head, pulling in Alex Orji for a handful of plays.

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

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

MLive photographers were on hand to capture all the action. Check out the gallery above or some of our favorite photos below.

You must be a subscriber to view the photo gallery. Subscribers click the ‘Get Photo’ link to download high-resolution images directly to their device for free as part of their subscription. To subscribe, click this link.