Michigan
Maize vs. Blue Spring Game
Fourth Quarter Passing Attack Leads Maize to Victory in Spring Game
4/20/2024 2:26:00 PM | Football
Site: Ann Arbor, Mich. (Michigan Stadium)
Score: Maize 17, Blue 7
Next U-M Event: Saturday, Aug. 31 -- vs. Fresno State (Michigan Stadium), TBA
ANN ARBOR, Mich. -- The University of Michigan football team conducted its 2024 Maize vs. Blue Spring Game at Michigan Stadium on Saturday (April 20) with the Maize defeating Blue by a score of 17-7.
A defensive battle early, the Spring Game found its stride offensively in the fourth quarter when the Maize scored twice on long passing touchdowns by quarterback Davis Warren. The first, to take the lead, was a 42-yard connection with wide receiver Kendrick Bell on a go route. Then, on its next drive, Maize struck again on a 48-yard touchdown by wide receiver Fredrick Moore.
Blue opened the first quarter with points, scoring a touchdown on the game's first drive. Running back Donovan Edwards worked the ball downfield with four positive run plays leading to an 18-yard rushing touchdown by quarterback Alex Orji to cap the drive.
Maize quickly followed with a score of its own, a 31-yard field goal by kicker Adam Samaha to bring the game's score to 7-3. The scoring play was set up by a trio of connections between quarterback Davis Warren and his tight ends, Deakon Tonielli and Colston Loveland.
Following a short punt on Blue's next possession, Maize was set up with strong field position. A pair of penalties set the team back to second and long before quarterback Jayden Denegal found Moore for a long first down. With just two seconds remaining in the first half, Maize failed to convert on a 30-yard field goal opportunity. The teams headed to the locker room in a 7-3 battle.
On the opening drive of the second half, a Denegal pass was intercepted by Blue defensive back DJ Waller who proceeded to fumble the ball back to the offense (recovered by Moore). The new set of downs failed to lead to points, and Blue regained possession following a turnover on downs.
The defensive battle continued, as the next three possessions finished in either a turnover on downs or punt. The offensive drought ended with the long touchdown connection between Warren and Bell.
Trailing by 10 points, Blue rallied down the field late, as Orji connected with wide receiver Dale Chesson on three passes to set the team up in the red zone. However, the team failed to come away with points, turning the ball over on downs and concluding the game with a 17-7 Maize victory.
The Wolverines' spring session is now concluded. The team will begin preparations for the season opener against Fresno State (Aug. 31).
