At a Glance
- Texas offensive line steadies after injuries, but 20 scholarship players will be absent.
- Coach Kyle Flood praises newfound consistency ahead of the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
- Michigan’s interim coach Biff Poggi notes only three players opted out, not 25.
- Why it matters: It shows how Texas’s line is preparing to face a tough defense despite roster gaps, while Michigan’s roster stability may impact their bowl performance.
Ahead of Wednesday‘s Cheez-It Citrus Bowl, Texas’s offensive line has found a rare rhythm after a season of injuries, while Michigan’s interim coach Biff Poggi confirms only three players will miss the game.
Texas Offensive Line Finds Rhythm
Texas’s offensive line has become a key focus for coach Kyle Flood, who says continuity is the most important part of the position.
After a season of injuries, the unit’s consistency has improved, giving Flood confidence going into the bowl game.
The only offensive lineman to leave before the bowl was sophomore Connor Stroh, who made five starts at left guard.
Flood noted that the big guys in the trenches have begun to show what he’s been looking for.
Coach Kyle Flood said:
> You like to have continuity. Continuity generally leads to consistency. It is the most important part of that position. It is what we have been searching for. I think we found that later in the year. And that is exciting for us, and now we have to continue against a really good defense.
- Trevor Goosby
- Danny Cruz
- Nate Kibble
- Jaydon Chatman
Roster Gaps and Practice Focus
Texas will be without 20 scholarship players for the bowl, but Flood sees a positive in the tighter practice schedule.
With fewer players, everyone stays in the same area, which Flood says is exciting.
The younger linemen have improved over the past two weeks, and Flood observed them performing the same run-blocking techniques as the senior players.
- Danny Cruz
- Nate Kibble
- Jaydon Chatman
Michigan’s Roster Reality
Michigan’s interim head coach Biff Poggi had earlier suggested up to 25 opt-outs, but the reality was only three players had confirmed opt-outs before the game.
The team arrived in Orlando on Dec. 26 with only those three players absent: left guard Giovanni El-Hadi, edge rusher Derrick Moore, and outside linebacker Jaishawn Barham.
The school hired longtime Utah head coach Kyle Whittingham as its permanent head coach Friday, but Poggi will coach the bowl game.
| Player | Position | Opt-out status |
|---|---|---|
| Giovanni El-Hadi | Left guard | Opt-out |
| Derrick Moore | Edge rusher | Opt-out |
| Jaishawn Barham | Outside linebacker | Opt-out |
Trevor Goosby said:
> For us, it is sending a message to College Football Playoff (committee) and the rest of the nation that we are a dominant football team, and we are a physical football team. Whether we should have been in or not, that is up to the College Football Playoff, but we are here to send a message and dominate this game.
Key Takeaways
- Texas’s offensive line has found consistency despite injuries.
- Michigan will only miss three players, not the previously rumored 25.
- Both teams are set to test their resilience in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
With the line steadied and roster gaps known, both teams head into the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl ready to test their resilience and strategy.
