Michigan vs. Texas Set to Clash in Citrus Bowl Showdown

ORLANDO, Fla. — The No. 13 Texas Longhorns and No. 18 Michigan Wolverines will meet at Camping World Stadium on Wednesday, Dec. 31, at 3 p.m. ET for the Citrus Bowl, both teams aiming for their 10th win of the season.

This matchup marks only the third meeting between these historic programs, with Michigan looking for its first victory over Texas. The Wolverines enter the game amid a coaching shakeup, having fired head coach Sherrone Moore on Dec. 10 due to an alleged inappropriate relationship with a staff member. Interim head coach Biff Poggi will lead the team on the field.

Poggi will face a formidable Texas squad that recently won its rivalry game and looks to carry that momentum into the bowl. Notably, both teams are dealing with several player opt-outs. Michigan will miss key defensive players, while Texas is down multiple defensive starters as well.

The quarterback showdown is particularly intriguing, featuring Texas’ Arch Manning and Michigan’s Bryce Underwood, both top recruits from their classes. Manning has shown significant improvement in his second year, while Underwood has been a steady presence for Michigan.

Despite earlier coaching changes, new Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham has chosen to stay in the background during the Citrus Bowl preparations, emphasizing he wants to observe and not interfere.

Fans are eager to see how the teams will perform under these unusual circumstances. The Citrus Bowl has a storied history, providing a platform for many future stars since its inception in 1947. Fans from both schools are expected to fill the stadium, contributing to the local economy during this popular bowl season.

As the game nears, expectations are high for a thrilling contest, with Texas favored by 7.5 points against Michigan, which is trying to find its footing amidst a transition period.