Sherrone Moore Starts New Era, Leading Defending Champion and No. 9 Michigan Against Fresno State

defending champion and ninth-ranked Michigan Wolverines will have a new coach on sideline this season, starting a new era after Jim Harbaugh returned to NFL to le Los Angeles Chargers.

Sherrone Moore gained some experience in role in 2023, filling in four times for Harbaugh as he served suspensions early in year and again at end of regular season.

“I think that makes it a lot easier of a transition," Wolverines defensive tackle Mason Graham said. "He’s been here for a lot of years and everyone in facility and at university is really comfortable with him being here and n taking over reins. I feel like that’s what everyone wanted. He's been great so far.”

Like Harbaugh, Moore will le team with potential sanctions looming over program from an NCAA investigation into an alleged sign-stealing and scouting operation.

se Wolverines, like last season's team, will say ir focus is on field and will kick off defense of ir national title Saturday night at home against Fres State.

“It’s a tough position to walk into, following coach Harbaugh and everything that he’s accomplished,” Michigan defensive end TJ Guy said. “I think (Moore) has done a great job. He’s kept it pretty similar for us, thing too different.”

Bulldogs are also breaking in a new coach who is familiar to m.

Tim Skipper was named interim coach in July, shortly before training camp, after Jeff Tedford stepped down for health reasons following a good run. Tedford h 44 wins, including four in bowl games, and a pair of Mountain West Conference championships. Bulldogs finished in AP Top 25 twice during his tenure.

Skipper's far, Jim, was a longtime NFL assistant coach, and he's t taking his team to Big House just to show up.

“I never think about losing,” he said. “We brea same air. Why t go out re and try to win?”

Fres State may t have many vants, but it does have more experience at quarterback.

Mikey Keene threw for nearly 3,000 yards with 24 touchdowns and 10 interceptions in 11 starts last season. In a season-opening win at Big Ten member Purdue, he threw for 366 yards with four scores and was picked off once.

Michigan, meanwhile, plans to turn to turn to Alex Orji or Davis Warren to succeed J.J. McCarthy. Potentially, y both may get snaps against Fres and one may emerge as starter for next week's showdown at home with . 4 Texas.

Orji played in six games and h 86 yards with a touchdown on 15 carries last season, but didn’t throw a pass. Warren went 0 for 5 last year and was 5 of 9 for 89 yards in 2022.

Michigan h six offensive linemen from last season's team in NFL camps this summer, opening up five jobs to protect a new quarterback and open holes for a running game featuring Dovan Edwards.

“We don’t need five guys to play — we need 10,” guard Gio El-Hi said. “We all have to be rey whenever our name’s called because people are going to get hurt. That’s how it goes in football.”

Wolverines lost a lot from ir first national title team, but three players are respected eugh to make Associated Press preseason All-America team : Graham, cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Colston Loveland.

Johnson might get a chance to do more than cover receivers and return punts as Heisman Trophy winner Charles Woodson did nearly three deces ago for Wolverines when y won ir last national title. Moore hinted earlier in summer that Johnson might play on both sides of ball.

“I’ve definitely been getting more comfortable with it,” Johnson said.