Opposing coach praises Michigan Wolverines football

This weekend, Michigan Wolverines football will return to the gridiron for the first time since the team’s loss to TCU on New Year’s Eve. On Saturday, the Maize and Blue will face off against the East Carolina Pirates, who are led by head coach Mike Houston and are hoping to pull off a massive Week 1 upset. Today, ECU’s head coach had a chance to talk about this weekend’s game and praised Jim Harbaugh’s program along the way.

Michigan Wolverines football earns high praise from opposing coach

East Carolina Pirates head coach Mike Houston is excited to face off against Michigan football this weekend. Even though ECU is expected to lose — by a lot — the Wolverines have some staff suspensions and injury issues, so there is a lot to work through on both sidelines. Here is some of what Houston said about Michigan Wolverines football earlier today.

“We’re really excited about the opener with the opportunity to go and play in an iconic venue like The Big House in Ann Arbor,” Houston said earlier today at his weekly press conference. “It’s going to be a great opportunity for our program, players, and coaches … I think everyone knows what kind of team we’re encountering. Most experts will tell you on paper that Michigan is the most talented team in the country this year. They return a lot of experience from a College Football Playoff team over the last two years. They’ve done a great job building a tremendous program.”

East Carolina Pirates head coach Mike Houston continues

Even though Michigan Wolverines football has some issues to work through, Houston does not anticipate it hindering Jesse Minter (interim head coach) and his squad all that much this weekend.

“I’d rather them sit some of their players out,” Houston explained to the media. “You know what they have coming back? I don’t think it will impact their scheme at all. They have an experienced playcaller who will call the game on Saturday. We know him a little bit, and I’m sure that they’re coaching the team throughout the week. They’re going to put the game plan together. They just have to get a couple of guys implemented on game day, so I think it’ll have a minimal impact.”

Both East Carolina and Michigan football will be starting their 2023 seasons this weekend — with very different expectations, the Wolverines are anticipated to make quick work of the Pirates. That said, a number of external factors may hinder Michigan this Saturday.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!