Watch: Michigan CB’s pick-six seals victory over Fresno State

It was sweet justice for Johnson and the defending national champions after having two separate would-be turnovers nullified early in the drive.

Fittingly, Johnson was the first victim, having what appeared to be a pick overturned by officials following a review. Two plays later, DB Makari Page had an interception wiped out by a roughing the passer call.

The pick-six was the second of Johnson’s collegiate career, with the first coming in 2023 against Minnesota. Last season, he finished sixth in the Big Ten with four interceptions.

The highlight-reel play masked what was, overall, a lackluster effort from the Wolverines’ offense. 

Michigan jumped ahead 7-0 only 4:57 into the contest off a three-yard touchdown reception by Donovan Edwards, set up an interception by Zeke Berry five players earlier. But the offense went stale the rest of the first half, recording three punts, a turnover and a field goal over the remaining five drives. 

The struggles continued to start the second half with the unit managing two field goals and a punt over its first three drives. While leading 16-3 early in the fourth quarter, a Fresno State touchdown cut the advantage to 16-10.

Michigan responded with perhaps its best series of the game, a seven-play, 75-yard scoring drive capped off by Colston Loveland’s 18-yard touchdown reception from quarterback Davis Warren. Johnson’s pick-six followed on the ensuing possession, ending any hopes of a Bulldogs’ upset. 

A win is a win, but things are far from perfect for the No. 9 ranked team in the country. Michigan doesn’t have long to regroup with No. 4 Texas, fresh off a 52-0 beatdown of Colorado State, scheduled for next Saturday.