The junior tight end from Idaho, who was the lone returning offensive starter from the 2023 team that reached the pinnacle of college football, remained the Wolverines’ main source of production and Warren’s favorite target.

Loveland caught seven passes for 112 yards, made one critical play after another and provided 67% of the passing attack’s output. His contributions late in the second quarter helped Michigan have its longest drive of the first half, culminating in a 38-yard field goal by Dominic Zvada. On that possession, Warren delivered an 18-yard strike to Loveland. Then he found the tight end again, on a reverse flea-flash. Loveland scooped the ball flat, tossed Oregon linebacker Bryce Boettcher aside and raced down the sideline for a 36-yard gain. It was an amazing individual effort that reminded us once again that he is by far Michigan’s best weapon. Loveland’s talent has unfortunately been wasted as the skills of the players around him have been inadequate and the quarterback play has not been nearly good enough. That’s an indictment of a coaching staff that has failed to make major acquisitions in the transfer portal that could support Loveland.