ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Through three weeks of the college football season, no team has dominated more or proven less than No. 4 Michigan.
After three contract blowouts at Michigan Stadium, the final score was Michigan 166, Visitors 17. We didn’t need to see the Wolverines beat up on another overmatched team, but UConnWe saw it because it was on the agenda. After Saturday’s 59-0 victory, the Wolverines were right there with the rest of the college football world, wondering what to make of this 3-0 start in which Michigan faced no measurable resistance.
“I don’t know how good we are,” said running back Blake CorumThe record-holder for rushing touchdowns with five in a single game was set by, “We look good. We haven’t faced no adversity, so I really don’t know how good we’re going to be. I feel like we’re going to be great, but I can’t tell you.”
The Wolverines were a great show for the eyes, especially when they were paired with a high-quality band. J.J. McCarthyHe brings his flair to the offense. But the Big Ten isn’t a league for aesthetics. A Big Ten championship win requires guts, determination and grit. This was what the Wolverines learned last year. This team may have those same championship qualities, but right now it’s more a feeling than a fact.
“I like the team a lot,” coach Jim Harbaugh said, recalling a message he received from a childhood friend noting the similarities between this Michigan team and great ones of the past. “I’ve got the same feeling about this team.”
Next week, the Wolverines will find out more about themselves when Maryland visits Michigan Stadium to begin Big Ten play. Meanwhile, here are four takeaways from Michigan’s shutout of UConn.
Michigan’s QB picture changes again
McCarthy was chosen by the Wolverines as their starter after they went through a lengthy contest. Cade McNamara as their backup, only to lose McNamara to injury that’s likely to sideline him for a few weeks.
After McNamara had checked in, a warm ovation was given and McNamara received a late injury. On the first play of the drive, UConn’s Eric WattsBeat right tackle Trente JonesFor a sack. McNamara was then hit by two defenders, after releasing the pass. McNamara appeared to be caught in the turf with his cleat. McNamara was clearly limping as he ran to the line to spike his ball and then walked to the sideline.
“Unfortunately, I think his foot was caught in the ground,” Harbaugh said. “He got hit from the side of the leg. He’s probably going to be out for a few weeks. It’s not going to be a season-ending thing, I don’t think, but he’ll miss some time.”
McNamara’s backup was an excellent insurance policy for Michigan in case it needed another quarterback. Now it’s all McCarthy, with Alan BowmanAnd Davis WarrenCompeting for the backup spot.
“We’ll decide,” Harbaugh said. “We’ve been playing them both an equal amount of time. All options are available. Alex Orji, too. He’s right there in the mix.”
McCarthy’s hot start continues
If McCarthy’s first start was nearly flawless, his second was ruthlessly efficient. He was 15-for-18 for 217 yards and led six scoring drives, including five touchdowns from six red-zone trips.
“With every game, you just get more and more comfortable,” McCarthy said. “Everything is slowing down. My mind’s not racing anymore. It’s a place where I feel relaxed. That’s something that has changed from last year to this year.”
McCarthy is currently 30-for-34 for the season. This is significant improvement from a rookie quarterback who completed only 57% of his passes. Though he’s benefited from open receivers the past two weeks, he’s also made some throws into tight windows and displayed the accuracy to hit receivers in stride and create run-after-catch opportunities.
“He’s always been pretty accurate,” Harbaugh said. “He’s got the ability to make every throw. You’re better in a system after six months, and even more after a year, a year and half now. … He was really good to start with, too.”
McCarthy made a few questionable decisions including an ill-advised pull against a quarterback read, and a third down sack after trying to escape from the pocket. However, his two first starts were a reflection of a mature quarterback who knows his responsibilities.
“The ball’s the program,” McCarthy said. “Protecting the ball is everything. There’s going to be a time and place for shots down the field, but in situations like third-and-long when you’re on your side of the field, you’ve got to be smart there. You can’t just give the ball to the other team.”
It is still difficult to measure defense
Michigan’s defense has started the season with three strong games, and statistically, this was the best of the bunch. UConn was limited to 110 yards in 53 snaps by the Wolverines, which averaged 2.1 yards per play. UConn’s quarterbacks went 5-for-20 to gain 24 yards. This is the lowest number of passing yards allowed by the Wolverines since giving up 5 yards. RutgersIn 2016, the win was 78-0
Although the results were identical in all three games, UConn made Michigan prepare for something different.
“I had a feeling after playing two Air Raid teams, and (because) UConn was good at running the ball, that they would really test us in that area,” Harbaugh said. “They did, and I thought we really did a great job of stopping the run and also defending the pass at the same time.”
Michigan’s average yardage per play is 3.2 yards through its three games. This ranking ranks in the top 10 nationally. Although it is hard to understand the schedule, the Wolverines have been showing improvement week by week.
“We know our chemistry as a team, how we work together, how we identify formations and how teams play their tendencies,” defensive tackle Kris Jenkins said. “I think our awareness is really improving. I think we’re definitely going to be dominant regardless of who we play.”
Special teams are a reality
After coming close in the first two games, Michigan’s special teams broke through Saturday with several impactful plays, including a blocked punt from Caden KolesarTo set up a touchdown, AJ Henning’s 61-yard punt return touchdown and a 62 yard punt from AJ Henning were used. Brad Robbins.
“Special teams is the game-changer, as you saw today,” Corum said. “Special teams went crazy. Shoutout to them.”
Jay Harbaugh, special teams coach, has a knack of making blocked punts. The Wolverines did it again with an overload on one side of their formation and a free rusher at punter. Henning’s punt-return touchdown, Michigan’s first since Donovan Peoples-Jones had one against NebraskaHenning was an expert at blocking and shifty running, which resulted in Henning breaking several tackles to get to the end zone.
“It’s very rare to get a block and a return for a touchdown,” Harbaugh said. “I can’t remember that happening too often in any game I’ve ever watched. I’m really proud of the way the guys are playing. They’re doing a heck of a job.”
(Photo by Blake Corum: Rick Osentoski/USA Today)
