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Michigan football: 3 expectations for the Wolverines vs Rutgers

By Christopher Mangum

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 29: Donovan Edwards #7 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the first quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - OCTOBER 29: Donovan Edwards #7 of the Michigan Wolverines runs the ball against the Michigan State Spartans during the first quarter at Michigan Stadium on October 29, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /
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(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images)
(Photo by Nic Antaya/Getty Images) /

JJ gets let loose

Michigan’s season has been unsurprising to those that have watched the Wolverines throughout history. Right now, Michigan boasts what I would argue is the nation’s best offensive line, running back duo, and a top-ranked defense to pair. Because of this elite rushing attack, Michigan football has not needed to throw the ball much; in fact, I doubt the “air raid” offense has even crossed Jim Harbaugh’s mind.

Earlier this season, five-star sophomore quarterback JJ McCarthy replaced 2021 starter, Cade McNamara, as the Wolverines’ starting QB. This was somewhat expected; after all, you can only bench a talent like McCarthy for so long.

Since then, the young QB has shown a great deal of promise but has not been allowed to display his full potential just yet. This was also mostly expected, seeing as Michigan has a Heisman-contending running back and a coach that believes in a good “ground and pound” run game.

Like my last point, this is something that will get Michigan to 11 wins easily this year. The fact of the matter is that everyone knows what Michigan football is going to do: run the ball up the middle… Yet no one can stop it.

This will likely be the case all the way up until November 26th, when the Wolverines head to Columbus. Last year the run game got Michigan to 12 wins including a win over Ohio State in Ann Arbor, but a revamped Buckeye defense looks far more prepared for Michigan’s rushing attack. With that said, I think it is time that we see what we actually have with JJ McCarthy.

Let McCarthy open up and run, throw, and make plays this weekend — I would much rather him get used to this against Rutgers than vs No. 16 Illinois or at No. 2 Ohio State.

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