College Football Playoff: Projected top 4 after Week 1

2. Michigan

The Wolverines did what they needed to do in Week 1 of the college football season. Michigan football didn’t cover the spread, but the game was never in doubt and East Carolina only avoided a shutout by a last-second field goal in the fourth quarter.

Michigan’s running game was a little disappointing in Week 1. The Wolverines vaunted rushing attack averaged just 3.9 yards per carry. East Carolina loaded the box and used lots of stunts to slow down Michigan. ECU also had a top-20 run defense in 2022.

However, J.J. McCarthy showed his development and completed 26-of-30 passes for 280 yards and three touchdowns as well as zero interceptions. It was a spectacular showing and set a Michigan football record for completion percentage (minimum of 25 attempts).

The run game will be fine. But Michigan’s defense looked even better, without Will Johnson, its best player last week. And if McCarthy plays like he did last Saturday, all season long, this team can win a national championship.