Three Up/Three Down: JJ McCarthy Slices Up UNLV, Defense Shines
Another day, another easy Michigan win. Today's 35-7 victory was as easy or easier than last week's dub against ECU and now Michigan is sitting at 2-0. Once again, JJ McCarthy was razor sharp and the defense showed up in a big way.
Three Up
JJ McCarthy is in the zone
JJ McCarthy went out and set a Michigan record for efficiency in week one and backed it up with another incredibly efficient and productive outing. The cerebral junior finished the day 22-of-25 for 278 yards and two touchdowns. Every throw was basically on the money and it just feels like McCarthy can't be rattled this year. He's been on time and on target with seemingly every throw, his pocket presence is second to none and he's had incredible velocity and touch on the ball when needed. He really looks like one of the best overall quarterbacks in the country right now.
Roman Wilson continues to ascend
The Flyin Hawaiian got things started in a major way last week scoring three touchdowns against ECU and he followed that up with a two-touchdown performance against UNLV today. He continues to show a natural ability to get open and showcased the elite speed he possesses on a 47-yard catch and run TD where he erased a defensive backs angle and burned down the sideline. He came out last week wearing the coveted No. 1 jersey and he has not disappointed. He finished the day with four catches for 89 yards and the two scores.
The pass rush showed up
After not recording a sack against ECU, Michigan's pass rush was much more disruptive in week two. The Wolverines were able to record five sacks against UNLV and had quarterback Doug Brumfield running for his life all afternoon long. It didn't matter if it was interior guys, EDGE guys or even some defensive backs blitzing, the Wolverines got after the quarterback.
Three Down
Poor playcalling...a couple times
Ok, ok...before everyone freaks out, this isn't a blanket statement. Obviously McCarthy was elite and the rushing attack pounded out more than six yards per tote. But there were still a couple of head scratchers when it comes to approach and results. The early decision to use Colston Loveland on a jet sweep push pass comes to mind. Loveland is an elite tight end — shifty ball carrier out of the backfield he is not. And then there's the 4th and 3 situation in the second quarter where everyone in the world knew that Michigan was going to run it and they got stuffed. It's just not smart football. At that point, McCarthy was 11-for-11 and also had a 17-yard run to his name after a great keeper on a zone read. On that particular call, the coaches just weren't trying to pick up the first down in an easy fashion. They put their players in a position to fail and that's what they did. That seems to happen quite a bit and hopefully doesn't happen in a tight game where the outcome truly matters.
Beyond that, Michigan played an outstanding game and pretty much handled the Rebels in every facet of the contest. The Wolverines are now 2-0 with a night game against Bowling Green looming before the return of Jim Harbaugh.