Wolverine Digest

Michigan Football: Five Reasons To Be Even More Optimistic About A National Championship In 2023

The No. 2 ranked Michigan Wolverines have had a solid start to the season, but it's looked a little bit different than most expected.

Christopher Breiler

The No. 2 Michigan Wolverines (2-0) have had a solid start to the 2023 campaign, but it's looked a little bit different than most expected prior season. For much of the off-season, the majority of the focus offensively was on an NFL-caliber offensive line and a running back tandem that was unquestionably the best in the country. Two weeks in, the Michigan rushing attack hasn't had the dominance and explosiveness that most expected.

Instead, it's been the Michigan passing attack that has led the way - with junior quarterback JJ McCarthy playing nearly perfect throughout the first two weeks. Senior wideout Roman Wilson, who switched his number from 14 to the famed No. 1 jersey, has looked every bit the part of an elite Michigan wideout. 

Defensively, the Wolverines look solid once again under second-year defensive coordinator Jesse Minter, in spite of being down several veteran contributors in the secondary through the first two weeks. 

Overall, what Michigan has shown throughout the early season has given me even more confidence that they are prepared to make a serious run at a national championship in 2023. Here's why:

1. JJ McCarthy

There are many ways to describe McCarthy's performance over the last two weeks, but I'll sum it up in one word: Elite. McCarthy is currently 48-of-55 for 558 yards, five touchdowns and zero interceptions. His completion percentage of 87.3 is No. 1 in the country, and he also ranks No. 1 in completions (48), touchdowns (5), and QB efficiency within the Big Ten conference. 

Although he was great in 2022, there's no doubt that McCarthy has made significant improvements in 2023. Not only is he quickly establishing himself as a legitimate Heisman contender, he's also proving he's fully capable of leading Michigan to a national championship. 

2. Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards

A lot has been made of the Michigan rushing attack over the last two weeks. Led by an offensive line that is full of veterans and future NFL Draft picks, it was expected that Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards would essentially be able to get whatever they want on the ground. That hasn't been the case so far, but things aren't quite as bad as some have suggested. In fact, the numbers between Corum and Edwards through the first two weeks in 2023 aren't all that different from what we saw through the first two weeks of 2022. 

Blake Corum through first two weeks: 

  • (2022) 22 CAR, 164 YDS, 2 TD 
  • (2023) 25 CAR, 153 YDS, 4 TD 

Donovan Edwards through first two weeks:

  • (2022) 15 CAR, 90 YDS, 2 TD 
  • (2023) 18 CAR, 46 YDS, 0 TD

Last year, we saw Blake Corum establish himself as a legitimate Heisman contender, and Donovan Edwards proved he is a homerun threat every time he touches the ball. This duo is simply too good to be kept in check as the season progresses. 

3. Roman Wilson and Cornelius Johnson

Roman Wilson sure looks good in that No. 1 jersey, don't you think? Through two weeks, Wilson leads the Big Ten in touchdown receptions (5), and is currently on pace to place himself along some of the all-time U-M greats if he keeps producing at this rate. Wilson also leads the Wolverines in reception yards with 167, and he's tied with Cornelius Johnson with 10 receptions each. 

Although JJ McCarthy is receiving a lot of love for his efficiency through the air, it's the Michigan wideouts who are essentially catching everything that comes their way. Both Wilson and Johnson have already established themselves as solid and reliable targets who are capable of making big plays when needed. 

Prior to the season, head coach Jim Harbaugh said that the Michigan offense would be a little more balanced in favor of the passing game in 2023. Through two weeks, that certainly looks to be the case - and it will definitely help the Wolverines down the stretch as the face tougher competition. 

4. The Offensive Line

It's clear that the offensive line still needs to improve in terms of run blocking and opening holes for Corum and Edwards, but the pass protection has been incredible so far. In fact, the Michigan offensive line is one of just seven FBS teams that have yet to allow a sack in 2023. There's no doubt that McCarthy's mobility is certainly a factor, but it's hard to ignore just how good the Wolverines have been at protecting No. 9 while he operates in the pocket. 

As the offensive line continues to gel from week to week, it's inevitable that the rushing game will improve as a result. With Michigan veterans like Zak Zinter, Trevor Keegan, and Karsen Barnhart leading the way up front, fans should have all the confidence in the world that the Wolverines can make it three-straight Joe Moore awards in 2023. 

5. The Defense

Points are hard to come by when you're an opposing offense facing the Michigan defense. In fact, Michigan is currently ranked No. 2 in the nation in points allowed - surrendering just 10 total points throughout the first two weeks of the season. After failing to get to the quarterback in week one against ECU, the Wolverines responded by getting five sacks the following week against UNLV. 

Led by guys like Kris Jenkins, Kenneth Grant, and Mason Graham up front, the Michigan defense - currently ranked No. 13 in the nation in total defense - will certainly improve as the weeks progress.  

It's also noteworthy that the Wolverines have essentially been without three key starters in the secondary through the first two weeks. Rod Moore has yet to see any game action, while Will Johnson and Makari Paige have played limited snaps so far - with all three still recovering from injury. 

Even with their absence, the Michigan secondary is only allowing 150.0 yards per game through the air and has yet to give up a touchdown through the air. 

Although you'd certainly love to have Moore, Johnson and Paige at full strength, their absence has allowed some of the depth in the secondary to gain meaningful snaps through the first two weeks. Guys like Keon Sabb, Ja'Den McBurrows, Jyaire Hill, Cameron Calhoun, Brandyn Hillman and DJ Waller Jr. are all gaining experience that could prove extremely valuable in the latter part of the season. 

Through two weeks, Michigan isn't putting up gaudy numbers and running up the scoreboard. Instead, the Wolverines are methodical in their approach - stacking wins, making sure role players are getting meaningful reps, and keeping their key players healthy. The approach might not be sexy in today's world of college football, but it's hard to question Michigan's process after the last two seasons.

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Christopher Breiler
CHRISTOPHER BREILER

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