Michigan Tight End Expects More From Passing Attack In 2023

The Michigan Wolverines enter the 2023 season with a veteran quarterback who is the undisputed QB1, and there's no question it will have a positive impact on the passing game.

Unlike last season, the Michigan Wolverines enter this year's campaign with a solidified starter at the quarterback position. Junior QB JJ McCarthy is widely recognized as the top quarterback in the Big Ten conference and one of the top returning quarterbacks in the nation. 

Although Michigan's offense has traditionally been more of a run-heavy product throughout the Harbaugh era, the return of an experienced (and dynamic) quarterback has convinced many that the passing attack will be more potent in 2023. Among those who expect a more productive passing game is sophomore tight end, Colston Loveland. 

Speaking with Jon Jansen on the In The Trenches podcast, Loveland shared his thoughts on the Michigan offense heading into the season. 

“It’s Michigan football, we’re going to keep playing how we’ve been playing,” Loveland said. “We’re definitely going to run the rock. We’ve got a great O-line, great running backs, great receivers for blocking on the perimeter. But I think we’re definitely going to spark a little more in the pass game this year, especially building the chemistry. We got J.J. all offseason. I think we’re going to sling it around the yard a little more.”

While Michigan's rushing offense finished the 2022 season ranked No. 5 nationally, the passing offense finished ranked No. 83 in the nation - averaging just 219.9 yards per game. Here's a look at where Michigan's passing attack finished in several critical categories following the 2022 season:

• Pass ATT: No. 90 (370)
• Pass COMP: No. 78 (238)
• COMP PCT: No. 34 (64.3)
• Pass YDS: No. 56 (3,078)
• YDS per COMP: No. 25 (8.3)
• YDS per Game: No. 83 (219.9)
• TDS: No. 44 (24)