Two Saturdays ago, sept, 4, 2023, the University of Michigan Wolverines demolished the East Carolina Pirates 30-3 in their opening football game at the Big House. The Wolverines were able to pounce on the Pirates early with JJ McCarthy’s elite passing skills. McCarthy had a historically strong start to the season as he had the highest single completion percentage in Michigan football history as he completed 26/30 passes, passing for 280 yards and matching a career high of 3 passing touchdowns.
The Wolverines then carried their dominance over to the next game obliterating the Univeristy of Nevada Las Vegas 35-7. Yet again, McCarthy was a machine for the Wolverines in their blowout win, completing an impressive 22/25 passes for 278 yards and two touchdowns. McCarthy seems to be the difference maker at this early stage in the season. While McCarthy gave an outstanding performance, the real star of the game was Michigan running back, Blake Corum. Corum displayed his elite speed and elusiveness as he rushed for 80 yards and three touchdowns in just 15 carries.
According to the USA Today coaches’ poll (9/10/23), the Wolverines are ranked second in the nation, behind the reigning champs, the Georgia Bulldogs. Although the two teams will not meet until possibly in the playoffs, Michigan fans are looking for a change in this ranking. When asked his opinion on the rankings, U of M freshman Jason Majoros states, “It’s a very good ranking to start the season considering Georgia is the reigning champs but Michigan is coming in hot, looking for the respect they deserve.”.
After the past two blowout victories, Ann Arbor has been buzzing. The college town seems to shift during football season into a mob of excited students. When asked about the atmosphere of Ann Arbor, freshman Bridgette Rupp states, “Ann Arbor has been surreal, the energy during the games is unmatched and seems to carry over into the week and into parties making the college experience amazing.”.
This season, Michigan has three tough games ahead of them, Penn State (11/11), Ohio State (11/25) and the infamous Michigan state rivalry game (10/31). Although Michigan State has been proven to be the lesser team, it will be no easy win as the Wolverines will be forced to travel to the rowdy East Lansing campus for the rivalry game. Michigan is projected to win but as seen in years past, anything can happen in these high energy games.
Michigan takes on Rutgers Scarlet Knights on Saturday @12pm on Fox Sports.