The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1482097
NOVEMBER 2022 THE WOLVERINE 25 results spectrum is Wisconsin, which seemingly has owned the West since it's been in business. But the Badgers are plummeting this season, with Chryst's firing and a 1-3 Big Ten record including losses to Ohio State (52-21), Illinois (34- 10) and most recently Michigan State (34-28) in double overtime Oct. 15. The latter marked a very tough loss for interim Wisconsin coach Jim Leonhard, who is looking to put his best foot for- ward for the long-term gig. A loss to the Spartans in 2022 isn't a plus on anyone's résumé. Northwestern has also plummeted, al- though the Wildcats (especially recently) are a little more used to it than the Bad- gers. After starting the season in high spirits — with a 31-28 win over Nebraska in Dublin, Ireland — Northwestern has dropped five straight, including losses to Southern Illinois and Miami of Ohio. There's no lack of scrambling left in a West Division completely up for grabs. ❏ Michigan appears to be in a very good position to reach Columbus undefeated, perhaps in a showdown of unbeaten squads. A look around college football reveals no guarantee there, but the Wolverines appear to be gaining steam. Here are three must-do items for their second-half check- list that could help them hold up their end of the bargain in any such progression. 1. Maintain The Ground Assault — Michigan entered its bye week No. 9 in the nation in running the football. The Wolverines were averaging 241.7 yards rushing per game and 5.77 yards per carry. Considering that three of the top five include service academies — always unbalanced to- ward the run — the ranking is even more impressive. Junior tailback Blake Corum stood No. 2 in the country in rushing yardage (901) entering the bye week and No. 1 in rushing touchdowns (13). Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy wasn't shy in hail- ing both Corum and sophomore tailback Donovan Edwards following Michigan's 418-yard rushing effort against Penn State. "Them being able to do what they do just opens up so much," McCarthy said. "It shows today. It's going to show when we need to throw the ball, like we did last week. "They're two extremely special players, two extremely special human beings. I'm just so blessed to have them on my side." McCarthy, like Corum, never fails to hail Michigan's veteran offensive line as well. "It was pretty much blowing them off the ball," McCarthy said. "It's as simple as that. Our offensive line, they're the best in the country. They showed it today, and they're going to keep showing it. "There hasn't really been a team that's stopped us com- pletely with the run. And I don't think there will be." Between the bye and Columbus, Michigan faces the No. 80 run defense in the nation in Michigan State (153.3 yards surrendered on average), the No. 9 such defense in Rutgers (91.7), No. 117 in Nebraska (190.4) and No. 3 in Illinois (77.9). While Rutgers and Illinois feature strong rankings, bear in mind Penn State boasted the nation's No. 5 rush defense until Michigan came along. 2. Limit The Turnovers — Michigan entered the bye tied for No. 5 nationally in fewest turnovers surrendered. The Wolverines have coughed it up a mere 4 times in seven games, with 3 interceptions and 1 lost fumble. McCarthy has thrown two of those picks, one in each of the last two games. 3. Keep Developing McCarthy — The sophomore now has a half-dozen starts under his belt, and he'll have nearly a season in the books when the Wolverines hit Columbus. He and his receivers need to connect on more deep balls, but McCarthy threw for 300 yards at Indiana while perfectly con- tent to hand it off (and run some himself ) against Penn State. "I just can't wait to see how much better we can get with these guys," McCarthy said. "I love these guys, and I love these coaches. It's just an awesome team envi ronment, and I just can't wait to keep going." — John Borton Path To A Showdown Sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy must continue to develop his touch in the passing game in order for the Wolverines to con- nect on deep balls, a facet of the offense that has been missing against Big Ten opponents. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL