Michigan football wins season opener against Western Michigan football
By Jacob Cox
An analysis on the Michigan football’s offense
Coming into the game, Jim Harbaugh and his coaching staff emphasized being more physical and they did just that today.
The Wolverines ran the ball 43 times for 334 yards scoring three touchdowns. The lead back was Blake Corum who had 14 carries for 111 yards and a touchdown. Hassan Haskins, who started the game in the backfield, had 13 carries for 70 yards and a touchdown.
This is the identity of Michigan football, this is Jim Harbaugh football and although running up the middle on first down every drive is frustrating to watch and needs to change, it got the job done today.
The offensive line didn’t have any issues despite having some different rotations with injuries that came prior to the game.
As for the negatives, Ronnie Bell left the game in the first half with a knee injury. He was carted to the tunnel just before the first half concluded. After the game, Jim Harbaugh said Bell will get an MRI tonight (Saturday) and then determine what’s next.
Harbaugh added “no matter what, he’ll (Bell) be back. He’s got too much drive not to be.”
We obviously hope Ronnie Bell can come back soon, the offense needs him, but A.J. Henning stepped up like he needed to, and gave the offense a spark. Don’t forget Roman Wilson is still on the roster and had a few shining plays today as well.
Not to mention the Wolverines still have Cornelius Johnson and Mike Sainristill.
McNamara didn’t have to throw the ball all that much today. He was 9 -of-11 for 136 yards and two touchdowns. There isn’t much to analyze because he didn’t throw much, but it was nice to see him control the offense. He made pre-snap adjustments, communicating with his offensive line very well.
J.J. McCarthy got to play in the second half and oh baby, the kid has talent. He was 4-of-6 for 80 yards and a touchdown. On said touchdown, it looked like he was going to back sacked, he eluded it, then threw all the way across the field for a touchdown.
Overall on offense, this was a really good start. Chances are next week against Washington, McNamara will be asked to throw the ball a bit more, but if the running game stays dominant, his job will be easier when dropping back to pass.