Michigan’s defense steals the show in 51-7 blowout over Colorado State

There have been numerous questions on this Michigan Wolverines protection after shedding half of the starters from 2021. But when the season-opening 51-7 win over Colorado State is any indication of what this group will appear to be, it seems they might not have missed a step.

The go rush was elite early on this one, and that was the biggest query heading into the 12 months after shedding Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo, the group’s double-digit sack leaders in 2021. There was a complete of eight sacks from eight completely different gamers, which was a promising indication of what this group could possibly be because the season progresses.

The depth there may be astonishing, and the line of defense dominated the entire sport. It’s what led to this scoop and rating within the second half:

The secondary additionally precipitated a number of points on the again finish. Mike Sainristil, who switched from wideout to nook this offseason, had a go breakup and a sack within the first quarter. General, the Rams had simply 56 first-half passing yards and had been solely 1-for-6 on third down. Sophomore security Rod Moore additionally got here away with an interception that put the Wolverines’ offense again in discipline objective vary early:

The defensive play stole the present from the quarterback battle that has the eye of the nation. Cade McNamara, who’s within the warmth of a quarterback battle with sophomore J.J. McCarthy, seemed to be feeling the stress early within the season. After the interception above, Michigan went three-and-out, McNamara practically threw a decide himself and the Wolverines needed to accept three factors.

It didn’t simply occur as soon as when Michigan was within the crimson zone, however 3 times within the first half. Towards Colorado State, that may slide, however in opposition to among the higher defenses within the Massive Ten, the Wolverines should capitalize.

McNamara was simply 9-for-18 with 136 yards and a landing within the first half. Most of his yardage got here on this screenplay to Roman Wilson that went for six:

Then, McCarthy bought his shot at working the offense they usually started to maneuver in chunks. The sophomore really took over a drive McNamara had moved into the crimson zone. He answered the decision with this 20-yard landing run:

The added component McCarthy introduced on the bottom was obvious. Every of his two drives completed with touchdowns. On the day, he was 4-for-4 for 30 yards and had three rushes for 50 yards and a rating.

The offensive line was wanting as marketed on this one, and that was with out their beginning left sort out Ryan Hayes. Olu Oluwatimi, the Rimington Trophy finalist heart from a season in the past, was spectacular and the Michigan working sport had a number of success behind him. Have a look at this block from Olu on the Blake Corum landing:

General, the Wolverines ran for 234 yards and 4 scores averaging virtually six yards per carry. It was a major indication the working sport will proceed to be the focus of Harbaugh’s offense, and at this time it was firing on all cylinders. Regardless of who’s lining up underneath heart by season’s finish, they’ll have a very good unit to depend on.

The Wolverines completed with a quarter mile regardless of being 3-for-10 on third down. McCarthy will get the beginning in Week 2 as Hawaii involves Ann Arbor for a sport underneath the lights. Kickoff is at 8 p.m. on Massive Ten Community.