Michigan Football: Stock Up, Stock Down After Washington Game
The Michigan Wolverines emerged victorious in their season opener against the Washington Huskies, securing a 30-24 win in a hard-fought battle. However, the game wasn't without its moments of concern, revealing both areas of strength and weakness for the Wolverines. Here's a look at who's stock up and who's stock down after the Washington game:
Stock Up
1. J.J. McCarthy: The junior quarterback delivered a commanding performance, proving he's ready to lead the Wolverines to another successful season. McCarthy showcased his ability to make big plays with his arm, throwing for 280 yards and two touchdowns. He also impressed with his mobility, escaping pressure and extending plays. His confidence and leadership were evident throughout the game, silencing any doubts about his readiness for the upcoming season.
2. Blake Corum: The senior running back bounced back from an injury-plagued 2022 season with a dominant performance. Corum displayed his trademark power and elusiveness, rushing for 171 yards and two touchdowns on 22 carries. He looked healthy and explosive, cementing his place as a key offensive weapon for the Wolverines.
3. The Defense: Despite allowing Washington to put up 24 points, the Michigan defense remained a formidable force. They were particularly effective in the second half, limiting the Huskies to just 10 points after allowing 14 in the first half. The linebackers showed impressive tackling ability, while the secondary displayed their ability to make crucial plays, including a key interception by Rod Moore.
4. Special Teams: The Wolverines' special teams unit provided a crucial boost, especially in the final minutes of the game. Jake Moody nailed a 47-yard field goal to extend the lead, while the punting game consistently pinned Washington deep in their own territory.
Stock Down
1. Offensive Line: While they performed well in the running game, the offensive line struggled at times in pass protection. McCarthy was pressured frequently, highlighting a potential weakness that could become a significant issue against tougher opponents. They'll need to tighten up their protection and improve their consistency to give McCarthy the time he needs to succeed.
2. Red Zone Efficiency: The Wolverines struggled to find the end zone inside the 20-yard line, settling for field goals on several occasions. They need to capitalize on scoring opportunities and convert those trips inside the red zone into touchdowns.
3. Turnover Margin: While the Wolverines didn't commit any turnovers, they also didn't create any takeaways. Turning the ball over can quickly change the momentum of a game, and the Wolverines will need to improve their ability to create turnovers and disrupt opposing offenses to truly dominate their opponents.
Looking Ahead:
The win against Washington is a promising start for the Wolverines, but they know there's plenty of room for improvement. Addressing the offensive line's pass protection issues and improving red zone efficiency will be key for their continued success. The upcoming weeks will provide opportunities for the Wolverines to refine their game and demonstrate their ability to overcome adversity.
Are you ready for another exciting season of Michigan football? Let us know your thoughts on who else is stock up and who's stock down in the comments below.
