The Michigan Wolverines dominated UConn winning 59-0. This is the end of Michigan’s non-conference schedule as Big Ten play begins next week. Here are 3 takeaways from Michigan vs. UConn.
Special Teams Wins The Day
Michigan’s elite special teams unit was on display today. AJ Henning had a 61 punt return, Michigan’s first since 2018. Punter Brad Robbins helped pin UConn deep in their own territory on multiple occasions. The Wolverines won the field position battle because of their special teams. The special teams unit wasn’t done. They also blocked a punt to set up the offense with a short field. This game got out of hand because of the Michigan special teams. The only knock is that Jake Moody missed a field goal. Of all the takeaways from Michigan vs. UConn, this one was the biggest.
Michigan Defense Looks Dominant
The knock on Michigan so far is that they have played a very easy schedule. Of course their defense looks great. They are playing subpar competition. While some of this is true, the Michigan defense is still dominant. They are one of 2 teams to not allow a point in the first half all season. Today they didn’t allow a point in the second half either. Usually what happens in games like this is the opposing team can put together one or two good drives and come away with some points. Not the case for Michigan’s opponents. It will be tough to score on this unit.
JJ McCarthy Was The Right Choice
Much was made about the quarterback battle before the season. After last week’s win, Jim Harbaugh announced that JJ McCarthy would be the starter. This game showed that this was the right choice. On one play, McCarthy scrambled out of the pocket and threw a perfect pass across his body to his tight end that set up 1st and goal on the 1. That is not a play Cade McNamara can make. That is nothing against McNamara. McCarthy just has more skills to make big plays. One of the big takeaways from Michigan vs. UConn was that the Michigan offense is in good hands with JJ McCarthy.
Michigan has done its job in the first three games. They should’ve have won these games handily and they did. The real tests will begin as Big Ten play starts. If Michigan can keep playing at this level, a return to the College Football Playoff looks possible.
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