Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines have had dominant success since the 2021 season. Over the last two years, the Wolverines have a record of 25-3, beating their biggest rival in Ohio State both times, and winning back to back Big Ten Championships against the Iowa Hawkeyes in 2021, and the Purdue Boilermakers last season in 2022.
They have made it to the College Football Playoffs in that span as well. Losing to Georgia and TCU! Many fans were hoping for a Georgia matchup in the National Championship last season, but the Michigan Wolverines fell just short of that.
Can the Michigan Wolverines Contend For A Third Big Ten Title
Yes, the Michigan Wolverines are huge favorites to win the Big Ten again in 2023. They have lost Ronnie Bell to the NFL, and a few key pieces on defense, but they are more than capable of having that success again this season.
The Wolverines backfield is said to have the best running back duo in college football with Blake Corum and junior running back Donovan Edwards. Corum ran for 1,463 yards and scored 18 touchdowns last season before suffering a knee injury against Illinois. Edwards stepped up in a big way against the Buckeyes with 75 and 85 yard touchdown runs with a cast on his left hand, close to reaching 1,000 yards rushing last season.
J.J. McCarthy and The Michigan Offense in 2023
Senior wide receiver Roman Wilson may be the top receiver for the team this season, but graduate student Cornelius Johnson is still on the other side of the field, catching passes from J.J. McCarthy. Sophomore tight end Colston Love is another huge threat as a pass-catcher for the Michigan Wolverines after an impressive performance in the last two games of 2022.
The third-year quarterback is starting in his second year under center. Last season, he threw 22 touchdown passes for 2,719 yards and only five interceptions. He has shown growth and continues to after having a spectacular game last season at the Horseshoe against the Ohio State Buckeyes with 263 passing yards and one rushing touchdown.
To start out the 2023 season, McCarthy and the Wolverines defeated East Carolina by a score of 35-3 at Michigan Stadium. J.J. McCarthy went 26-30 for 280 yards and three touchdown passes all to Roman Wilson.
Jesse Minter and the Wolverines Defense in 2023
Defensive Coordinator Jesse Minter was listed as the acting head coach against East Carolina on September 2nd. The Michigan Wolverines are looking for another dominant season on the defensive line with Kris Jenkins, and sophomore Mason Graham. Returning cornerbacks Mike Sanristil, and Will Johnson are looking to continue where they left off last year.
Johnson had two interceptions in the Big Ten Championship Game against Purdue. While Sanristil had an impressive pass-breakup in The Game. The defense was able to sack the opposing quarterbacks 37 times last season in 2022.
Harbaugh Not On The Sideline to Start His 9th Season as Head Coach
Jim Harbaugh is currently not on the sidelines due to a University self-imposed suspension due to violations dating back to the COVID year in 2020. Harbaugh will miss the next two games against UNLV and Bowling Green. He has chosen his coaches for the next two games in Jay Harbaugh, Mike Hart, and Sherrone Moore, the offensive line coach.
He also served a one-game suspension against East Carolina last Saturday due to recruiting violations. The head coach will not be absent for long as the Michigan Wolverines continue their quest for a third straight Big Ten Championship Title in 2023.
The Michigan Wolverines will face UNLV in Ann Arbor on September 9th. The game will be televised on CBS at 3:30 ET!
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