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Despite setbacks, Michigan football is on an upward trend

Despite all of the negativity surrounding U-M right now, the Wolverines are a program on the rise.

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Oct 15, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines running back Blake Corum (2) receives congratulations from teammates after scoring a touchdown in the first half against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osent

Since the 2022 Michigan football season came to a close, the Wolverines have faced a good amount of adversity. With rumors of Jim Harbaugh heading to the NFL, the NCAA hitting U-M with a notice of allegations for Level 1 and 2 violations, and more, 2023 has been rough for Michigan football fans thus far. Still, despite all of this, the Wolverines are on an upward trend.

Past two seasons prove Michigan football is a contender

If we have learned one thing over the past two years, it is that Michigan football is undoubtedly a contender. Since Jim Harbaugh claimed that Michigan would win the Big Ten or die trying, the Wolverines are 25-3 overall with two-straight wins over Ohio State, Big Ten Championships, and College Football Playoff (CFP) appearances.

A season ago (in 2021) Michigan football became the first program to start the season unranked and make the CFP. Despite dropping a mid-season game to in-state rival, Michigan State, Michigan managed to overcome No. 2 Ohio State in Ann Arbor to clinch a Big Ten East title. Michigan’s 42-27 win over the Buckeyes was the program’s first since 2011 under former head coach Brady Hoke, who was fired after a 5-7 season in 2014.

The Wolverines went on to defeat No. 13 Iowa (10-2, 7-2 Big Ten) in the Big Ten Championship game, 42-3. The Wolverines’ 2021 conference title was the program’s first since 2004 under former head coach Lloyd Carr. After improving to 12-1 on the season, Michigan lost to Georgia in the CFP semifinal matchup — the Orange Bowl game in Miami, FL — to the eventual National Champion Georgia Bulldogs.

The 2021 season was a trend-breaker in the best way possible for Michigan football, and set a new standard for the Wolverines. It was Michigan’s first top-3 finish since 1999 when U-M defeated Alabama in the Orange Bowl and finished 10-2 overall, and its first 12-win season since the 1997 National Championship team.

In the Wolverines’ most recent season, Michigan football again turned some heads. The Wolverines were a bit questionable coming into the season, and Michigan’s weak non-conference schedule did not held their case for legitimacy. Still, Michigan just kept winning each game instead of complaining about who said what.

The Wolverines’ 41-17 win over Penn State during Michigan’s annual “Maize Out” game was a huge resume booster, especially considering the Nittany Lions went on to finish in the top-10 with an 11-2 record and a Rose Bowl win. After the Penn State win, the Wolverines won back Paul Bunyan with a 29-7 win over Michigan State, and obliterated the Buckeyes in Columbus, 45-23.

For the first time in 25 years, U-M finished the regular season undefeated; and for the first time ever, the Wolverines had back-to-back 12-win seasons. The Wolverines went on to beat Purdue in the Big Ten Championship game, 43-22, and secured the first 13-win season in Michigan football history. The Wolverines went on to lose in the CFP semifinal once again, but became one of few programs to make multiple trips to the Playoff.

Additionally, the last team not names Ohio State to win back-to-back Big Ten Championships was Wisconsin in 2011 and 2012. Michigan is the first team not named Ohio State to win back-to-back Big Ten Championship games. Additionally, U-M finished in the top-5 in back-to-back seasons for the first time since 1947-1948.

U-M is seeing success on the recruiting trail

Michigan football, while not at the top of its game when it comes to recruiting, is doing well on the recruiting trail. That being said, Michigan is still doing well with its most recent classes. Right now, the Wolverines have a top-20 class (No. 17 overall) nationally, a top-20 freshman class (No. 17 overall), and a top-5 transfer class (No. 4 overall). Michigan football is bringing some serious talent to Ann Arbor next year, and many of its newest players already have Power Five experience.

Now, in fairness, I am not sure how many of these players will stick around if Jim Harbaugh does end up leaving for the NFL. Harbaugh will be interviewing with the Denver Broncos — who appear to be quite interested in Harbaugh — this coming week. Still, as of right now Jim Harbaugh is the head coach of Michigan football, and until that changes, we assume it’s business as usual in Ann Arbor.

2023 is looking like a special season for Michigan football

After last year’s 13-1 performance, no one can help but think about how much potential the 2023 team has. The Wolverines are bringing in a ton of talent through its freshman class and can fill many gaps with an incredibly talented (and battle-tested) transfer class. On top of that, U-M is retaining many key starters from the 2022 team, including quarterback JJ McCarthy and running back Donovan Edwards.

On Monday, Blake Corum announced that he will be returning for his senior season in the Maize and Blue this fall. To say this is a massive addition for the 2023 Wolverines would be an understatement to say the least.

On top of that, the Wolverines will host Ohio State again, and should be the preseason favorite to win the Big Ten for the first time in decades. U-M must face Penn State in Happy Valley — which will be a daunting task to say the least — but there is no reason Michigan should not be contending for the conference once again.

Despite going 12-2 a year ago and 13-1 this past season, Michigan is yet to win a CFP game; in fact, the Wolverines’ only bowl win under Jim Harbaugh (since 2015) was in a 2016 Citrus Bowl — a 41-7 win over No. 19 Florida. Since then, Michigan football is 0-6 in bowl games, 0-4 in New Year’s Six games, and 0-2 in CFP games. In fact, as shocking as it may seem, U-M has more Big Ten Championship game wins (2) than it has bowl wins (1) over the past decade.

This is something that will need to change soon, though as we saw with Michigan’s struggles against Ohio State, U-M can only knock on the door for so long. Eventually, the Wolverines will break through, and what better time than 2023? Next season could be another great one for Jim Harbaugh and Co. — perhaps even a National Championship season. Despite all of the negativity and narratives surrounding the Wolverines’ program right now, U-M is headed in the right direction.

If something is to come up that hinders U-M, then we can deal with that when the times comes. Until then, we’re just excited for another great year of Michigan football.

FOOTBALL

A new breakout player is emerging during Michigan’s spring practices

All Michigan fans need to know this kid’s name heading into the 2023 season.

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Michigan football breakout player Tyler Morris
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

ANN ARBOR, MI — You may not have heard his name much just yet, but there is a key breakout player on Michigan’s offense during spring practices right now. As we turn the page to the 2023 season this fall, Tyler Morris is a name that all Michigan football fans need to be keeping an eye on.

Tyler Morris is standing out during the Wolverines’ spring practices

The Michigan football team is seeing a new standout right now: Tyler Morris, a rising sophomore wide receiver in the Maize and Blue. According to the coaching staff, Morris is on the rise as we head into the 2023 season in just a few short months. According to The Wolverine, Morris has been mentioned frequently as an up-and-comer thus far, and could have a breakout season this year. Here is what Morris had to say:

“I feel like it’s going good. For me, it’s just a lot more comfortable,” Morris told The Wolverine. “Last year, freshman year, you’re trying to figure everything out, [get to] know the offense. You don’t really know just how the program works completely. I was still trying to come back from my knee [injury] a little bit. This year I felt just more comfortable, used to things, knowing how it goes. Not as much trying to figure everything out.”

According to Morris himself, he has learned a lot from former standout receiver Ronnie Bell, who recently appeared at Michigan’s Pro Day in Ann Arbor. “I looked at him a lot, just being an older guy,” Morris said. “That’s what I’m hoping to do, step into the role he had last year and try to take what I learned from him and apply it to my game.

“I have no issue with blocking. That’s just part of the game. You can’t be a receiver and only expect to catch, score touchdowns, all that. Especially at our school … we have great backs. We’re going to run the ball, so you’d better be able to block. I feel like it’s a mindset, being physical and not being scared to go hit somebody.”

According to Morris, he loves being mentioned as a breakout candidate, but knows the job is never finished.

“It feels good to be noticed like that. For me, I’m kind of just proving it to myself,” Morris said. “That’s kind of where I expect myself to be, so it was nice seeing other people start to see me that way. I’m just looking forward to this year to go through it.”



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other steaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Former Wolverines are clamoring over JJ McCarthy ahead of 2023

A few former Michigan standouts cannot say enough about JJ McCarthy’s talent.

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Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy
© Kirthmon F. Dozier / USA TODAY NETWORK

ANN ARBOR, MI — The Michigan Wolverines are heading into what should be a special season for the third year in a row. After winning Big Ten titles and making College Football Playoff appearances in 2021 and 2022, Michigan football is loaded and returning more production than many have ever seen from a championship team. Recently, during Michigan’s pro day ahead of the NFL Draft in April, starting quarterback JJ McCarthy had a chance to flash his skills in front of some scouts while throwing to combine players like Ronnie Bell.

According to former Michigan football players, JJ McCarthy is looking incredible heading into the Wolverines’ spring game on April 1st.

Ronnie Bell claims JJ McCarthy showed out at Michigan’s pro day

Here is what former Michigan football standout receiver Ronnie Bell had to say about the Wolverines rising junior quarterback during Michigan’s pro day:

“He was zipping that thing today,” Bell told The Michigan Insider. “Really, really fun. Especially throughout this whole little process, being gone, I’ve been not with him for so long. You almost take for granted how good he was. And then you come back and get to throw with him again. It’s like, ‘Oh my gosh. He’s really, really good.’

“The ball was coming, for sure,” Bell said. “He always threw it pretty good. Now he’s got even more touch and zip on it. So definitely a lot of fun and pretty to catch … He got better every play. Throughout every game, it was like as the game went on, he was growing and getting better. Watching him and watching him in practice, he just feels so comfortable and just so dialed-in on everything. Talking to him too about how the new offense is being oriented: He really likes it and is comfortable with it.”

“[J.J] knows how to time me up and throws a good ball, too,” former Michigan football tight end Joel Honigford said. “So it was nice to work with him opposed to somebody else just brought in that we would throw the first time today. J.J. is a good quarterback, and he set us up well for success. And it was nice for him, too.”

Michigan football could see even bigger and better from McCarthy this fall

According to JJ McCarthy himself, he is bigger, faster, and stronger right now than he ever has been before. Here is what McCarthy had to say about his current size and ability:

“I was playing at like 193 last year, now I’m around 207, 205,” McCarthy said. “Fluctuating in that range. Herb definitely did a good job and some outside influences for sure.

“It’s helping with my growth,” McCarthy said. “Bigger, stronger, faster. Every single year, just trying to improve those areas of my game. I don’t know how it’s gonna improve it, but I know it’s gonna be for the better.”



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other steaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Michigan football has a unique workout program that has led to sustained success

Ben Herbert and the strength program is a massive reason Michigan has been so successful as of late.

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Michigan football star Mike Morris
Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines edge Mike Morris (90) against the TCU Horned Frogs during the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

ANN ARBOR, MI — Many of the best players and coaches in Ann Arbor, including head coach Jim Harbaugh, have cited Michigan’s strength and conditioning program as a main reason for the Wolverines’ recent success. Strength coach Ben Herbert has been a crucial part of Michigan football going from 2-4 in 2020 to winning back-to-back Big Ten titles in 2021 and 2022. Recently, former Michigan football star Mike Morris explained what makes the Wolverines’ strength program so impactful.

Mike Morris explains the unique Michigan football workout plan

During the 2023 Michigan football pro day, 2022 Wolverine star Mike Morris had a lot of high praise for Michigan’s strength program and strength coach Ben Herbert. As most know by now, the Wolverines’ strength and conditioning program has been cited as a key reason for Michigan’s quick turnaround and the program’s sustained success over the past two seasons. Just like many others in the building, Mike Morris is a huge fan of what Herbert has done with the Wolverines’ resources.

“Coach Herb would change stuff on purpose just to mess you up,” Morris told The Michigan Insider. “We have conditioning and he would, for instance, he’ll say, ‘Mike, pick a number one through five.’ And I’ll say, ‘three.’ He’ll pick every third guy and will tell them to go jump in the cold tub. And then they’ll go jump in the cold tub and then come out, and then they’ll start conditioning. He’ll do stuff like that where it’s like, okay, your back is up against the wall.” 

“He’ll call a guy by random. ‘Pick a number 1-100.’ Somebody picks 100, and the 100th guy had to do OG chin holds and had to beat his time,” Morris said. “And he put Vaseline on the bar. So we were like, ‘Bro, you’re cheating!’ He was like, ‘No, he has an excuse. He has an excuse. So if he doesn’t make it, he can blame it on the Vaseline. If he does make it, he had conquered all the odds.’

“So that’s what he does. He lays out workouts for us to have an excuse. But if you’re a grown man, you’re gonna get the job done.” 

“I feel like Michigan prepared me in the mental aspect of it,” Michigan football star Mike Morris said. “This place is run just like the NFL. I’d say we probably practice and hit more, but that’s probably the difference. 

“Coach Herb just has us laser focused on what we need to accomplish. Not necessarily worrying about stuff like what the schedule is or what are we doing today, or if we have conditioning, what’s the conditioning? He has us so wired and so laser focused that anything and everything that comes in our way or even in life, anything comes in life, we can handle it.” 



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple PodcastsSpotify, and all other steaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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