Gut reactions to Michigan football vs. Bowling Green

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Today, at the Big House, Michigan football vs. Bowling Green gave us a much better look at who the Wolverines are this year. Today was the team’s final non-conference game of the 2023 slate, and while it was a less-than-impressive win, we definitely learned a lot about Michigan heading into Week 3. Here are our gut reactions to the win.

Michigan football vs. Bowling Green — gut reactions to the Wolverines’ 31-6 victory

Michigan is mortal

There have been months of hype surrounding Michigan football heading into the 2023 season, and despite the Wolverines taking home a blowout win, the play today was sub-par, especially on offense. The biggest takeaway we have? Michigan is mortal — very mortal — which is a good reality check for the Maize and Blue heading into conference play next weekend.

The offensive line is a legitimate concern for Michigan football

The run blocking this year has been less than what many thought it would be, but today, the blocking issues extended to the passing game as well. For the first time this year, JJ McCarthy was sacked — in fact, he was brought down and pressured numerous times — which is a bad sign given today’s competition (Bowling Green). Heading into Week 4, the concerns along the offensive line are no longer grumblings, they are legitimate.

Blake Corum is BACK

Today, for the first time since he went down with an injury against Illinois last fall, Michigan football star Blake Corum amassed over 100 yards and a few touchdowns on the ground. Sure, the offense was underwhelming, but it appears that Corum is back in rhythm when he has blockers. Corum ended the game with 101 rushing yards on 12 carries with a pair of touchdowns.

JJ McCarthy has uncharacteristic struggles

Through the first two weeks of the 2023 season, Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy was one of the best — perhaps even the best — quarterbacks in the country. That said, against Bowling Green this evening, the junior signal caller had one of his worst games as a Wolverine.

All said and done, JJ threw for 143 yards and two touchdowns, yet his three interceptions were a dark cloud on his Week 3 performance. This week, expect McCarthy to work hard to clean things up.

The defense is simply elite

Regardless of Michigan’s many turnovers and other issues this evening, Jesse Minter had the Wolverines’ defense playing lights out. All said and done, Michigan football held Bowling Green to 6 points with 205 total yards, amassing 3 turnovers, 3 sacks, and 10 tackles for loss along the way. So far this year, the Wolverines’ starters have only allowed nine points, which is a positive sign as the offense continues to work through its struggles.

Michigan football vs. Bowling Green shows that the Wolverines need Jim Harbaugh back

Today’s game was intense in the first half, largely because of the many mistakes that Michigan football continued to make. Heading into halftime, the Wolverines looked shocked, and rightfully so. While the second half was a bit better for the Maize and Blue, it’s clear that Michigan needs its 9th-year head coach — Jim Harbaugh — back to right the ship; luckily for Michigan, Harbaugh’s suspension is now over, and he will be back in the building against Rutgers next weekend.

Roman Wilson is off to a fantastic start

If you weren’t paying attention, Michigan football wideout Roman Wilson caught yet another touchdown pass this evening. That’s six so far (through three games) for the Wolverines’ senior pass-catcher, who is off to an elite start to the 2023 season thus far.

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