Jim Harbaugh on the Michigan football offense: ‘everybody eats’

Over the past two seasons, despite its impact, it is no secret that the Jim Harbaugh-led Michigan football offense has been more or less one-dimensional. The Wolverines’ ground game has been stellar, but the passing attack has rarely been present. This year, the Michigan football offense is looking to change that in pursuit of a Big Ten title and a national championship.

Michigan football offense in 2023 will be more diverse

First off, I fully expect the Michigan football offense to remain similar to how it has been in previous years. The Wolverines’ offensive line and elite RB duo are too good to ignore the running game. Additionally, Sherrone Moore, the team’s offensive line coach turned play-caller, and head coach Jim Harbaugh both have a fondness for the run game.

However, the dynamic on offense is starting to change. Michigan football has recognized how far a great rushing attack can take them, as it led to a Big Ten title and a College Football Playoff berth. But now, they are looking to take the next step. All national title-winning teams in recent years have had elite (or close to it) quarterback play. If Michigan wants to be in that conversation, they will need to rely more on JJ McCarthy and the passing attack.

“I start naming names and then I’ll leave out one,” Jim Harbaugh said, according to The Wolverine. There’ll be another [running back] in there that’ll get some touches as well. I think it makes us just more of a harder offense to stop when we’re just really focused on those guys who are all going to get dispersed. Everybody eats, as the young people like to say.”

A bigger role for JJ McCarthy and company

Last year, Michigan football fans witnessed the offense beginning to adapt more compared to the previous season. To be fair, when you switch quarterbacks and transition from a “safe” player to a former five-star, it becomes much easier to open up the passing game. Nevertheless, head coach Jim Harbaugh expresses his desire for the offense to achieve a perfect “50/50” balance this coming fall.

“That’s the plan we’re trying to formulate,” Harbaugh continued. “I see this offense being a 50-50 run pass. We’ll see. We’ll see how the games go. You see how the season goes. But I bet when it’s all said and done at the end of the season, it’ll be pretty darn close to 50-50, the number of times we throw it [compared to run].”

If Michigan can incorporate an elite passing attack to complement its top-ranked defensive unit and incredible rushing attack, the Maize and Blue will find themselves in a perfect position to contend for a national title this upcoming season.

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