FOOTBALL

Michigan football must rise above its noisy offseason

As the messy, noisy Michigan football offseason continues, the Wolverines must find a way to stay focused.

Published

2 months ago

January 22, 2023

Nov 19, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) gets set to run a play in the first half against the Illinois Fighting Illini at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports

Another day, another piece of Michigan football drama that emerges. That could just be me being dramatic; however, that is how things have seemed in Ann Arbor ever since the Wolverines’ loss to TCU on New Year’s Eve. To say it’s been a noisy offseason thus far would be an understatement, but regardless, Michigan needs to rise above.

Michigan football has seen a noisy offseason already

Just 24 hours after Michigan football fell to TCU in the Fiesta Bowl, reports began to surface that the Denver Broncos were reportedly interested in hiring Michigan’s head coach, Jim Harbaugh. Those rumors got very real for Michigan fans when numerous credible sources began to state that Jim Harbaugh was ready (and wanted) to leave Michigan football if he was offered an NFL position.

Over the weeks of Harbaugh-based confusion, tensions rose throughout the program as Harbaugh interviewed with NFL teams and U-M didn’t offer a new contract. At the same time, Michigan defensive tackle Mazi Smith — whose felony gun charges had been left untouched until after the season ended — was given probation and community service for the charge that came back in October of 2022.

As the drama surrounding Jim Harbaugh worsened, the NCAA decided to pile on four Level II allegations and a daunting Level I allegation against Harbaugh and his Wolverines, even threatening a possible suspension and more for Michigan’s head coach in 2023.

The Harbaugh rumors were eventually sorted out by University of Michigan President, Santa Ono, however the drama did not stop there. Talks between Jim Harbaugh and the NCAA eventually broke down as Harbaugh refuses to admit that he lied and accept a Level I charge — according to reports, the NCAA has “little-to-no” evidence that Harbaugh knowingly lied; however, this is still an ongoing situation.

Shortly after these reports, John U. Bacon — a trusted source in the Michigan community — reported that Jim Harbaugh and Michigan’s athletic director, Warde Manuel, have not formally spoken in eight months. They have chatted at bowl practices and whatnot, though have not held a meaningful conversation since their reported fight back in May of 2022.

After Bacon’s report came out, Michigan fans had little time to talk about it, as former offensive coordinator and QB coach Matt Weiss was fired amidst a police investigation into a computer access crime. Weiss is suspected to have broken university policy, his home was searched on January 10th, and Weiss was fired soon after initial reports came out regarding the investigation.

The hits seem to just keep on coming for Michigan football right now, but that has not stopped any of the Wolverines’ momentum heading into the 2023 season.

Michigan football in-store for a monster season in 2023

As we have learned over the past two seasons, Michigan football is a true contender. Over the Wolverines’ past 28 games (since the start of 2021) they have won 25 of them. This includes two wins over Ohio State and back-to-back Big Ten Championships; additionally, the Wolverines have made two appearances in the College Football Playoff and boast back-to-back top-3 finishes for the first time since 1947-48.

Now, as we turn the page from 2022 to 2023, Michigan football must remained focused on what is important: winning a National Championship. The Wolverines have been as close as they’ve been since 1997 to winning a 12th National title, yet have fallen short in both of their CFP games.

Now, this fall, Michigan football will have yet another shot at a title run with what appears to be its best roster during the Jim Harbaugh era. Michigan retains a great deal of its production from the 2022 season — including rising juniors JJ McCarthy and Donovan Edwards, Blake Corum, two of its top-3 receivers, two talented tight ends, a stingy defense, and most of its Joe Moore Award-winning offensive line.

On paper, the only team that might stand in the Wolverines’ way is Penn State, who Michigan football will meet in State College towards the end of the 2023 season. Michigan State does not appear to be a threat, and Ohio State will come to Ann Arbor for the first time since Michigan’s 42-27 win in 2021.

As Michigan football pursues another win over Ohio State, a third-straight Big Ten Championship, and even more ambitious goals, the Wolverines must tune out the noise and stay focused on the upcoming season.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, 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 or DM him on Twitter, @CJsWrld_.

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FOOTBALL

New Michigan transfer has endless praise for JJ McCarthy on and off the field

A fellow Michigan quarterback had endless praise for starter JJ McCarthy

Published

10 hours ago

March 24, 2023

CJ Mangum

Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy

ANN ARBOR, MI — Most people would look at a player like Michigan’s rising junior quarterback and jump to conclusions. Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy was a five-star high school recruit, and is currently the starting quarterback at one of the biggest and most influential universities in the world. On top of that, he just led his Wolverines to a 13-1 season — the winningest in program history — including wins over Penn State, Michigan State, and Ohio State, not to mention the Big Ten title and CFP appearance.

Ahead of the 2023 season, Michigan football quarterback Jack Tuttle — who just transferred into Ann Arbor from Indiana — gave insight on who JJ McCarthy truly is on and off the field.

JJ McCarthy is more than a football player, says new Michigan football quarterback transfer

No one would blame JJ McCarthy for being cocky if he were to be — he backs it up on the field and appears to have everything in the world going for him. Still, McCarthy finds time to just be himself; regardless of his circumstance, McCarthy remains true to the person that he wants to be.

“Most people would kind of look at a guy like J.J., quarterback, big-time guy, they might think he’s arrogant or something. That dude is the most down-to-earth person,” Tuttle told the media. “I can’t say this enough — a great human being, great football player. I love being around him.”

On top of being a good man, JJ McCarthy is one hell of a quarterback, Michigan football quarterback Jack Tuttle says.

“Obviously Michigan gets under center, multiple, there’s a lot of stuff on offense — footwork wise, I’m looking at that like ‘wow’. I haven’t really been under center since high school. Looking at his footwork and how he’s progressed over the past couple of years and just taking little things that he does and maybe implementing it.”

While JJ McCarthy headlines the Michigan football quarterback room, Tuttle claims that the Wolverines are loaded at QB heading into the 2023 season.

“That whole quarterback room, I’m just stoked to be in there. Such good dudes. Really love the guy so far,” Tuttle said of McCarthy. “It’s been phenomenal. I can’t wait to see where we go.”

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on Twitter, Facebook, 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 Podcasts, Spotify, 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!

FOOTBALL

Michigan football to host NIL Pep Rally ahead of Spring Game

Thursday afternoon, more exciting news came out regarding Michigan’s annual Spring Game

Published

18 hours ago

March 24, 2023

Tyler Sakalys-Moore

Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh talks with reporters before the Fiesta Bowl against TCU on Thursday, Dec. 29, 2022, in Scottsdale, Arizona. Michfiesta2 122822 Kd 2277

For Michigan football fans, the anticipation is rising as the annual Spring Game draws closer with every waking minute. On Thursday afternoon, the University of Michigan announced they would host a NIL Pep Rally before the Spring Game on April 1.

It’s no secret that coach Jim Harbaugh loves to put on a show for the fans, so this news should come as no surprise. Here is everything we know so far.

What can be expected?

Attending the event is a star-studded list, as coach Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan football team plan to make appearances. Aside from the football team, 180 athletes across ten University of Michigan athletic teams will attend. Along with meeting some of these student-athletes, many will be available for autograph signings at the event.

Along with the opportunity to meet some of your favorite student-athletes, fans can participate in various activities. There will be face painting, tailgate games and a photo booth. Finally, former star Wolverines Jon Jansen and Jake Butt will be making an appearance for a special Chalk Talk.

Pep Rally Details

The event, presented by the leading NIL collective Valiant Management Group, will occur on April 1, 2023, in Crisler Center. The event is set to occur between 12:00 p.m. – 3:00 p.m. in preparation for the spring game, which will take place in the Michigan Stadium.

Just last year, the team celebrated the opportunity to play in their first spring game since 2018. Now, it appears coach Harbaugh is ready to get back in action and get the fans even more involved. Tickets for the event are $30; kids 12 and under can get in free with a paying adult. To purchase your tickets, click here.

FOOTBALL

Major outlet ranks Jim Harbaugh as No. 1 coach in the Big Ten

A major outlet ranked Jim Harbaugh as the best coach in the Big Ten.

Published

1 day ago

March 23, 2023

CJ Mangum

Dec 31, 2021; Miami Gardens, FL, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh throws prior to the Orange Bowl college football CFP national semifinal game against the Georgia Bulldogs at Hard Rock Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports

ANN ARBOR, MI — Over the past two seasons, the entire identity of the Michigan Wolverines’ football program has changed. Before 2021, the Michigan football team was coming off of a 2-4 season in 2020; before that, the Wolverines were managing 8-10 wins per season, though consistantly losing to Ohio State, their bowl game, and saw frequent losses to Michigan State and Penn State. Since that 2021 season, everything has changed for Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines — in fact, Harbaugh is now thought of as the best coach in his conference.

Jim Harbaugh changes everything for Michigan football in 2021

After arguably the worst season in Michigan football history (2020), Jim Harbaugh and his Wolverines decided to go all-in on the 2021 season. At his Big Ten media presser, Harbaugh claimed that Michigan would accomplish its goals (beating Ohio State, Michigan State, winning the Big Ten, and more) or “die trying.” The Wolverines did exactly that — Michigan football finished the regular season with an 11-1 record after downing Ohio State 42-27 in Ann Arbor. The Wolverines then won the Big Ten title for the first time since 2004; however, were dominated by Georgia in the CFP.

A season later, Michigan football appeared to improve as Jim Harbaugh led his team to a 12-0 finish — including massive 20+ point wins over Michigan State, Penn State, and Ohio State — before winning the program’s first-ever 13th game in a single season. While the Wolverines still fell short against TCU in the Fiesta Bowl, the 2022 season was monumental for Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football.

Heading into the 2023 season, Michigan appears to have its best roster during the Jim Harbaugh era (since 2015). In fact, right now, the Wolverines come into the season favored against every major program that it must face: Penn State, Michigan State, and Ohio State. If the Wolverines aren’t competing for a Big Ten title this year, most fans will call the season a disappointment.

On3 ranks Harbaugh No. 1 in the Big Ten

Of the 14 coaches in the Big Ten, On3 claims that none are better than Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh. Here is what On3 had to say about Harbaugh and why he is ranked No. 1:

It took some time, but Jim Harbaugh fulfilled his promise of beating Ohio State and delivering his alma mater a Big Ten Championship.

Then he did it again last season. The Wolverines are 25-3 the last two years, with a pair of conference titles and College Football Playoff berths. While Harbaugh has downplayed some of the major cultural and philosophical changes he made before the 2021 season, he deserves credit for pivoting and overhauling his staff.

In eight years at Michigan, Harbaugh has five seasons with at least 10 wins. Although the yearly NFL rumors remain a distraction, the Wolverines don’t look like they’re going to slowdown at all under Harbaugh, either. They bring back a loaded squad in 2023 — with Harbaugh supplementing the depth chart with several key additions from the transfer portal — and will be the favorites to three-peat in the Big Ten.

While I weigh the present more than the past, Harbaugh’s coaching resume also includes jumpstarting Stanford’s program (12-1 season in his final year) and four years with the San Francisco 49ers where he never had a losing season, played in the NFC Championship Game three times and lost to his brother John Harbaugh in the Super Bowl.

The next three coaches behind Jim Harbaugh and Michigan football are: Ryan Day (Ohio State), Luke Fickell (Wisconsin), and James Franklin (Penn State).