Michigan football offense shows essential trait against ECU

Earlier today, the Wolverines downed the ECU Pirates by 27 points at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor. While the Michigan football offense was humming until JJ McCarthy and the starters — including Blake Corum — were taken out, it was not in the way that many fans anticipated. While the ground game was not working as well for the Maize and Blue today, the Wolverines adjusted and showed an essential trait: balance.

Michigan football offense fulfills goal of being balanced against ECU

Throughout the 2023 offseason, especially during Michigan football fall camp, Sherrone Moore has been harping on the word “balance.” While Moore was not on the sideline today due to a one-game self-imposed suspension from the university, his goal for the Michigan football offense to display balance was achieved.

While the Wolverines RB room, including standouts Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, was not really moving the needle (due to ECU’s defensive scheme), the Michigan football offense and quarterback JJ McCarthy managed to do something new. In years past, the Wolverines could have stayed on the ground; however, McCarthy slung it around today and played lights out during his 30-3 Week 1 win.

JJ McCarthy knows that balance was needed, and is glad that the Wolverines are able to do more right now

“I mean, everyone saw what we did last year,” JJ McCarthy said of the Michigan football offense after today’s game. “We were smashing, pounding the football, doing our thing. And teams are gonna prepare for that, especially ECU, which just went all offseason trying to stop that. So it was just an opportunity for us as a passing game to capitalize, and coach (Kirk) Campbell did a phenomenal job calling plays today. He’s helped me personally so much this offseason, I just can’t wait to see what that dude does in the future for us.”

Despite East Carolina’s best defensive efforts, the Michigan football offense showed a ton of balance and adaptability earlier today, leading to a Week 1 victory. Seeing JJ McCarthy shine this early in the year is a fantastic sign — one that should have fans thrilled if he can keep it up heading into Big Ten play and beyond.

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