On Saturday, Michigan football closes out its non-conference schedule under the lights against Bowling Green. The Wolverines have won both of their previous matchups against the Falcons and hope to add another game to the win column during the final game of Coach Harbaugh’s suspension.
Michigan football hoping to dominate once again against Bowling Green
Michigan football has outscored its opponents 65-10 this season and does not appear to be slowing down anytime soon. The dominance that the Wolverines have already exerted on the field this season has been led by junior quarterback JJ McCarthy, who has the highest quarterback rating in the Big Ten with a rating of 202.5.
In addition to his quarterback rating, McCarthy has the best completion percentage in the country at 87.3 percent. After a season that was centered around Michigan’s run game, McCarthy is finally getting to openly show his skill and accuracy alongside his many options of receivers.
Wide receiver Roman Wilson leads the Big Ten in receiving touchdowns with five, despite only having ten total receptions this season. In addition to Wilson, wide receiver Cornelius Johnson has been an important part of the Wolverines’ offense with ten receptions for 153 yards. If these two veteran receivers continue to play this well, they will make it easy for JJ McCarthy to maintain his strong season.
Despite not playing against East Carolina, sophomore receiver Tyler Morris still had an impressive showing for Michigan in just one game. His three receptions for 40 yards against UNLV match his total number of receptions during the 2022 season. Morris is just one name on a long list of strong receivers the Wolverines have this season, a list that also includes the names of Michigan’s star running back duo.
After the monumental seasons they each had last year, running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards were expected to put up record-breaking rushing numbers to start this season. Instead, Corum and Edwards have only run for 153 and 46 yards respectively. That being said, Corum has five receptions for 28 yards and Edwards has nine receptions for 59 yards. This versatility is extremely important in keeping these two key players involved in the Wolverines’ ever-changing offense.
Wolverine defense should be elite once again
Michigan’s defense has only allowed ten total points in their first two games, all of which have been scored in the fourth quarter. Linebacker Michael Barrett can take some of the credit for this, leading the team with nine total tackles. Michigan’s defense had zero sacks in their first game against East Carolina, making up for this with five last weekend against UNLV. Linemen Kenneth Grant and Jaylen Harrell each pulled in 1.5 sacks, a positive trend that will hopefully continue for the Wolverines.
Special teams is finding a rhythm
After missing both a field goal and an extra point in the season opener against East Carolina, kicker James Turner has bounced back and had a perfect showing against UNLV last weekend, making all five of his extra points. Additionally, punter Tommy Doman had two of his three punts against UNLV end up within the 20-yard line. While Michigan football fans continue to get used to a team without Jake Moody and Brad Robbins, Turner and Doman continue to show that the future of the Wolverines’ special teams is bright.
Previewing Bowling Green
Bowling Green has split the results of their first two games, however, they are coming off a 23-point win vs. Eastern Illinois. This will be the Falcons’ second away game of the season — their first being a ten-point loss to Liberty. Bowling Green will have to put their best foot forward under the lights against a Wolverine team that has shown little weakness so far this season.
Quarterback Connor Bazelak is playing his first season with the Falcons after spending three seasons at Missouri and one season at Indiana. In his first two starts with Bowling Green, Bazelak has thrown for three touchdowns and three interceptions. He has also completed 59.2 percent of his passes for an average of eight yards per pass. All three of Bazelak’s interceptions were in the Falcons’ first game against Liberty, whereas all three touchdown passes were against Eastern Illinois. Bazelak appears to be on a hot streak, so Michigan’s defense needs to be sure that they are on their A-game Saturday night.
Bazelak’s favorite target so far this season has been tight end Harold Fannin Jr. Despite having scored only one touchdown, Fannin has a team-high nine receptions for 138 yards. Seven of these nine receptions occurred in the Falcons’ win against Eastern Illinois.
In addition to Fannin, wide receiver Odieu Hiliare has been a vital part of Bowling Green’s passing game. Hiliare has eight receptions for 97 yards as well as two touchdowns, split fairly evenly over the first two games. The Wolverines will need to ensure their coverage of Fannin and Hiliare is top-notch in order to maintain their impressive scoring margin.
On the defensive side of the ball, Michigan football will have to be prepared for linebacker Joseph Sipp Jr. and defensive back Jalen Huskey. Sipp leads the team with 20 tackles whereas Huskey follows closely behind with 15 tackles. Additionally, Huskey has the Falcons’ only interception and fumble recoveries so far this season with one of each. While the Wolverines have done a good job of protecting the ball, they need to remain vigilant, especially around Huskey.
Coached by offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore, this matchup against Bowling Green will be Michigan Football’s final game without Jim Harbaugh. The Wolverines need to finish on a strong note in order to have a smooth transition back to their head coach and into Big Ten play next weekend.
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