MSU Snowflakes: The Offense
October 21st, 2023 at 10:49 PM ^
The rushing game is still a bit worrisome.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:53 PM ^
Seems like opponents are game planning to stop the run this year (loading the box) vs last year, so we are taking advantage with the passing game.
October 21st, 2023 at 11:03 PM ^
Exactly, people cried last year that we ran into a brick wall...that we needed to pass more to beat the great teams.
And now that we are...
October 21st, 2023 at 11:34 PM ^
“The little lights are not twinkling.”
October 22nd, 2023 at 12:42 AM ^
Logged off to log back in to upvote.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:55 PM ^
It's not last year's run game, but then again the passing game is light years better. The run game is setting up short 2nd and 3rd downs, and picking up the short yardage line to gain consistently. That's good enough for what we need it to do.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:58 PM ^
Keep in mind BC, and Edwards to some degree, haven’t played full games really yet this year.
The 2nd half is also traditionally when the bigger runs were being ripped off last year. I believe if the team needs that to happen, it won’t be an issue.
Lastly, all anyone heard last year was that JJ couldn’t throw the ball downfield. If they wanted to answer that statement, they’ve sure as hell have done so this year.
October 22nd, 2023 at 1:26 AM ^
According to ESPN JJ's QBR was 97.8
October 22nd, 2023 at 7:32 AM ^
Edwards looked great though on a few pitch/screen/pass plays. Idk, doesn't make sense to me but if he catches the ball it's like he's in rhythm and if it's handed off he can't find the hole?
October 21st, 2023 at 11:04 PM ^
Teams are gearing up to do everything they can to stop the run. And, unlike years past, Michigan isn't constantly lighting downs on fire by running into a stacked box. We're averaging how many points while the run game isn't dominant? Who would've guessed that was ever possible for Michigan?
October 22nd, 2023 at 12:41 AM ^
It’s funny we’re worried about the run game because we aren’t routinely picking up 30+ yards
Blake still routinely gets 6+ yards on first down and on 3rd and short powers through to pick up the first down. Any other team in the country would kill to have our run game.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:49 PM ^
Does not get any better.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:49 PM ^
477 yards to 190 yards. Utter domination.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:50 PM ^
I know that the Heisman trophy is highly dependent on statistics, but I feel like it is becoming more clear every week that McCarthy is the best offensive player in the country.
October 21st, 2023 at 11:10 PM ^
He is the most pro-ready QB as well. Learning from a pro in a pro style system. Dude is gonna be a STEAL for whoever drafts him(hoping its a late 1st round spot so he goes to a functional team)
October 21st, 2023 at 11:17 PM ^
I honestly don’t think it’s going to be that late.
October 22nd, 2023 at 7:56 AM ^
I think he'll be Top 10
I really hope he doesn't go to the Bears or Vikings
October 21st, 2023 at 11:17 PM ^
In draft circles, it seems like McCarthy is slowly becoming the consensus #3 QB in the draft and Caleb Williams and Drake Maye haven't exactly been helping their case recently. Tonight showed what JJ can do when he has the chance to put the offense on his back
October 21st, 2023 at 11:21 PM ^
The 2nd TD to Loveland had to have scouts drooling. That pass was so beautiful. I called Caleb Williams a bust last week, Maye could be something decent. Leonard looks like he'll be good too
October 21st, 2023 at 11:28 PM ^
I'm not sure if he's the best offensive player, but he certainly is the embodiment of the award- the pursuit of excellence with integrity.
October 22nd, 2023 at 12:49 AM ^
J.J. still might win it by attrition. Williams is definitely out and Penix might be losing the lead at this moment. McCarthy has efficiency and consistency on his side.
October 22nd, 2023 at 2:27 AM ^
With the way the schedule sets up its JJ or Harrison. UM wins its 3 consecutive biggest challenges to close the season with the national spotlight then its got to be JJ.
October 22nd, 2023 at 10:37 AM ^
Only playing 3/4 quarters every game will hold him back for statistics
October 22nd, 2023 at 12:07 PM ^
Opposing DCs beginning to coach their pass rush to keep a clean pocket for JJ because they are scared to death of him on the run and hunting.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:50 PM ^
Forget having the best TE combo in the country, we have THE TWO BEST TE'S IN THE COUNTRY!!
October 21st, 2023 at 11:15 PM ^
Yeah this game AMPLY demonstrated that point. Should have been a hat trick for Loveland.
October 22nd, 2023 at 10:38 AM ^
Barner had a tremendous game and he is an excellent blocker
October 21st, 2023 at 10:50 PM ^
Dominant win for the Vast Network.
In other news UNLV is 6-1 and Rutgers is 6-2
October 21st, 2023 at 11:18 PM ^
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October 22nd, 2023 at 2:19 PM ^
But those teams havent played anyone. Now if you dont mind im going to rest my back from moving these goalposts.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:50 PM ^
JJ and those two tight ends look ready for Sundays. Let’s treasure these next several games while we still have them. Loveland is coming back by rule - but only because of the rule. He is amazing.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:56 PM ^
Not that mock drafts necessarily reflect what the NFL is thinking, but most of them still have McCarthy going in the 2nd round, although I did read one that had him 5th overall. He sure is looking like a high 1st rounder, though. If that’s what the NFL thinks, he’s likely gone, but imagine what he’d look like as a senior.
October 21st, 2023 at 11:05 PM ^
He’d only play 2 quarters
October 21st, 2023 at 11:09 PM ^
I’ve seen him mocked 4th overall to the Vikings.
October 21st, 2023 at 11:47 PM ^
Mel Kiper has him the 6th best QB in the draft, which is crazy, behind Williams, Maye, Sanders, Penix and Nix. If someone really spends the #1 overall pick on Williams, they’re going to disappointed.
October 21st, 2023 at 11:57 PM ^
Mel Kiper hasn't been good since the 90's.
October 22nd, 2023 at 1:22 AM ^
Kiper needs to get his toupee in order before anyone takes him serious.
October 22nd, 2023 at 12:10 PM ^
Kiper is an idiot. He thought Ryan Leaf was gonna be awesome and was a super mature guy.
October 21st, 2023 at 11:56 PM ^
He's not falling into the second round.
October 22nd, 2023 at 12:14 AM ^
There's no way he stays that low.
This isn't bias talking: I try to be objective about pro prospects, at least somewhat. But combine his tools with his accuracy and his ability to run the offense flawlessly, that's what coaches want.
I honestly just think that draft boards aren't being updated much and still include a lot of noise from what was known before the season.
October 22nd, 2023 at 12:51 AM ^
I don't know if the draft is even a leading priority for JJ. He's a unique/special kid- loves Michigan, especially Harbaugh, and cares about leaving a legacy in Ann Arbor. I think the big caveat is Harbaugh's future/decision.
"I play, Coach stays. He goes, I go."
October 22nd, 2023 at 12:33 PM ^
I've been thinking the same, basically. I could definitely see him sticking around for his senior year, he strikes me as "that type" of kid. As has been pointed out many times here, the draft next year is more suited to him going top 5-10 overall. And he would be so much better prepared to succeed from day one with another year of growth, both physically, and in his mastery of his craft.
October 22nd, 2023 at 4:33 PM ^
If it looked like McCarthy was going to be taken at the top of the draft, Harbaugh would tell him to go.
October 21st, 2023 at 11:08 PM ^
I love how JJ is always so pumped, even at the end of games when backups score touchdowns!
October 21st, 2023 at 11:11 PM ^
JJ could use another year. I'm CERTAIN he's not ready.
October 21st, 2023 at 11:16 PM ^
Great post - better username
October 21st, 2023 at 10:50 PM ^
Need the running game to wake up!
October 21st, 2023 at 10:51 PM ^
Do we though? We are looking pretty dominant, IMO
October 21st, 2023 at 11:08 PM ^
No we don't. Our opponents are scheming to stop the run first. That'll change, but for now, we'll obliterating them. No concern here. NONE.
October 21st, 2023 at 10:50 PM ^
Great win.
No injuries.
Sue the NCAA for defamation.
Secure a contract for Harbaugh.
The depth building for FY-24 is fantastic.