5 things we learned about Michigan Football this spring

Following its spring game on Saturday, here are five things we learned about Michigan football throughout spring practices in 2022. 

Michigan football held its annual spring game on Saturday as the Wolverines scrimmaged against each other for four quarters in the Big House.

It was a great day for Michigan football fans, who were able to attend the game for free or watch their favorite team on television. It’s been a while since we got an actual spring game and not just about 30 minutes of 11-on-11 practice.

This had a scoreboard, quarters, and Jim Harbaugh running point as the head official. It was interesting to get his perspective on officiating and I particularly loved his idea of being able to review holding and pass interference penalties (coaches should be able to challenge those as well).

At any rate, it’s easy to overreact to what we saw on Saturday. Playing well was important, especially with the bright lights on (no I don’t mean Stadium lights) but we shouldn’t forget that spring football is about more than just the spring game.

So with that in mind, here are five things we learned about Michigan football this spring as the Wolverines look to defend their Big Ten title in 2022.

Cade McNamara hasn’t won anything yet

I’ve said that I think Cade McNamara will be the starter against Colorado State and I still believe that. But the quarterback competition is far from over. Sam Webb of The Michigan Insider reported on Sunday that J.J. McCarthy should be able to resume throwing again very soon.

That’s a good sign for the Wolverines just because his health is important. I have complete confidence in McNamara despite his lackluster showing in the spring game.

The offense had trouble moving the ball throughout the game and with more reps, I’m sure Cade would have found the end zone eventually. Still, it wasn’t quite the effort I expected from the veteran quarterback.

I was hoping for an NFL preseason showing where he makes some easy throws, moves the ball down the field, and takes the day off. The second part happened but not the first.

Still, it’s not a reason to panic. Cade will be just fine and by all accounts, he had a really good spring. He’s the leader of this Michigan football team, however, McCarthy is on a different level talent-wise, which is why both will play.

I still believe Cade starts but this isn’t over. And on another note, Michigan football looks deeper than we thought at quarterback thanks to the stellar play of Davis Warren, who could be a capable backup this year, as well as freshman Alex Orji who stood out with some runs and throws.

Michigan’s QB situation is really healthy but the battle for the starting job isn’t done.