Michigan Football: 3 Bold Predictions for the Offense
By Josh LaFond
With key offensive players Hassan Haskins, Andrew Stueber, and Andrew Vastardis graduated, the Wolverines have some holes to fill. Most expect the offense to be what carries the team, so what do we predict in 2022?
The 2021 iteration of the Michigan football offense saw a return to the ways of old. Reminiscent of some of Lloyd Carr’s best teams, the Wolverines executed a “ground and pound” attack that sapped the will and fight out of many they encountered.
This year could be different, though. Having exhausted their eligibility, key offensive linemen Andrew Stueber and Andrew Vastardis’ jobs are up for grabs. Additionally, the bell cow running back, and all-time Michigan fan favorite Hassan Haskins.
Is there reason to fret? Hardly.
The cupboard in Ann Arbor is far from bare.
That leads to the question: who do we predict to step up and lead this offense?
Well, let’s get into it.
Bold Prediction #1: Cade McNamara starts the season, but JJ McCarthy finishes it.
I know, I know, everyone is sick and tired of talking about the quarterback battle. But a list of bold predictions wouldn’t be complete without at least a little talk from under center.
If you are in Cade’s corner you no doubt will go to bat for him with the “he beat Ohio State and won the Big Ten, you can’t bench him” talk that has littered every comments section in the Michigan community since January. And you would be right for having that opinion.
But just because it’s safe to assume Cade will start week one against Colorado State, I am predicting that it will sophomore phenom JJ McCarthy who finishes it November 26th in Columbus, Ohio.
My official prediction? McNamara is QB1 against Colorado State (week one), Hawaii (week two), and Connecticut (week three). McCarthy starts the second half in all those games and plays extremely well in that position. Coupled with his fall camp performance and being superior in practice, JJ starts his first game in the winged helmet in week four against the Maryland Terrapins.