Michigan Football: 3 Keys to Wolverines beating Hawaii
By Josh LaFond
Heading in to the game 1-0 and in the first start of the JJ McCarthy era, will Michigan football overlook Hawaii?
Last week’s drubbing of the Colorado State Rams told us everything we thought we knew heading into the season.
This Michigan football team is legit.
The defense stepped up and didn’t let a high octane pass happy offense get rolling — nearly ending with a shutout.
This week should be much of the same.
The Hawaii Warriors come into this game 0-2. In those two games they lost by a combined 85 points. Vanderbilt took them to the woodshed in Week 0, 63-10. And last week Western Kentucky rolled them 49-17.
This isn’t your dad’s June Jones Hawaii. Far from it.
Still, Michigan football cannot afford to look ahead. Though this game for Hawaii isn’t much more than collecting a check, the Wolverines need to exert their will against arguably the worst team in the FBS.
Our keys to victory this week will be a little different than others.
Being that Michigan should win this game handily, I want to focus on the three keys to not only winning, but winning with a purpose.
A purpose that not only ensures they end the game 2-0, but that will help them later on as they get into the meat of their schedule.
JJ McCarthy takes what the defense gives him
In his first start at Michigan Stadium, JJ McCarthy has a chance to win over the coaches, the team, and the fans.
This is his chance to seize the job.
Not only is McCarthy not forcing the issue a key to winning the game, but it’s a key to winning it all this season.
Michigan fans know his potential and know what he can do for the season. Against Hawaii he needs to take the deep shot when it’s there, give his receivers a chance to make a play on 50/50 balls, and if his first read is covered not be afraid to tuck it and run for 5 yards, or hit the tight end in the flat.
Leading a methodical drive down the field by taking what the Warrior defense gives him instead of trying to hit a home run every play is what can separate McCarthy from McNamara, and can ultimately lead Michigan to not only a win this week, but big things the rest of the season.