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Michigan Football: 5 questions facing Wolverines in Week 2

By Cameron Stokes

Sep 3, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) receives congratulations from teammates after he rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Colorado State Rams at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 3, 2022; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) receives congratulations from teammates after he rushes for a touchdown in the second half against the Colorado State Rams at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Now that Colorado State week is behind us, we can turn our eyes to Hawaii week. Michigan football opens as a MASSIVE 51.5-point favorite as of today (that could still move up before game time) so obviously, many bettors except Michigan to absolutely throttle the Rainbow Warriors at home at night.

Last week, we asked five questions about the state of Michigan football heading into Week 1, and all of the questions were answered but two. The two that weren’t answered were the offensive line and Cade McNamara.

I’ve already discussed Cade McNamara at length this offseason. He was pretty bad against Colorado State, there’s no way around it, so that’s the end of that discussion.

Since we all project Michigan football to absolutely destroy Hawaii on Saturday night, these questions will be much lighter in nature than they normally would be, as again, a lot of my questions were answered (at least for one game) against CSU, so these are more of just fun “questions.”

With all of that being said, here are five more questions prior to the start of Game 2 against Hawaii.

Will we see Ryan Hayes return to the lineup this game?

One of the only negatives from the game against Colorado State came prior to kickoff when it was announced shortly before the game started that starting left tackle Ryan Hayes was out with a very minor leg injury.

Harbaugh did say that Ryan Hayes is expected back this weekend, but sometimes, things can change again at the last minute, so nobody knows for sure if the coaching staff will allow Hayes to come back. It wouldn’t be a big deal even if he didn’t play this game or the next game either.

Obviously, you want one of your best o-lineman to get in and play just to get live reps, but Ryan Hayes is a veteran at this point, and he knows how to train his body and stay ready. Plus, if it means Michigan’s offensive line can play at full strength for the duration of the season, then yes, Ryan should be held out of Games 2 and 3 for precautionary reasons.

If not, Karsen Barnhart can take over his spot. If not Karsen who is also battling injury, then Trevor Keegan will slide into the guard spot, and Giovanni El-Hadi will fill the left tackle position.

Either him or Jeffrey Persi. It’s really good to have quality depth, as Michigan can go 10-12 deep, as said by Jim Harbaugh.

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