Grading Michigan Football’s blowout win over Hawaii

David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports
David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports /
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Michigan football rolled past Hawaii on Saturday and got a new starting QB in the process. Here’s the report card for the Wolverines.

We’re back for another edition of our Michigan football report card, something we do after each basketball and football game.

This season, it’s been a little hard to grade the Wolverines and it was especially hard last Saturday against Hawaii because the competition just isn’t great. Michigan football barely played any of its starters in the second half because it didn’t need to.

Michigan football could have probably scored 80 points if it wanted to. Jim Harbaugh doesn’t really roll that way and that’s one reason why we didn’t see J.J. McCarthy in the second half.

But, we break down the Wolverines further and of course, we’ll talk just a little about J.J. McCarthy, who as I said on Sunday, is something to behold.

Offense: A

Michigan football finished with 588 yards of total offense and scored 56 points. In his first start, McCarthy was “flawless” in the words of Jim Harbaugh and it’s hard to argue.

The sophomore had just one incompletion and it was because of a drop. The offense moved up and down the field and created a bunch of explosive plays, something that lacked against Colorado State.

Roman Wilson opened the game with a 42-yard touchdown catch. But Cornelius Johnson, Donovan Edwards, and Ronnie Bell, also had receptions of more than 30 yards from McCarthy, who didn’t run much, but certainly showed off his spectacular arm.

The kid has it all and he should be the starting quarterback. However, that doesn’t mean Cade McNamara can’t play. He’s battling with some confidence issues right now.

Taking some time on the bench might not be a bad thing. Michigan still needs McNamara to be engaged. There’s a reason he only threw five interceptions last season or whatever it was.

The dude is smart, savvy, and he’s a winner.

Think back to the Patriots in 2001 when Tom Brady took over the job. He gets all the credit but people forget that Drew Bledsoe handled the situation like a pro.

And when Brady left the AFC title game due to an ankle injury, Bledsoe came on in relief and threw a touchdown pass to help New England reach the Super Bowl.

You just never know what will happen and at the very least, Cade can help J.J. McCarthy become a better football player. Cade also isn’t done playing football, although we better be done with the boos. He deserves much more than that.

The offense did have one turnover on a poor throw by Cade. The offensive line allowed two sacks and two tackles for loss but that was when the backups were in. Michigan also ran the ball 33 times for 268 yards and Blake Corum was outstanding.

Donovan Edwards got banged up so hopefully, he’s ok but it doesn’t seem to be serious.