5 things we learned from Michigan Football win over Illinois

The passing game needs to improve

There is no doubt that Michigan football needs to get better in the passing game. However, things aren’t as bad as they appear.

I know stats can be misconstrued, but the Wolverines had four passing plays that covered at least 20 yards on Saturday and if they match that number next week, they will be in good shape.

J.J. McCarthy completed 18-of-34 passes for 208 yards and most importantly, he avoided throwing an interception against the Big Ten leader in interceptions.

Did he miss throws? Yes. Did he miss reads? Yes and that concerns me more than the throws. No quarterback is going to make every throw. Just like no receiver is going to catch every pass.

What worried me more was McCarthy tucking and running way too early or just flat-out missing guys that were wide open. Not missing as in making a poor throw, but not seeing the field to see a wide-open target like Colston Loveland in the end zone.

All that being said, if Andrel Anthony makes the play we all know he can make on-the-shot play (when there was an obvious offside), then we all feel better about this.

Two guys who have made a lot of plays in the passing game — Edwards and Schoonmaker — will be back next week and that’s huge. Put those guys out there with Roman Wilson and Ronnie Bell and you have some consistent playmakers.

At some point, I’d love to see Darrius Clemons or more of the young guys. I love Andrel but he’s just struggling right now and Michigan football can’t afford that stuff next week.