Michigan’s offense was great in 2022, but will it be better in 2023?
Last week, I talked about why the Michigan football defense will be better in 2023. This time, we’re going to look at the offense.
Michigan football had an excellent offense last season. The Wolverines ranked 24th in yards/game and fifth in rushing yards/game. The Wolverines had one of the most efficient offenses in the nation and were able to put a lot of points on the scoreboard.
However, it’s evident that there were some shortcomings on the offensive side. The youth of JJ McCarthy, injuries to the running backs, a lack of explosiveness within the passing game, and more. While the offense was key to returning the Wolverines to the playoffs, it could have been better in many areas.
In 2023, Michigan’s offensive improvement is going to be crucial to whether or not the Wolverines win a national title. In today’s game, offense is the most important aspect.
While Michigan’s offense was phenomenal in 2022, there are many reasons to believe it could be significantly better in 2023. Without further ado, here are three reasons why the Michigan football offense will be better in 2023.
Experience, Experience, Experience
Michigan football brings back the vast majority of its offensive production from a year ago, including its quarterback and two All-American caliber running backs. And everybody is a year older. With another year of experience, it’s natural to believe that most players will have progressed significantly. Especially when the experience comes at the highest level.
There were many times last year when the youth of J.J. McCarthy was obvious. He made some silly mistakes that never should’ve happened. With a full year of starting experience, expect huge strides from McCarthy. I expect him to break at least one Michigan record this season.
Edwards and Corum will be just as good, likely better this season. Likewise with many of the offensive line starters. Colston Loveland will look to take a massive sophomore leap and could be an All-American this season.
Experience is so key in football, and this is going to be one of the most experienced offenses in the nation, possibly the most experienced. Experience tells you what to work on and teaches you how to be successful. The playoff experience that this offense has should allow it to be phenomenal.
Sherrone Moore calling plays on his own
With the resignation of Co-Offensive Coordinator Matt Weiss, Sherrone Moore will have complete control of the offense. I think that’s a huge positive for Michigan football.
Having two coaches try and agree on every aspect of the offense is impossible, and it’s likely what led to much of the offensive stagnation in some games last season.
In particular, I’m expecting the Wolverines to be more effective in the red zone. Too many times last season, the offense had to settle for field goals when it should have been scoring touchdowns. I mean, think about how different that TCU game plays out if Michigan is able to score a touchdown after getting within the 10-yard line on the first drive of the game.
For Michigan football to win the national championship, the red zone woes need to go away. And I’m confident that Sherrone Moore will eliminate them. Continuity with play calling is so important, and now that it is just one man calling the plays, things should be much more smooth.
Obviously, Moore is also the offensive line coach, so some fans may be concerned that he will call too many run plays. I don’t expect that to be an issue at all. The staff understands that they need to throw the ball more to compete nationally, and I think they really mean it.
Harbaugh has emphasized that they want to be more of a 50-50 run-pass team this season, and I believe him. I expect that we’re going to see the Wolverines air it out far more this season, especially early in the season to take away pointless hits from Edwards and Corum.
WR development
This is the big one. The one that could make or break for the Wolverines this season. The wide receiver room. After a relatively quiet first 11 weeks, the wide receivers ended the season excellently for Michigan. Cornelius Johnson torched Ohio State and Roman Wilson looked like a superstar against TCU.
I’m buying a lot of stock in Roman Wilson and the entire room this season, as it seems they truly have a chip on their shoulder. Roman Wilson has added muscle while keeping his speed, which will allow him to be more physical and create more separation. Cornelius Johnson is embracing a leadership role. Tyler Morris has coaches thinking he’s Ronnie Bell. And Darius Clemons is working nonstop to become a beast.
By the end of the season, this could be a really dangerous room. I think Roman Wilson will be the clear-cut WR1, but this group could be elite. Cornelius Johnson, if he can be more consistent, can be an All-Big Ten player. Tyler Morris and Darius Clemons will be real X-Factors for the season.
It’s not unrealistic to say that either one of them could emerge as the best receiver on the team. I truly believe Darrius Clemons has the highest ceiling out of any Michigan football receiver, and if he hits it he could be an All-American.
This is the group I’m going to be watching closest once the season begins. The staff understands that they need an elite group of wide receivers if they want to win the national championship. I expect they’re going to do everything they can to get the receivers the experience and opportunities they need to hit their ceiling.
I expect a big increase in throws in the first half of the season. They’re going to want these guys in stride by the time Penn State and Ohio State come around. The potential of this group is scary.
Conclusion
The 2023 Michigan football offense should be the best one under Jim Harbaugh. They have elite playmakers across the board. The big question is going to be: Can they properly utilize their offensive weapons to get the most out of them?
The early weeks of the season are going to tell us a lot about this team. I expect to see an uptick in passing, but whether or not that happens will tell us a lot. With Sherrone Moore manning the helm, things should be much more smooth. This is going to be an exciting year. Go Blue!