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5 things we learned from Michigan Football’s win over East Carolina

By Chris Peterson

Sep 2, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes in the first half against the East Carolina Pirates at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 2, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes in the first half against the East Carolina Pirates at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Rick Osentoski-USA TODAY Sports /
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Syndication: Detroit Free Press /

The running game has work to do

One of the biggest surprises to me on Saturday was the way that East Carolina was able to hold up against Michigan football in the trenches.

East Carolina did have a top-20 run defense last season in college football, so it wasn’t a huge surprise that the Pirates were a little stingy in that area. But Michigan football faced top-ranked run defenses in 2022 and didn’t have as many issues as it did Saturday.

Blake Corum’s first game back featured a 37-yard run, another over 20 yards, and a touchdown. But Blake is still working into game shape. I was hoping to see Donovan Edwards get more involved, but I remember similar struggles to start the 2022 season.

Guys were probably aiming for home-run plays a little too often and this new offensive line is still gelling. I’m not overly concerned, but getting the running game cranked up is definitely on the to-do list for Michigan football in Week 2 against UNLV.

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