Michigan Football: Grades, game balls from Wolverines win over ECU

2 of 4

Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy celebrates a touchdown with wide receiver Roman Wilson against East Carolina during the second half of U-M’s 30-3 win on Saturday, Sept. 2, 2023, at Michigan Stadium. /

Offense: B+

The game featured just 117 plays and Michigan football had just 62. The Wolverines finished with 402 yards and had 280 through the air.

However, it wasn’t a perfect day. Michigan struggled to establish the running game. Blake Corum ripped off a pair of explosive runs, including a 37-yarder in the second quarter. Still, Michigan averaged just 3.9 yards per attempt and was stuffed at the goal line at the end of the third.

McCarthy was spectacular. He completed 12-of-15 passes on throws 10 yards or more downfield and he proved continually that he won’t be a dink and dunk quarterback in 2023.

The arm talent is elite and it’s good to see the coaching staff utilize it. However, the offensive line needs to be better, and the running backs didn’t look like the best tandem in college football on Saturday.

30 points seems a little lackluster to me and while most teams would be happy with 30 points and 402 total yards, this offense is capable of much more.

Home/Michigan Football