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Michigan Football: Grading Wolverines Offense Through Four Weeks

By Jordan Bruetsch

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 16: Interim head coach Sherrone Moore of the Michigan Wolverines talks with J.J. McCarthy #9 before a game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Michigan Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 16: Interim head coach Sherrone Moore of the Michigan Wolverines talks with J.J. McCarthy #9 before a game against the Bowling Green Falcons at Michigan Stadium on September 16, 2023 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Mike Mulholland/Getty Images) /
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INDIANAPOLIS, IN – DECEMBER 03: Colston Loveland #18 of the Michigan Wolverines catches a touchdown against Cory Trice #23 of the Purdue Boilermakers during the first half of the Big Ten Championship at Lucas Oil Stadium on December 3, 2022 in Indianapolis, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /

Tight end: A-

I was really tempted to give the Michigan football tight ends an A, but I do think there’s room for improvement. Colston Loveland has looked phenomenal in the passing game. He’s a guy that’s going to be called upon in big situations, and he’s going to come through.

He’s an NFL caliber pass catcher and is amongst McCarthy’s favorite targets. Loveland had a great game against Rutgers, tallying 5 catches for 75 yards, including a leaping catch between two defenders. He’s a weapon that can be used out wide and inside. That’s invaluable.

Right besides Loveland is AJ Barner. Barner is definitely the better blocker out of the two, and has been a bright spot when it comes to run blocking. What’s even better is that Barner is a receiving threat too. While he may not be as good as Loveland in that regard, he’s still very talented.

Michigan is going to have a lot of success with two tight ends on the field.

For this group to end the season with an A, I need to see more consistency. Loveland has the skillset to be the leading receiver for this team. He can’t afford to have any quiet games receiving wise. I’d also like to see Barner get more action as a receiver. The offense will be way too predictable if the staff keeps Barner as a run blocker 90% of the time.

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