Highlights, gut reactions as Michigan football makes Michigan State look like little brother

Michigan football made a statement on Saturday against Michigan State. Here are the highlights, as well as our gut reactions. 

If anyone wondered if Michigan football would be distracted by the sign-sealing scandal, the answer came pretty quickly as the Wolverines destroyed Michigan State.

Michigan wasn’t just happy to beat Michigan State. Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines wanted to make a point and it was clear on Saturday that U-M doesn’t need any help in the form of knowing signs to dish out a beat down.

From the first drive, Michigan football dominated on offense. J.J. McCarthy threw four touchdown passes and was perfect on third down. He connected twice with Colston Loveland and also found A.J. Barner on a touchdown pass that put the Wolverines up 42-0 in the third quarter.

The defense also got in on the fun as Mike Sainristil returned his second interception for a touchdown this season.

That was the cherry on top but the domination started right away.

Blake Corum scored the opening touchdown to give him the lead in college football. From there, it was the J.J. McCarthy show as he threw for 276 yards and three touchdowns in the first half.

https://twitter.com/UMichFootball/status/1715893263385727196

The defense also did its part. The Spartans didn’t really threaten to score against the first-team defense and it was as good an effort as I’ve seen from the defense all year.

I couldn’t love the touchdown with eight seconds left more! It was absolutely justified (still want more) and here are the gut reactions.

Gut reactions from the win over Michigan State

• J.J. McCarthy should be leading the Heisman race. He’s the best quarterback in college football. 
• You get the sense this Michigan football team had a point to prove from Jim Harbaugh on down and they made it.
• The defense wasn’t letting Michigan State have anything. MSU’s offense could have gotten the ball 100 times and might not have scored.
• Loved the approach at the end of the first half and the end of the game.
• Show no mercy ever again.
• Going for it on fourth and short against Michigan is a gift for the Wolverines. The game was over at that point.
• Michigan has the best culture in college football. It’s the kind of culture that you need to win a championship. The celebration after the fourth-down stop up 42-0 said it all.
• Still wish Michigan football had scored more touchdowns, although the Alex Orji touchdown was my favorite.
• Go Blue!