5 things we learned in Michigan football win over Michigan State
![Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hoists the Paul Bunyan Trophy after the 49-0 win against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023. Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) hoists the Paul Bunyan Trophy after the 49-0 win against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023.](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/70cd64dca4d3b9de81b468eefef560c8fd8d91348a22f52f4d0093c217c1009c.jpg)
An elite tight-end duo
Georgia has a great duo of tight ends when Brock Bowers is healthy, but Michigan football can put its pairing up against anybody.
Colston Loveland has caught a touchdown pass in three straight games. I’ve been saying since last November he’s going to be a first-round pick someday and that belief grows stronger by the week.
A.J. Barner is also proving to be one of the most underrated additions in the transfer portal. Michigan football really values tight ends and was the perfect place for Barner, who is the best blocking tight end in college football according to Jim Harbaugh.
Barner also caught eight passes for 99 yards and caught a touchdown. Both players had a reception of at least 22 yards and are mismatch nightmares.
Frankly, either one is good enough to be the starter but as a pairing, they look like the best in all of college football, especially when you consider blocking, as well as pass-catching ability.