GBMWolverine
Fansided

Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from the slaughtering of Michigan State

By Nick Popio

Oct 21, 2023; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh raises his hands in triumph at the end of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 21, 2023; East Lansing, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh raises his hands in triumph at the end of the game against the Michigan State Spartans at Spartan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
3 of 4
Next
Michigan football
Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy looks to throw against Michigan State during the first quarter on Saturday, Oct. 21, 2023, at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing. /

2. J.J. McCarthy may be the new Heisman frontrunner

Once again the junior leader did not have to play in the fourth period. He did his damage early and often. He now has 18 touchdowns to just three interceptions in eight starts in 2023. His completion percentage was around 80% entering Saturday and will surely stay that way. His QBR will stick around 200 for the season as well.

It’s clear though that McCarthy has elevated his game to another level. He was on a mission in East Lansing and did nothing but increase his Heisman stock. The plays he made to avoid pressure from Spartan defenders were the difference between scoring six and probably getting sacked.

November is essentially here for Michigan football and McCarthy is right where he and his team need to be by rocketing to the top of the college football landscape.

Previous frontrunner Michael Penix struggled against a 1-5 Arizona State school at home. He didn’t throw a touchdown pass and was intercepted twice.

Washington barely beat the Sun Devils and his odds took a real hit that most on the East Coast did not witness because of the 2 a.m. ending. The Paul Bunyan trophy will remain in Ann Arbor, while the Heisman trophy could be joining it in the trophy case if things proceed accordingly.

Home/Michigan Football