How the rushing attack led Michigan football to a national championship
J.J. McCarthy never eclipsed the 300-yard passing mark in any game this season. That's because Blake Corum posted Heisman-like statistics, and the Wolverine's offensive line established themselves as one the best units in college football.
To feature an efficient rushing attack, the running back needs open lanes to run through. For a team to successfully gain positive rushing production in every contest of the season, against all the opponents their schedule supports, reflects cohesion along the offensive line. Weekly performances that display consistent output of high-volume yardage, show that a great rushing attack has morphed into a legendary component. In eight of the fifteen games Michigan football played this season, Corum gained 80 rushing yards or more. He also scored 28 total touchdowns this season. Penn State and Ohio State stacked the box to stop the run, yet Michigan football continued to dominate the line of scrimmage. Defenders were getting pushed backward while the offense continued to achieve first downs. The world knew Michigan was a physical run-first offense, yet no one found a way to stop the offensive running onslaught.
Michigan football has more offensive threats than Blake Corum
Anytime a running back becomes a Heisman candidate, that player will garner national attention from sports media and fans alike. Blake Corum has many accolades and achievements, but this run-game
showcased other talented offensive players this season.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy could beat you with his rushing attributes. Donovan Edwards scored five rushing touchdowns this season. Edwards didn't have the explosive 991 rushing yards he accumulated last season, but what he accomplished in the national championship shows how dangerous he can be out of the backfield.
Edwards scored two touchdowns and averaged 17.3 a carry in the national championship. His impact on the game swung momentum toward the Wolverines, and his performance established him as a Michigan football hero.
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The offensive line on this Wolverines team deserves so much credit, their consistency and never-quit attitude allowed them to destroy defensive lines throughout the season. All of the components of this offense came together to be a cohesive force, and that team unity allowed the Michigan Wolverines to become national champions in 2023.