NCAAF · 1 year ago

Top 5 Offensive Stars Leading the Michigan Wolverines’ CFP Charge

Danny Mogollon

Host · Writer

#1 - QB JJ McCarthy
All the players on this list are critical to Michigan’s success this season and moving forward. But none more than quarterback JJ McCarthy. If the Wolverines are to snap their two-game CFP losing streak, it will likely be on the arm and legs of their quarterback. McCarthy took a significant step this season as a passer, completing 74.2 percent of his passes (No. 2 nationally) and averaging 9.2 yards per pass (11th) while finishing behind Heisman Finalists Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix in Total QBR. The junior can spin the ball, make plays on the move outside the pocket, and extend drives as a runner. He has all the tools to lead Michigan to the Natty.
Michigan Wolverines Offense: The 5 Stars Leading the Charge
Michigan’s offense is improved from a year ago with much more balance. The Wolverines finished 14th in EPA per play and 11th in success rate. The running game, which was elite in 2022, has dropped to 57th in success rate, but the passing game, led by JJ McCarthy, is significantly more efficient. The passing attack is ranked second in success rate and fifth in EPA per pass… even though they’re 120th in passing plays, the Maize & Blue finished eighth in total passing EPA. Don’t let the lack of volume fool you. The Wolverines are a 1.5-point favorite over Alabama and would be favored to win the National Championship should they survive the Crimson Tide.
#5 - C Drake Nugent
With All-American guard Zak Zinter out for the season, fellow interior lineman Drake Nugent takes his spot in the top five. With Olu Oluwatimi off to the NFL, the Wolverines dipped back into the transfer portal to find their starting center, nabbing Nugent from Stanford. The senior was a steadying force along the offensive line with clean snaps. A grinder, he fit in perfectly in the trenches. An above-average blocker in both the running and passing games, Nugent allowed no sacks and one QB hit per PFF.
#4 - WR Roman Wilson
Finally able to stay (mostly) healthy, Roman Wilson had his best season as a Wolverine with career highs in receptions (41), receiving yards (662), and touchdowns (11). Wilson was second on Michigan in catches, led the team in yards, and finished second in the Big Ten in TD catches. The slot receiver is not only a reliable target, but also, with home run speed, he can stretch the field for Jim Harbaugh’s offense. Wilson is Michigan’s best big-play threat through the air.
#3 - TE Colston Loveland
Colston Loveland, one of the best pass-catching tight ends in the country, is coming off a fabulous sophomore season, which saw him emerge as one of JJ McCarthy’s top targets. He’s third on the team in receptions (40), second in receiving yards (572), and touchdown receptions (4). A season after snagging a 45-yard TD in Columbus as a true freshman, Loveland posted a career-high 88 receiving yards in Michigan’s win over OSU this season. If Michigan is going to win the CFP, they will need Loveland to move the chains, find the endzone, and hit big plays down the field.
#2 - RB Blake Corum
Even though Blake Corum isn’t having as good of a season as he did in 2022 when he was on his way to being a Heisman Finalist before he was injured, he’s a special back. You can make a case that he is the heartbeat of the Michigan offense. When the Wolverines needed him most, Corum rushed for a season-high 145 yards in their road win over No. 10 Penn State. A shifty runner between the tackles, Corum has enough speed to turn the corner and take it to the house. His biggest strength is near the goal line, and his 24 rushing touchdowns this season led the nation, which is as good or better than 99 teams.
#1 - QB JJ McCarthy
All the players on this list are critical to Michigan’s success this season and moving forward. But none more than quarterback JJ McCarthy. If the Wolverines are to snap their two-game CFP losing streak, it will likely be on the arm and legs of their quarterback. McCarthy took a significant step this season as a passer, completing 74.2 percent of his passes (No. 2 nationally) and averaging 9.2 yards per pass (11th) while finishing behind Heisman Finalists Jayden Daniels and Bo Nix in Total QBR. The junior can spin the ball, make plays on the move outside the pocket, and extend drives as a runner. He has all the tools to lead Michigan to the Natty.
Michigan Wolverines Offense: The 5 Stars Leading the Charge
Michigan’s offense is improved from a year ago with much more balance. The Wolverines finished 14th in EPA per play and 11th in success rate. The running game, which was elite in 2022, has dropped to 57th in success rate, but the passing game, led by JJ McCarthy, is significantly more efficient. The passing attack is ranked second in success rate and fifth in EPA per pass… even though they’re 120th in passing plays, the Maize & Blue finished eighth in total passing EPA. Don’t let the lack of volume fool you. The Wolverines are a 1.5-point favorite over Alabama and would be favored to win the National Championship should they survive the Crimson Tide.

Top 5 Offensive Stars Leading the Michigan Wolverines’ CFP Charge

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