Michigan overcame a rough start and was three points short at halftime to beat second-placed Ohio State Buckeyes, 45-23 on Saturday afternoon. JJ McCarthy was arguably his best game in the Michigan uniform, and he led the Wolverines to their biggest win in college football this season. Here are three takeaways from the nasty win.
JJ McCarthy delivers
The former five-star midfielder proved why he had that fifth star next to his name when he left high school, today. One of the highlights at halftime of Saturday’s game was that JJ McCarthy needed to come out and win this game for Michigan, and that he did.
The sophomore quarterback threw three touchdowns and dashed in again as he almost single-handedly helped the werewolf win over the Buckeyes. He completed only 50% of his passes, but he threw XXX yards in a legendary performance.
Today, McCarthy proved why he earned the starting quarterback in fall camp, and he ended a perfect regular season with a performance that will be remembered forever.
Jesse Minter is still elite
Jesse Minter was the master of tweaks in the second half of this season, and he remained the elite in that division again on Saturday. Michigan controlled possession, and the Wolverine defense could be out for most of the second half.
After conceding 20 points in the first half, the Michigan defense conceded only 3 points in the second half. A few key saves early in the second half gave Michigan a lot of momentum, and Minter and the defense were able to play their signature football in the second half.
Minter, a Broyles Award finalist, has established himself as one of the best defensive coordinators in college football, and he prevented the second-best scoring foul. in the country on Saturday.
Come back?
With the win, Michigan won the Big Ten East and returned to Indianapolis for the second year in a row. The road is likely to get easier, given how poorly the Big Ten West have performed this season. Michigan will play Purdue if the football team wins today’s game against Indiana.
Michigan will be looking to win consecutive Big Ten championships since 1991-92. The Wolverines finished their first undefeated season since they won the national championship in 1997.
Michigan is almost certain to be in the College Rugby Qualifiers, and it could have a heated argument for the No. 1 seed after today’s game.
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