On3 Roundtable: Michigan's offensive balance will vary depending on opponent

The Michigan offense leaned heavily on the run this past season and boasts a strong ground game yet again in 2023. With both Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards back after combining for more than 2,500 yards and 25 touchdowns, the Wolverines have one of the most fearsome backfield duos in the entire country.

Still, in order to beat the best of the best, Michigan may need to take a more balanced approach in some of its games. The Wolverine‘s Chris Balas joined JD PicKell for an On3 Roundtable discussion to explain why he expects the passing game to factor in more this season, depending on the opponent.

“I think it kind of depends on the situation,” Balas said. “To beat the Georgias, we saw Ohio State in that game, you’ve gotta air it out a little bit. You’re not gonna be able to run it right at them even if you have Blake Corum in the backfield. Jim Harbaugh did say a few days ago when we talked to him he wants more of a 50-50 balance. I don’t see that. I’m seeing something like 56-44.”

Michigan ran the ball on 61.9% of its plays this past season and ranked fifth in the country with 238.9 rushing yards per game. Comparatively, the passing attack ranked 83rd with 219.9 yards per contest.

JJ McCarthy is set to enter his second season as the starting quarterback, however, and there is belief he can take a big step forward. He was solid as a passer in his first season with 2,719 yards passing, 22 touchdowns and five interceptions. The junior will also keep defenses honest by rushing for 306 yards and five scores.

Balas pointed out that the Wolverines are still in search of a go-to receiver for McCarthy next season. Regardless, he expects the team to air it out more frequently than they did a year ago.

“JJ McCarthy can run, too, and that’s what people don’t remember,” Balas said. “This kid can do things with his feet too. He’s such a weapon. I don’t think they have the elite receiver. If there’s one thing about this team, you don’t have the Braylon Edwards. You don’t have the Mario Manninghams, some of these guys in the past that Michigan’s had. But they’ve got an elite tight end in Colston Loveland and I think you are gonna see JJ McCarthy throw the ball a little bit more.”

The Wolverines are coming off back-to-back Big Ten titles and trips to the College Football Playoff. However, both of the past two seasons ended with losses in the CFP semifinals as they failed to reach the championship.

If Michigan wants this year to be the one it finally breaks through, McCarthy the offense will need to show an ability to be more consistent in the passing game. The Wolverines open the season on Sept. 2 against East Carolina.