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Report Card: Grading Michigan in a 56-10 win over Hawai'i

Chris Balasby:Chris Balas•09/11/22•

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Michigan football J.J. McCarthy
J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines throws behind Matagi Thompson #25 of the Hawaii Warriors during the first half at Michigan Stadium on September 10, 2022 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. (Photo by Gregory Shamus/Getty Images)

Grading Michigan football in all facets of a 56-10 win over Hawai’i:

Michigan rushing offense: A

Michigan ran all over the weaker Hawai’i front seven when the game was still in doubt. The Wolverines rushed 17 times for 170 yards in the first half — that’s 10 yards per carry, for the most mathematically challenged — and dominated, as they should have. There were six runs of 20 yards or more total, and leading rusher Blake Corum ran 9 times for 88 yards.

It was true dominance up front — as it should have against perhaps the worst team in FBS.

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Passing offense: A

Sophomore J.J. McCarthy couldn’t have been much better. He completed 11 of 12 passes for 229 yards and three scores, hit almost all his receivers in stride, and his only incompletion was a drop from grad student Ronnie Bell.

Senior Cade McNamara looked overwhelmed at times, and he didn’t get much help from his offensive line. He was sacked twice, pressured twice more and completed 4 of 6 for only 26 yards with a bad interception.

Backup Davis Warren looked good in mop-up duty, throwing a 56-yard strike to tight end Max Bredeson.

McCarthy was the story of the day, however. He’s the new QB1.

Michigan rushing defense: A

Again, judging by only the first half when the game was decided, the Michigan run defense was dominant. The Rainbow Warriors ran 14 times for 14 yards. Harbaugh noted the Wolverines built the wall up front and got to the ball, and it was smothering — as it should have been. It literally looked like varsity vs. freshmen.

The backups disappointed in the second half, allowing a 54-yard touchdown run to Tylan Hines and 126 rushing yards in the stanza. That was a small price to pay, however, to get everyone some action.

Passing defense: A

Hawai’i quarterback Joey Yellen would manage only 13 completions (39 attempts) for 113 yards for the game. Only 33 of those came in the first half. Harbaugh singled out Gemon Green as having a nice game. Senior corner DJ Turner allowed the only first down on nine third down attempts in the first half, but he recovered nicely to play well, too.

Senior nickel Mike Sainristil continues to impress at his position. Harbaugh compared him to Dax Hill with the kind of impact he was making on the defense.

Michigan special teams: A

Junior A.J. Henning notched a 35-yard punt return, and sixth-year Brad Robbins averaged 41 yards per punt. Grad student Jake Moody didn’t attempt a field goal but made all of his extra points.

Coverage teams were solid, as usual — another great day for Michigan special teams coach Jay Harbaugh’s group.

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