The Michigan football team opened up the 2023 season on Saturday with an easy 30-3 victory over East Carolina football. Last year, the Michigan offense was led by star running backs Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, and with both of them back in 2023, many people expected the offensive attack to look very similar. However, East Carolina ended up doing a pretty good job containing the run game, but JJ McCarthy put on a show with his passing ability. McCarthy ended up going 26-30 for 280 yards and three touchdown passes, all to Roman Wilson. He also only played for three quarters. McCarthy ended up breaking the Michigan football record for completion percentage in a game (minimum 30 attempts). McCarthy's performance helped out his Heisman odds a lot as well.

Heading into the season, JJ McCarthy had the 10th best odds to win the Heisman Trophy, awarded to college football's most outstanding player. After his impressive week one performance, McCarthy has skyrocketed all the way up to #4 in the Heisman odds. If McCarthy can continue to play like he did on Saturday, he will be a real threat to take home college football's most prestigious award.

Article Continues Below
More NCAA Football News
Team Blue quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs against Team Maize defensive back Jo'Ziah Edmond (16) during the second half of the spring game at Michigan Stadium
Michigan football WR coach reveals ‘unique’ Bryce Underwood traitsScotty White ·
USC Trojans head coach Lincoln Riley during the first quarter at United Airlines Field at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum.
Lincoln Riley reveals reason for USC football’s recruiting surgeScotty White ·
The Tennessee State Tigers released their 2024 football schedule with high hopes of competing for a Big South-OVC conference title.
Former Boston College quarterback heading to Tennessee StateRandall Barnes ·
Michigan Wolverines defensive back Aamir Hall (12) attempts to break up a pass to Alabama Crimson Tide wide receiver Ryan Williams (2) during the first half at Raymond James Stadium.
Ryan Williams acknowledges ‘frontrunner’ in Alabama football QB battleScotty White ·
Texas Tech head coach Joey McGuire looks on during spring football practice, Thursday, April 10, 2025, at the Womble Football Center.
Texas Tech’s Joey McGuire sends ‘bias’ warning to CFP formatLorenzo J Reyna ·
Featured image Alabama Jalen Milroe
Rival coaches question Alabama football’s ability to replace Jalen MilroeDylan Fine ·

Because of Jim Harbaugh's current suspension, coaching duties are a little bit mixed up for the Wolverines' first three games. On Saturday, QB coach Kirk Campbell was calling the plays. Perhaps that had something to do with Michigan's pass-heavy offense. It will be interesting to see how it changes when all Wolverine coaches are back.

Michigan and McCarthy will hit the field again this weekend for game two against UNLV football. The Wolverines are big favorites and looking to improve to 2-0 on the season.