GAME 1 PROJECTION vs. RESULTS
Final Score: 51-7, Michigan by 44 over Colorado State
SP+ Projection: Michigan by 31.5 (+12.5)
CD Projection: Michigan by 35 (+9)
FIVE FACTORS
GAME 1 RECAP vs. Colorado State
I am going to avoid overreaction to the best of my ability. The Michigan defense looked a step ahead of where I expected, but who knows how good the CSU offense is? The offense was effective, but left a little bit to be desired in terms of crisp execution. Special teams were solid as always, and I think I heard a sigh of relief from the Big House faithful when AJ Henning was back deep on punt return instead of Ronnie Bell.
Offensively, we know all the attention will be on the QB race. Cade McNamara got the start and led 8 drives, but JJ McCarthy came in on the 8th drive and scored a rushing touchdown. There were 3 FG drives, 2 punts, & 2 touchdown drives before the McCarthy rushing TD. Today is not enough information to make a decision, but if you had to score this round like a boxing match, I would say JJ 10 Cade 9. There is still a long way to go.
The Wolverines dominated on defense. Michigan racked up 11 tackles for loss, including 7 sacks. The longest drive for the Rams was 7 plays for 33 yards and ended in a turnover on downs as the clock turned to the 4th quarter. The most encouraging piece of this defensive performance is the number of players, especially young players, that got onto the field. That was true even in the first half before garbage time.
Another big thing to remember in 2022 is to be grateful for the special teams excellence that we have in Ann Arbor. Jake Moody pounded every kickoff into a touchback, and both of Brad Robbins’ punts were returned for 0 yards inside the Rams’ 20 yard line. Moody was also 3/3 on field goals. All in all it was a great day to be a Michigan Wolverine. Onward!
- Michigan 63 Central Michigan 3 – Game 3 Recap - September 13, 2025
- Michigan 34 New Mexico 17 – Game 1 Recap - August 30, 2025
- Michigan 13 Ohio State 10 – Game 12 Recap - November 30, 2024
- Michigan 50 Northwestern 6 – Game 11 Recap - November 23, 2024
- Michigan 17 Oregon 38 – Game 9 Recap - November 2, 2024
- By the Numbers: Game 7 @ Illinois - October 17, 2024
- Michigan 27 Minnesota 24 – Game 5 Recap - September 28, 2024
- By the Numbers: Game 5 vs. Minnesota - September 28, 2024
- Michigan 27 USC 24 – Game 4 Recap - September 21, 2024
- By the Numbers: Game 4 vs. USC - September 21, 2024
