Final Score: 59-0, Michigan by 59 over UConn SP+ Projection: Michigan by 50.8 (+8.2) CD Projection: Michigan by 45 (+14)
FIVE FACTORS
GAME 3 RECAP vs. UConn
This was the third consecutive sharp performance for Michigan in all three phases of the game.
Blake Corum snagged the headline this week with five rushing touchdowns. JJ McCarthy nearly duplicated his performance from a week ago, completing 15 of 18 passes for 214 yards. Probably the most important aspect of this game was a solid performance from Ronnie Bell. Bell had 7 receptions for 96 yards. He still looks very fast and shifty after the catch, and nearly pulled in another one-handed circus catch in the end zone in the first half.
The defense finally got their shutout this week. In the first two games the backups gave up meaningless scores, but today the Wolverines protected the goose egg. Junior Colson and Kris Jenkins led the way with five tackles each. Mike Sainristil continues to flash some greatness after switching to DB from WR. He added three tackles, with one Tackle For Loss (TFL). In total, UConn could only muster 110 total yards for the game, and picked up just six first downs.
The special teams returned to stellar form after a so-so performance last week. AJ Henning cashed in a 61-yard punt return touchdown. This is the first punt return TD since 2018 when Donovan Peoples-Jones found pay dirt. Jay Harbaugh also drew up a punt block, and senior special teams ace Caden Kolesar delivered by getting a hand on the ball.
This team is firing on all cylinders, but all of the weak opponent caveats apply to all three games. Let’s see how the Big House can get rocking when the Maryland Terrapins come into town next weekend to kick off the B1G conference schedule. Onward!
