2023 Michigan Wolverines football team

On January 17, 2023, sources reported that co-offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss was placed on leave pending an ongoing police investigation into a report of "computer access crimes" that occurred in December 2022.[1] On January 20, 2023, Michigan announced that "[a]fter a review of University policies, the athletic department has terminated the appointment of co-offensive coordinator/quarterbacks coach Matt Weiss."[2]

• On January 27, it was announced that Michigan promoted Kirk Campbell to the role of quarterbacks coach, replacing the departed Matt Weiss. Campbell spent 2022 at Michigan as an offensive analyst after serving as the offensive coordinator at Old Dominion for two seasons.[3]
• On February 8, Michigan announced the return of former Michigan assistant Chris Partridge to the staff in an unspecified role. Partridge served in a variety of roles at Michigan from 2015 to 2019 and spent the last three seasons as the co-defensive coordinator and safeties coach at Ole Miss.[4]
• On February 16, Michigan and linebackers coach George Helow mutually agreed to part ways.[5]
• The next day on February 17, Michigan announced that the previously hired Chris Partridge would be the linebackers coach, replacing Helow. In the same announcement, Sherrone Moore became the sole offensive coordinator, have previously served as the co-offensive coordinator alongside Weiss.[6]

On August 23, 2023, Michigan announced that it was self-imposing a three-game suspension on head coach Jim Harbaugh related to recruiting violations.[7] Days later it was announced that Sherrone Moore, Jesse Minter, Jay Harbaugh and Mike Hart would all serve as interim head coach in Harbaugh's absence with Minter coaching the first game, Jay Harbaugh coaching the first half of the second game, Hart coaching the second half of the second game, and Moore coaching the third game. In addition, Jack Harbaugh was named assistant head coach and strength and conditioning coach Ben Herbert was promoted to associate head coach.[8]

To open the season, Michigan played against East Carolina. Before a crowd of 109,480 at Michigan Stadium, the Wolverines defeated the Pirates, 30–3.[20] It was the first meeting between the two programs. The game began with back-to-back three-and-outs as neither team had success on their initial possessions. On East Carolina's second possession, Michigan intercepted a Mason Garcia pass at the Michigan 46-yard line. The Wolverines then drove 57 yards, scoring on a 14-yard touchdown pass from J. J. McCarthy to Roman Wilson. On Michigan's next drive, the Wolverines drove 90 yards on seven plays, including a 37-yard run by Blake Corum followed by a two-yard touchdown run by Corum. On the Wolverines fourth possession, they drove 76 yards on seven plays and scored on a 10-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Wilson and James Turner missed the extra point. On their final possession of the half, Michigan drove 42 yards on 10 plays, with Turner kicking a 50-yard field goal on the final play of the half. Michigan led, 23–0, at halftime.[21]

After the second-half kickoff, Michigan drove 75 yards on 12 plays, scoring on a 15-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Wilson – the third touchdown pass and catch of the game for the pair. On its next possession, Michigan drove 79 yards on 12 plays but were stopped short of the goal line. On the opening drive of the fourth quarter, Davis Warren took over at quarterback for Michigan; the Wolverines began the drive at the East Carolina 38-yard line, gained only four yards, and James Turner missed a 52-yard field goal attempt. Andrew Conrad kicked a 33-yard field goal for East Carolina as time ran out.[21]

Defensive coordinator Jesse Minter served as acting head coach for the game and was credited with the victory, as Jim Harbaugh was serving a three-game suspension. Quarterback J. J. McCarthy recorded his best career passing game at home (280 yards, three touchdowns). McCarthy's 86.7% completion percentage (26-for-30) ranks second-highest in program history, behind Elvis Grbac's 90.9% (20-for-22) against Notre Dame on September 14, 1991.[22]

Following its opening game against East Carolina, Michigan hosted the UNLV, winning 35–7, before a crowd of 109,482 at Michigan Stadium.[23] As a result of the university's three-game suspension of Jim Harbaugh, special teams coordinator Jay Harbaugh served as acting head coach in the first half, while running backs coach Mike Hart was the acting head coach in the second half. Hart became the first African American to serve in the role of head football coach at Michigan.[24]

On the game's opening drive, UNLV drove 19 yards before punting. On the Wolverines' first possession, they drove 80 yards on nine plays, as J. J. McCarthy completed passes to Blake Corum for 20 yards, Tyler Morris for 16 yards, Roman Wilson for 25 yards, and Cornelius Johnson for six yards, and Corum scored on a three-yard run. Michigan's defense then held UNLV to a three-and-out. On their second possession, the Wolverines drove 75 yards on 11 plays, including McCarthy's passes to Tyler Morris for 15 yard and AJ Barner for 12 yards. McCarthy then ran 17 yards to UNLV's two-yard line, and Corum scored on a two-yard run on the first play of the second quarter.[25][26]

UNLV was limited to five yards and a punt on its first drive of the second quarter. Michigan then drove 42 yards to UNLV's 18-yard line, but Corum's run on fourth-and-two failed to gain the necessary yardage. UNLV then drove 25 yards on seven plays but was forced to punt. On its second drive of the second quarter (fourth of the game), Michigan drove 83 yards on 19 plays, including passes to Cornelius Johnson for 18 yards, Donovan Edwards for 15 yards, and Roman Wilson for 13 yards and a touchdown. Michigan led, 21–0, at halftime.[25][26]

On the opening drive of the second half, McCarthy completed a touchdown pass to Roman Wilson covering 47 yards.[25] As he completed the 47-yards pass to Wilson, McCarthy wore the number 47 on his hand in tribute to high-school teammate and former UNLV player Ryan Keeler who died of a heart arrhythmia in February 2023.[27] UNLV responded with a seven-play, 42-yard drive to Michigan's 33-yard line, but the drive ended with a turnover on downs. The teams then exchange three-and-outs. Michigan then drove 76 yards on four plays, including a 19-yard run by Corum and a 26-yard pass completion from McCarthy to Johnnon; Corum scored on a five-yard run, and Michigan led 35–0, at the end of the third quarter.[25][26]

In the fourth quarter, Davis Warren took over at quarterback for Michigan. Warren threw an interception on his second pass, and UNLV took over at its own 23-yard line. UNLV drove 37 yards but was unable to convert on fourth-and-three at Michigan's 40-yard line. Jack Tuttle took over as Michigan's quarterback, but was knocked out of the game on a late hit out of bounds. Jayden Donegal took over at quarterback, and Michigan was held to a three-and-out. UNLV then drove 81 yards on nine plays, scoring on a 20-yard touchdown run by Jordan Younge-Humphrey.[25][26]

Through two games, J. J. McCarthy has completed 48 of 55 pass attempts for an 87.2% completion percentage.[28] Running back Blake Corum posted 15 carries for 80 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns, for his 11th career multi-touchdown game.[29]

On September 16, Michigan defeated Bowling Green, 31–6, before a crowd of 109,955 at Michigan Stadium.[30] It was the final game of Jim Harbaugh's three-game suspension with offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore serving as acting head coach. Bowling Green head coach Scot Loeffler played for Michigan in the 1990s and was an assistant coach at Michigan from 2002 to 2006.[31]

After holding Bowling Green to a three-and-out, Blake Corum ran for a 54-yard gain on Michigan's first offensive play. Corum scored three plays later on a four-yard run, capping a 77-yard drive. Bowling Green was held to another three-and-out on its second possession. On Michigan's second possession, the Wolverines drove 38 yards to Bowling Green's five-yard line, but the Falcons intercepted a J. J. McCarthy pass in the end zone. It was McCarthy's first interception of the season. Michigan led, 7–0, at the end of the first quarter.[32][31][33]

Following McCarthy's interception, Bowling Green drove 62 yards on 12 plays, ending early in the second quarter with a 36-yard field goal by Alan Anaya. Michigan tight end Max Bredeson fumbled a short kickoff, and Anaya kicked a second field goal (a 42-yarder) to cut Michigan's lead to 7–6. McCarthy threw his second interception on Michigan's next possession. The Wolverines got the ball back with 6:51 remaining in the half and drove 62 yards on five plays, culminating with a 33-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Roman Wilson. Despite giving up three turnovers, Michigan led, 14–6, at halftime.[32][31][33]

In the third quarter, Michigan defensive tackle Kris Jenkins intercepted Hayden Timosciek's pass inside the Bowling Green 10-yard line, setting up Michigan's third touchdown on a two-yard run by Corum. Michigan forced another turnover on Bowling Green's next possession, as defensive end Jaylen Harrell stripped the ball from the hands of Bowling Green's Camden Orth, and Michael Barrett recovered the loose ball inside Bowling Green's 30-yard line. Michigan capitalized on the turnover with a 42-yard field goal by James Turner. On Michigan's next possession, the Wolverines executed a flea-flicker as McCarthy threw a 50-yard pass to Cornelius Johnson; the ball was tipped and juggled but Johnson held on for the touchdown. With less than a minute remaining in the third quarter, McCarthy threw his third interception of the game. Neither team scored in the fourth quarter.[32][31][33]

Corum rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, his first 100-yard rushing game of the 2023 season. In his worst game of the season, McCarthy completed eight of 13 passes for 143 yards, two touchdowns, and three interceptions.[34]

In the season's first conference game, Michigan defeated Rutgers, 31–7, before a crowd of 109,756 at Michigan Stadium.[35] Rutgers opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 69-yard touchdown pass from Gavin Wimsatt to Christian Dremel. It was the first time Michigan had trailed during the 2023 season. Michigan responded with 31 unanswered points, including a two-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum in the first quarter to tie the game. Michigan scored seven points in the second quarter on an 18-yard touchdown pass from J. J. McCarthy to Semaj Morgan. Michigan led, 14–7, at halftime. Michigan scored 10 points in the third quarter on a 46-yard field goal by James Turner and a 71-yard interception return by Mike Sainristil. Michigan extended its lead in the fourth quarter on a five-yard touchdown run by Corum.[36]

Head coach Jim Harbaugh returned to coaching the team following his suspension and earned his 75th career victory at Michigan, becoming the fourth coach in program history to reach the milestone. Quarterback J. J. McCarthy completed 15 of 21 passes for 214 yards and a touchdown. Michigan's defense forced three turnovers on fourth down against Rutgers. Through the Rutgers game, opponents were a combined 0–7 on fourth down against Michigan.[37]

On September 30, Michigan defeated Nebraska, 45–7, in its conference opener at Lincoln, Nebraska.[38]

Following the opening kickoff, Michigan drove 75 yards on 11 plays, ending with a 29-yard touchdown pass from J. J. McCarthy to Roman Wilson. Wilson made the catch in the end zone by pinning the ball against the helmet of a Nebraska defender. On Nebraska's second offensive play, Braiden McGregor tipped a pass, and Kenneth Grant intercepted the ball at Nebraska's 29-yard line. Michigan then scored on a 20-yard touchdown run by Kalel Mullings.[39][40][41]

On Michigan's first possession of the second quarter, the Wolverines drove 88 yards on nine plays, including passes of 16 and 10 yards to AJ Barner and ending with a 21-yard touchdown run by McCarthy. Later in the quarter, the Wolverines drove 55 yards ending with a 16-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Wilson. Michigan led, 28–0, at halftime.[39][40][41]

Nebraska began the third quarter driving to Michigan's 16-yard line, but a quarterback sack pushed the ball backwards and Tristan Alvano missed a 40-yard field goal attempt. Michigan then drove 78 yards on 11 plays, including a 19-yard pass from McCarthy to Darrius Clemons and ending with a one-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum. After forcing a three-and-out, the Wolverines drove 63 yards on 13 plays with Jack Tuttle at quarterback and scored on a 30-yard field goal by James Turner at the start of the fourth quarter. On Michigan's next possession, Jayden Denegal took over at quarterback and led the Wolverines on a 50-yard, 10-play drive, ending with an eight-yard touchdown pass from Denegal to Peyton O'Leary. Nebraska scored on a 74-yard touchdown run by Joshua Fleeks with 4:17 remaining in the game.[39][40][41]

McCarthy finished the game completing 12 of 16 passes for 156 yards and two touchdowns and also scored on a 21-yard run. Roman Wilson tallied two touchdown receptions.[41]

On October 7, Michigan defeated Minnesota, 52–10, in the Little Brown Jug game in Minneapolis.[42]

On the second play from scrimmage, Michigan cornerback Will Johnson intercepted an Athan Kaliakmanis pass and returned it 36 yards for a touchdown with only 12 seconds having been played. The Wolverines then held the Golden Gophers to a three-and-out. On their first offensive possession, Michigan drove 59 yards on 10 plays, ending with a 31-yard field goal by James Turner. Minnesota responded with 40-yard drive and a 54-yard field goal by Dragan Kesich. The teams exchanged punts on the next two possessions. On their first drive of the second quarter, the Wolverines drove 62 yards on six plays, starting with a 40-yard run by Blake Corum and ending with a one-yard touchdown run by Corum. After holding Minnesota to a three-and-out, Michigan drove 67 yards on four plays, including a 49-yard pass from J. J. McCarthy to Cornelius Johnson and a five-yard touchdown run by McCarthy. In the closing minutes of the first half, Minnesota drove 75 yards on 11 plays, ending with a 35-yard touchdown pass from Kaliakmanis to Daniel Jackson with six seconds remaining in the half. Michigan led, 24–10, at halftime.[43][44][45]

The second half opened with successive three-and-outs by Michigan and Minnesota. On their second possession of the half, the Wolverines drove 78 yards on nine plays, including receptions by Roman Wilson of 17 and 34 yards and a seven-yard touchdown run by McCarthy. After holding Minnesota to a three-and-out, Michigan drove 49 yards on six plays, ending with a 24-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Colston Loveland. On Minnesota's next possession, Keon Sabb intercepted a Kaliakmanis pass and returned it 28 yards for a touchdown with 3:20 remaining in the third quarter. In the fourth quarter, Michigan forced three punts by Minnesota and extended their lead with a 70-yard drive led by Jack Tuttle and ending with a two-yard touchdown run by Leon Franklin.[43][44][45]

In his post-game interview, Minnesota head coach P. J. Fleck called Michigan "the best football team I've seen in eleven years of being a head coach. I've never seen a football team like that . . . They're one of the deepest teams, one of the best teams, biggest teams, fastest teams, strongest teams, and they do not make mistakes. They are truly like a boa constrictor and they do not beat themselves."[46]

Michigan out-gained Minnesota by 432 to 169 in total yards. McCarthy completed 14 of 20 passes for 219 yards and a touchdown and also rushed for 17 yards and two touchdowns. Corum rushed for 69 yards and a touchdown on nine carries.[44]

Michigan scored on two pick-six touchdowns for the first time since 2017 against Cincinnati.[47]

The win was Michigan's 18th consecutive Big Ten victory, one shy of the all-time program record. Michigan scored at least 30 points in their ninth consecutive game, setting a new program record, surpassing the previous record of eight consecutive games in 1976.[48]

On October 14, Michigan defeated Indiana, 52–7, before a crowd of 110,264 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The game was played in the rain and at 49 °F (9 °C).[49][50]

The teams opened the game with consecutive three-and-outs. On Indiana's second possession, the Hoosiers drove 60 yards to the Michigan 10-yard line, but the Wolverines pushed the Hoosiers back to the 16-yard line, and Michigan's Rod Moore intercepted a Tayven Jackson pass (tipped by Mike Sainristil) at the three-yard line and returned the ball to the 40-yard line. Michigan was again held to a three-and-out and, following the punt, Indiana drove 77 yards and scored on a trick play with quarterback Brendan Sorsby throwing a backward pass to wide receiver Donovan McCulley (a converted quarterback) who then threw a 44-yard touchdown pass to a wide-open Jaylin Lucas. Indiana led, 7–0, at the end of the first quarter. Michigan allowed three sacks and was outgained, 141 yards to 17 yards, in the first quarter.[50][51]

Michigan then scored 52 unanswered points on their next eight possessions. On the opening possession of the second quarter, Michigan drove 77 yards on 11 plays, culminating with a one-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum. On their next possession, the Wolverines drove 87 yards on 11 plays, including pass completions from J. J. McCarthy to Tyler Morris for 14 and 23 yards and AJ Barner for 18 yards, and ending with a two-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Roman Wilson. In the final 1:40 of the first half, Michigan drove 46 yards on six plays, scoring on a one-yard touchdown run by Corum with 11 seconds remaining in the half. Michigan led, 21–7, at halftime.[50][51]

On the opening kickoff of the second half, Semaj Morgan returned the ball to the 35-yard line. The Wolverines scored as McCarthy rolled out to the right and connected with Colston Loveland for a 54-yard touchdown pass. Michigan's defense held Indiana to three-and-out and negative 13 yards on a sack by Jaylen Harrell at the Indiana 11-yard line. Michigan then drove 52 yards on five plays, including a 22 yard run by McCarthy and a seven-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Semaj Morgan. On Indiana's ensuing possession, Michael Barrett sacked Tayven Jackson, forced a fumble, and recovered the ball at Indiana's 15-yard line. James Turner kicked a 28-yard field goal, and Michigan led, 38–7, at the end of the third quarter.[50] [51]

After a fumble by Indiana quarterback Sorsby, Mason Graham recovered the loose ball in the final minute of third quarter. Jack Tuttle took over at quarterback for Michigan and led the team on a 51-yard drive ending with a two-yard touchdown run by Donovan Edwards. After the touchdown, Keon Sabb intercepted an Indiana pass and returned it 28 yards to the Indiana 36-yard line. The Wolverines scored their final points on a four-yard touchdown pass from Tuttle to Karmello English.[50][51]

McCarthy led the team on offense, completing 14 of 17 passes for 222 yards and three touchdowns. With 13 carries for 52 yards and two touchdowns, Corum became the tenth player in Michigan history to reach 3,000 career rushing yards and passed Mike Hart and Denard Robinson for third-most career rushing touchdowns (43) in program history. On defense, the Wolverines tallied four turnovers on two fumble recoveries and two interceptions.[52]

The win was Michigan's 19th consecutive Big Ten victory, tying the program record set from 1990 to 1992.[52] Michigan became the third team since 2000 to start the season 7–0 while winning every game by 24-plus points, following Ohio State in 2019 and Stanford in 2011.[53]

On October 21, Michigan faced their in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans, in the annual battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy, at East Lansing, Michigan. In the previous season, Michigan defeated Michigan State, 29–7.[54]

Michigan shutout Michigan State in a blowout 49–0 to retain the Paul Bunyan Trophy.[55] Michigan scored 14 points in the first quarter via a one-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum and a 25-yard touchdown pass from J. J. McCarthy to Roman Wilson. Michigan scored 14 points in the second quarter via two 22-yard touchdown passes from McCarthy to Colston Loveland. Michigan led, 28–0, at halftime. Michigan scored 14 points in the third quarter via a 72-yard interception return by Mike Sainristil and an 11-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to AJ Barner. Michigan scored seven points in the fourth quarter via a six-yard touchdown run by Alex Orji. Michigan's defense held Michigan State to 6-of-16 on third down, and 10 rushing yards in the first half. This was Michigan's first shutout victory against Michigan State since 2000 and their largest margin of victory since a 42–0 victory in 1983.[56]

The win was Michigan's 20th consecutive Big Ten victory, setting a new program record. With a margin of victory of 49 points, Michigan tied the 1974 Ohio State Buckeyes football team for the most consecutive Big Ten wins by 38-plus points (four). Michigan has scored 30-plus in 11 consecutive games, the longest streak in program history.[57]

Following their game against Michigan State and a bye week, Michigan will host the Purdue Boilermakers in a rematch of the 2022 Big Ten Championship Game where Michigan defeated Purdue 43–22 to win their second consecutive Big Ten Championship.[58]

Following their game against Purdue, Michigan will travel to Happy Valley to face the Penn State Nittany Lions. Last season, Michigan defeated Penn State, 41–17.[59]

Following their game against Penn State, Michigan will travel to College Park, Maryland to face the Maryland Terrapins in their final road game of the season. Last season, Michigan defeated Maryland, 34–27.[60]

Following their road finale at Maryland, Michigan will finish the regular season by hosting their arch-rivals, the Ohio State Buckeyes, in the 119th edition of "The Game". Last season, Michigan defeated Ohio State 45-23 for their first win in Columbus since 2000 and to earn their second consecutive Big Ten Championship Game appearance.[61]