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]
Coaching changes
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]
Suspension of Jim Harbaugh
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]
Roman Wilson 10-yard pass from J. J. McCarthy (kick missed)
MICH 20–0
2
0:00
MICH
James Turner 50-yard field goal
MICH 23–0
3
9:13
MICH
Roman Wilson 15-yard pass from J. J. McCarthy (James Turner kick)
MICH 30–0
4
0:00
ECU
Andrew Conrad 33-yard field goal
MICH 30–3
On September 2, Michigan opened its season at home against East Carolina. Before a crowd of 109,480 at Michigan Stadium, the Wolverines defeated the Pirates, 30–3.[14] 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.[15]
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.[15]
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.[16]
Roman Wilson 47-yard pass from J. J. McCarthy (James Turner kick)
MICH 28–0
3
3:16
MICH
Blake Corum 5-yard run (James Turner kick)
MICH 35–0
4
2:43
UNLV
Jordan Younge-Humphrey 20-yard run (Jose Pizano kick)
MICH 35–7
On September 9, Michigan defeated UNLV, 35–7, before a crowd of 109,482 at Michigan Stadium.[17] 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.[18]
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.[19][20]
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.[19][20]
On the opening drive of the second half, McCarthy completed a touchdown pass to Roman Wilson covering 47 yards.[19] 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.[21] 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.[19][20]
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.[19][20]
Through two games, J. J. McCarthy has completed 48 of 55 pass attempts for an 87.2% completion percentage.[22] Running back Blake Corum posted 15 carries for 80 yards and scored three rushing touchdowns, for his 11th career multi-touchdown game.[23]
Cornelius Johnson 50-yard pass from J. J. McCarthy (James Turner kick)
MICH 31–6
To close out the non-conference portion of their schedule, Michigan hosted the Bowling Green Falcons. The two teams most recently played each other in 2010 where Michigan defeated Bowling Green, 65–21.[24]
Michigan defeated Bowling Green 31–6.[25] Michigan opened the scoring in the first quarter via a four-yard touchdown run by Blake Corum. Bowling Green forced three first-half turnovers which resulted in two field goals in the second quarter by Alan Anaya, from 36-yards, and 42-yards, respectively. Michigan scored the final points of the half via a 33-yard touchdown pass from J. J. McCarthy to Roman Wilson. Michigan led, 14–6, at halftime. Michigan scored 17 points in the third quarter via a two-yard touchdown run by Corum, a 42-yard field goal by James Turner, and a 50-yard touchdown pass from McCarthy to Cornelius Johnson.[26]
Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore was acting head coach for the game and credited with the victory. Freshman tailback Cole Cabana made his Michigan debut in the game and registered two carries for six yards. Senior running back Blake Corum rushed for 101 yards and two touchdowns on 12 carries, his first 100-plus rushing yard game this year. He entered the top 10 all-time for 100-plus yard games in his career with 13.[27]
Semaj Morgan 18-yard pass from J. J. McCarthy (James Turner kick)
MICH 14–7
3
7:00
MICH
James Turner 46-yard field goal
MICH 17–7
3
4:31
MICH
Mike Sainristil 71-yard interception return (James Turner kick)
MICH 24–7
4
12:38
MICH
Blake Corum 5-yard run (James Turner kick)
MICH 31–7
To open the Big Ten Conference portion of their schedule, Michigan hosted the Rutgers Scarlet Knights in their homecoming game. Last season, Michigan defeated Rutgers, 52–17.[28]
Michigan defeated Rutgers 31–7.[29]
Rutgers opened the scoring in the first quarter via a 69-yard touchdown pass from Gavin Wimsatt to Christian Dremel. This marked the first time Michigan has trailed all 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 via 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 via a 46-yard field goal by James Turner and a 71-yard interception return by Mike Sainristil. Michigan extended their lead in the fourth quarter via a five-yard touchdown run by Corum.[30]
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 went 15-for-21, for 214 yards and a touchdown, his 10th career game over 200 passing yards. With his touchdown, he entered the top-10 all-time in passing touchdowns at Michigan, with 35 for his career. Michigan's defense forced three turnovers on fourth down against Rutgers. On the season, opponents are a combined 0–7 on fourth down against Michigan.[31]
Following their homecoming game against Rutgers, Michigan will play their first road game of the season when the travel to Lincoln, Nebraska to face the Nebraska Cornhuskers. Last season, Michigan defeated Nebraska, 34–3.[32]
Following their road opener at Nebraska, Michigan will travel to Minneapolis, Minnesota to face the Minnesota Golden Gophers in the battle for the Little Brown Jug. The two teams last faced each other in 2020 where Michigan defeated Minnesota, 49–24.[33]
Following the battle for the Little Brown Jug against Minnesota, Michigan will return home to face the Indiana Hoosiers. Last season, Michigan defeated Indiana, 31–10.[34]
Following their game against Indiana, Michigan will travel to East Lansing, Michigan to face their in-state rivals, the Michigan State Spartans, in the battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy. Last season, Michigan defeated Michigan State, 29–7.[35]
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 2nd consecutive Big Ten Championship.[36]
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.[37]
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.[38]
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 2nd consecutive Big Ten Championship Game appearance.[39]
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