Roman Wilson scores Michigan's first TD of season
Roman Wilson gets No. 2 Michigan off to a solid start in its first game without its suspended coach, Jim Harbaugh. On the 8th play of the 2nd drive for Michigan, Wilson ran a solid slant route inside and separated himself from the defensive backs of East Carolina to offer an easy target for quarterback J.J. McCarthy for a 14-yard score.
TOUCHDOWN @UMichFootball!! 🏈 #GoBlue
📺: @Peacock pic.twitter.com/6IZVPOpbWI
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 2, 2023
Wilson is tasked to step up this season as Michigan lost 2 of its top 3 pass-catchers from last season. Wilson caught 25 receptions for 376 yards and 4 touchdowns last season.
That scoring drive for the Wolverines started with the assistance of an interception from senior nickelback Mike Sainristil in Michigan territory. Sophomore defensive tackle Kenneth Grant delivered the pressure on East Carolina quarterback Mason Garcia to throw the interception.
.@UMichFootball forces the first turnover of the game! #GoBlue
📺: @Peacock pic.twitter.com/oOhJlWxIkn
— NBC Sports (@NBCSports) September 2, 2023
Michigan leads East Carolina 14-0 early in the second quarter.
Michigan opened the season without Harbaugh or offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore because of alleged NCAA infractions.
To honor Harbaugh, prior to the offense running a play, the Wolverines lined up single file behind the ball with McCarthy off to the side. The players all held up 4 fingers to honor Harbaugh during his absence. McCarthy also used warmup shirt to protest Harbaugh’s suspension.