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Michigan played entire travel roster in dominant shutout victory vs. MSU

Paul Harvey

By Paul Harvey

Published:

Michigan is on a particularly dominant streak of football to open the 2023 season, but Saturday’s rivalry shutout over Michigan State was on another level entirely. In the process, the Wolverines produced the first shutout in the series in over 2 decades.

On Wednesday, the Wolverines announced the program played the entire travel roster of 74 players in the win. The announcement also said every player “contributed to victory” in the 49-0 win.

Offensively, quarterback JJ McCarthy led the efficient evening with a career-high 4 passing touchdowns while going 21-for-27 with 287 passing yards. Overall, Michigan played 4 different QBs with Jack Tuttle and Jayden Denegal also completing passes. Alex Orji did not attempt a pass but did score a rushing touchdown in the game.

In the receiving game, 10 Wolverines recorded a catch, led by TEs AJ Barner and Colston Loveland combining for 12 catches. 6 Michigan players recorded at least 2 receptions, and 8 payers had a catch of at least 10 yards.

On defense, 24 players were credited with at least 1 tackle as the Wolverines registered 9 TFLs and 7 pass breakups. Mike Sainristil and Ja’Den McBurrows also recorded interceptions in the game.

It’s hard to find such a complete performance in any game, much less an in-state rivalry matchup. The Wolverines rode that performance to an 8-0 record and the bye week.

Paul Harvey

Paul is a lifelong fan and student of all things college football. He has been covering college football since 2017 and the B1G since 2018.