LINCOLN, Neb. – The No. 2 ranked Michigan Wolverines imposed their will during their first road matchup of the season against the Nebraska Cornhuskers in a 45-7 victory to remain undefeated.
Michigan came out of the gates on fire, scoring touchdowns on four of its first five possessions to take a 28-0 halftime lead.
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Offense
Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy was prolific early and often as he completed 9 of 12 passes for 116 yards, two touchdowns of 20 yards or more, and one touchdown with his legs to put the game away.
“It’s the ultimate test for us to win on the road in a hostile environment as we don’t have guys rooting for us,” McCarthy said. “With everything we put in this offseason, nothing is going to phase us.”
McCarthy finished the day completing 12 of 16 passes for 156 yards, but his Heisman-like performance was on full display as he hit wide receiver Roman Wilson for both scores while using his playmaking skills.
Wilson finished the day with four receptions for 58 yards, but the chemistry he and McCarthy have is unmatched. The first touchdown he caught came on the game’s first drive as he Mossed defensive back Isaac Gifford while catching and trapping the ball on the defender’s back before tapping the end zone to stay in bounds.
Wilson, who now leads the nation with eight touchdowns, scored for the second time during a scramble drill by McCarthy, who rolled out to his left and completed another dime to the senior receiver once again in the back of the end zone.
Along with McCarthy’s 30 rushing yards came the usual rushing attack that you’d expect from the Wolverines, as Blake Corum led the team in rushing and carries, toting the rock 16 times for 74 yards and one score for the 40th touchdown of his Michigan career.
Corum is now one touchdown away from tying Michigan legend and current backs coach Mike Hart (41 career touchdowns) for fourth all-time.
Donovan Edwards carried the ball 14 times for 48 yards, but it was the 20-yard touchdown run from Kalel Mullings that simmered down the raucous crowd. The senior running back chipped in five carries for 43 yards.
“It’s amazing, and it’s effortless, especially with that run game and with the offensive line playing like they do week in and out,” McCarthy said. “I have the most fun that I could possibly have, and I’m grateful to be on this football team. The corn was buttery and sweet.”
Nebraska came into the matchup leading the nation in run defense, rushing yards allowed per game, and yards per carry allowed, but the Wolverines totaled 436 yards, with 249 coming on the ground and 187 coming through the air, but their defense took center stage.
Defense
The Wolverines had vital contributions on both sides of the ball, but their defense set the tone as they nearly conquered their first shutout of the season.
After the offense went out and scored during their opening drive of the game, the Wolverines defense said, “Anything you can do, we can do better,” as they got an early turnover during the Cornhuskers’ first drive of the game, thanks to a tipped pass by Braiden McGregor which landed in the hands of sophomore defensive lineman Kenneth Grant.
Josaiah Stewart and Keon Sabb led the team in total tackles with five, but Stewart was eating corn all day as he had two of the team’s four sacks.
Michigan held the Cornhuskers to 305 total yards, with 199 coming through the air and 106 coming on the ground.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh said getting a win on the road in a hostile environment was essential.
“It was really good as our guys focused on the football today as it was important to come here and get this win,” said Harbaugh. “I thought our guys played a great game, four quarters’ worth.”
The defense of the men in maize has yet to give up more than seven points through five games. That type of performance could lead to a jump ahead of the Georgia Bulldogs in the polls.
The victory was Michigan’s 17th straight against a Big Ten opponent. They improved to 5-0 to start the season for the third year in a row, which is their longest streak since 1970-1973.
Michigan has yet to give up more than seven points this season while at the same time scoring 30 or more points each game, tying the 1979 Alabama Crimson Tide and the 1993 Florida State Seminoles at five consecutive.
The high-powered Wolverines will look to continue their streaks in week six as they hit the road to take on the Minnesota Golden Gophers on Saturday (Oct. 7) at 7 p.m. on NBC.
