Michigan is now 13 -0 for the Big Ten title for the second straight year.
for over 30 years , Michigan topped the Big Ten in back-to-back seasons for the first time. UM hasn’t won back-to-back Big Ten titles since Desmond Howard played in Ann Arbor. But Jim Harbaugh and company ended the streak tonight with a 43-22 win over Purdue.
JJ McCarthy was great again, albeit trying. He went 11-for-17 for 161 yards and three touchdowns. He did make an ill-advised interception late in the third quarter that led to a Purdue field goal, but it was really his only “uh oh” move. He didn’t do much with the ball, but did get out of trouble a couple of times and had 14 yards on the ground.
As for Donovan Edwards, he proved once again that he can be the No. 1 running back without a problem. He finished with 25 touchdowns for 185 yards and still had only one good hand. He’s limited as a pass-catcher due to a right hand injury, but he’s been excellent as a pass-catcher in the absence of Blake Colum. Rookie running back Kalel Mullings played well for the yardage deficit and scored two touchdowns of his own. What a cool night for him.
On defense, the Wolverines have more holes than normal, especially in the air. During the 12-game season, Michigan gave up just 177 passing yards per game. Aidan O’Connell finished the night with 366 yards and found wide receiver Charlie Jones as many as 13 times for 162 yards. Jones was busy early and often at the end of the night more than any other receiver Michigan faced all year. However, O’Connell was picked twice by rookie Will Johnson, who showed why he was an exceptional five-star recruit before arriving in Ann Arbor.
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With a win over Purdue, Michigan is all but locked into No. The No. 2 spot is in the final College Football Playoff rankings, and Georgia is safe and sound at No. 1 after dismantling LSU. However, at 3rd and 4th, there will be a debate. Despite a loss to Kansas State in the Big 12 Tournament, TCU could be at No. 3, with Ohio State at No. 4 thanks to USC’s loss to Utah in the Pac 12 championship game.
So here we are. For the second year in a row, Michigan finished at the top of the Big Ten and made the College Football Playoff. The Wolverines are better than they were last year, which makes it all very interesting. Your Michigan Wolverines have a chance to win a national title.
Good night, Indianapolis.
