EAST LANSING, Michigan – National Tight Ends Day wasn’t until Sunday, but the Michigan football squad couldn’t wait.
Many of Michigan’s traditional stars shone brightly as the Wolverines defeated Michigan State 49-0 on Saturday night. Blake Corum scored his 13th running touchdown, Roman Wilson scored his 10th receiving touchdown, Mike Sainristil and Josaiah Stewart continued to make defensive plays, and JJ McCarthy advanced his Heisman Trophy bid.
Michigan’s tight ends stole the show against a Spartans defence that has struggled with coverage at safety and linebacker all season. AJ Barner was targeted nine times by the Wolverines, five more than any other player, and he achieved career highs with eight catches and 99 yards, including his first score since transferring from Indiana to Michigan last winter. Colston Loveland had four targets and caught all four catches for 79 yards and two touchdowns.
The controversy of last week’s NCAA investigation into alleged sign-stealing did not appear to bother Michigan or head coach Jim Harbaugh on Saturday, as the Wolverines cruised to a 49-0 blank victory over rival Michigan State. Harbaugh compared Michigan’s performance to a “buzzsaw” as the squad kept focused despite more outside distractions. This season, the Wolverines have battled with two different NCAA investigations while also being chastised for a poor strength of schedule.
“I think there’s been attempts to diminish the team in a lot of ways, starting with the easy schedule,” Harbaugh told reporters after the game. “You know, too easy of a schedule, these guys aren’t very good, stuff like that.” But they just play, and they did so again today. We’ll go on to the next one with modest hearts. I basically complimented them on their accomplishments. Their concentration was laser-like. “I’m staying strong, focused, and solely on a mission.”
Michigan (8-0, 5-0 Big Ten) will have a bye week before hosting Purdue on Nov. 4.
