'J.J. McCarthy guides Michigan to victory as Jim Harbaugh sits out'

Michigan Wolverines win first game without head coach Jim Harbaugh, who is serving a three-game suspension for NCAA rule violations.

The Michigan Wolverines, with a record of 1-0, faced their first game without their head coach, Jim Harbaugh, who was serving a three-game suspension imposed by the school for breaking NCAA rules. Despite Harbaugh's absence, the team showed their support by donning a single-file formation on offense in the first quarter, with each player raising an arm over their head as a tribute to their coach.

In a display of solidarity, quarterback J.J. McCarthy arrived at Michigan Stadium wearing a blue shirt backward, with the word "FREE" written in black on white athletic tape across his chest, positioned above Harbaugh's name. McCarthy's performance on the field was exceptional, completing 26 of 30 passes for 280 yards and throwing a touchdown pass to Wilson in each of the first three quarters.

The Wolverines' star running back, Blake Corum, who had recently undergone knee surgery, showcased his talent by running for 73 yards on 10 carries and scoring a 2-yard touchdown run, giving Michigan a comfortable 14-0 lead early in the second quarter. It was clear that the Pirates, with a record of 0-1, were outmatched by the Wolverines, who had their sights set on a national championship and had secured two consecutive Big Ten titles and College Football Playoff appearances.

In the absence of Harbaugh, defensive coordinator Jesse Minter stepped in to fulfill the head coach role on game day. Additionally, offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore was suspended for one game by the school for violating unspecified NCAA rules. Despite these setbacks, the Wolverines remained focused and determined to continue their winning streak.

Michigan entered the season with their highest preseason ranking since 1991, when they also held the No. 2 spot. With their impressive performance in this game, it is likely that they will maintain their position in the AP Top 25 rankings.

On the opposing side, the Pirates faced uncertainty at the quarterback position, as they refused to disclose their starter and struggled to find a consistent option throughout the game. This lack of stability hindered their ability to compete against the Wolverines' dominant team.

The Wolverines recognize that in order to defeat top-tier teams, they must improve their passing game compared to the previous season. They have started the season on a positive note, demonstrating their commitment to this goal and setting themselves up for success in the games to come.