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The Michigan-Ohio State Rivalry: More Than Just Quarterback Play
When the Michigan Wolverines face off against the Ohio State Buckeyes, the stakes are always monumental. Every season, the matchup carries more than just playoff implications—it’s about pride, tradition, and a bitter, decades-long rivalry that transcends the field. The outcome of these games often rests on far more than the play of any single individual. And while quarterbacks such as J.J. McCarthy and, more recently, Davis Warren, are often thrust into the spotlight during these high-stakes games, it’s important to remember that neither one of them will be the sole reason that Michigan either wins or loses against their bitter rivals.
In recent years, McCarthy’s name has become synonymous with Michigan’s rise to prominence, especially after the Wolverines’ 2022 victory over Ohio State, which ended a nine-game losing streak in the series. However, when we analyze the dynamics of these games—especially through the lens of Michigan’s 2023 season—it’s clear that while quarterbacks are critical, the outcome of the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry is shaped by a much larger set of factors. This truth holds regardless of whether Davis Warren or McCarthy are under center.
In this article, we’ll explore why Michigan’s chances against Ohio State extend far beyond the quarterback position. We’ll dive into how team dynamics, coaching, and other key positional battles play a critical role in the rivalry, and why quarterbacks—like McCarthy and Warren—are often only part of the puzzle in a game that is shaped by far more than just individual performance.
The Quarterback Narrative: J.J. McCarthy’s Role
J.J. McCarthy’s ascension to Michigan’s starting quarterback spot was a pivotal moment for the Wolverines. As a highly touted recruit and the successor to Cade McNamara, McCarthy brought hope to a program hungry for success after years of underachieving in big games. His skill set, which includes a potent arm and the ability to make plays with his legs, gave Michigan a new dimension on offense that they hadn’t had in years.
During the 2022 season, McCarthy’s play, especially in Michigan’s 45-23 win over Ohio State, was a significant factor. McCarthy played a poised, efficient game, completing 12 of 24 passes for 263 yards and three touchdowns. But even in that victory, it wasn’t just McCarthy’s arm that carried Michigan to the win. The running game, led by Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, was the true catalyst, allowing the Wolverines to control the clock and keep the Ohio State offense off the field. The offensive line, arguably the best in the country that season, dominated in the trenches, giving McCarthy the protection he needed to succeed.
As much as McCarthy’s play was essential to Michigan’s success in 2022, the reality is that the 2022 Michigan-Ohio State game was not solely won by the quarterback. It was won by an all-around team effort, including stellar coaching, physicality, and a defense that found ways to slow down Ohio State’s explosive offense.
McCarthy’s role in the rivalry is emblematic of the quarterback’s place in college football today—at the center of attention but not necessarily the sole determinant of victory or defeat. As Michigan’s quarterback in 2023, McCarthy’s ability to lead and perform in clutch moments remained crucial, but it was always going to take more than just his arm to overcome Ohio State’s formidable program.
The Importance of Team, Not Just the Quarterback
Michigan’s 2023 season underscored a core truth: it takes a full team effort to beat Ohio State. Whether McCarthy or Davis Warren was playing quarterback, Michigan’s ability to compete with their archrivals was going to depend just as much on defense, special teams, and coaching adjustments as it was on the quarterback’s performance.
The 2023 defense, led by coordinator Jesse Minter, was a prime example of how much Michigan’s ability to compete in this rivalry has evolved over the years. The Wolverines’ defense had a profound impact on limiting explosive plays, forcing turnovers, and keeping Ohio State’s offense in check, especially in the latter parts of games. The defensive line, featuring players like Josaiah Stewart and Kris Jenkins, was consistently disruptive, applying pressure to Ohio State’s quarterback, which made a huge difference in forcing inaccurate throws or quick decisions.
Special teams also played a crucial role in Michigan’s success. With returners like A.J. Henning and the punt and kickoff coverage units performing at a high level, field position became an often-overlooked factor in Michigan’s strategy to neutralize Ohio State’s offensive weapons. In many games, including the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, the team that wins the battle for field position often wins the game.
Michigan’s offense also came down to more than just the quarterback. The running game—led by Blake Corum in 2023—was the engine that powered the Wolverines. Corum’s vision, patience, and ability to break tackles made him one of the most dangerous backs in the country. Even when McCarthy wasn’t necessarily lighting up the stat sheet, it was Michigan’s ability to control the ground game that kept the offense on track and put pressure on Ohio State’s defense. A strong running game creates balance, which opens up opportunities in the passing game and helps the quarterback by reducing third-and-long situations.
On the flip side, Ohio State’s defense is always formidable, but Michigan has developed the ability to move the ball in ways that force the Buckeyes out of their comfort zone. This includes the ability to balance run and pass plays effectively, a credit to offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore’s strategic ingenuity.
Enter Davis Warren: The Backup Quarterback With Big Shoes to Fill
In 2023, Michigan’s quarterback situation took an unexpected turn when J.J. McCarthy went down with an injury. Enter Davis Warren, a backup quarterback who, in many ways, embodied the Michigan mentality of “next man up.” Warren’s rise to prominence was not one born out of high expectations but rather out of necessity.
Warren, who had been a relatively unknown commodity up until then, proved he was capable of handling the pressures of being the Wolverines’ leader under center in big moments. While McCarthy was often heralded for his explosive arm and athleticism, Warren showed that he had an impressive understanding of Michigan’s offense, a strong command of the game, and an ability to make smart, timely decisions in critical situations.
That said, despite Warren’s success, it’s important to note that his impact on Michigan’s potential to beat Ohio State would still depend on the same broader team dynamics. Just as McCarthy’s success in 2022 came with the support of a dominant running game and defense, Warren’s potential to lead Michigan to victory would not hinge solely on his arm. Warren’s ability to manage the game effectively, maintain ball control, and execute the offense in a way that minimizes mistakes would be just as important as McCarthy’s ability to make big-time throws.
However, the narrative remains the same: Neither Warren nor McCarthy will be the reason Michigan beats Ohio State. The team as a whole—coaches, players, and strategy—determines the outcome of this rivalry. The quarterback is certainly a key figure, but he is part of a much larger system.
The Bigger Picture: Coaching and the Michigan-Ohio State Rivalry
At the heart of Michigan’s chances to overcome Ohio State lies its coaching staff, which has done an excellent job of instilling discipline, attention to detail, and an unyielding focus on beating the Buckeyes. Head coach Jim Harbaugh, whose tenure has been defined by his resilience and ability to bring Michigan back to relevance in this rivalry, has made it clear that the team’s preparation and mindset are as important as the talent on the field.
Harbaugh’s leadership, paired with the expertise of coordinators like Jesse Minter and Sherrone Moore, has elevated Michigan’s play to new heights. Harbaugh understands that games against Ohio State are about more than just the X’s and O’s; it’s about culture, belief, and mental toughness. Michigan’s success in these matchups has been fueled not just by individual performances but by a collective commitment to outworking and outsmarting their opponents.
Additionally, Harbaugh has fostered an atmosphere of accountability within the locker room. Players know that they cannot rely on just one person, whether it’s the quarterback or another position, to carry the team. Beating Ohio State is a collective effort, and the team mentality is what sets Michigan apart.
Conclusion: More Than Just the Quarterback
While it’s tempting to place all the blame or credit on the quarterback in high-profile games like Michigan vs. Ohio State, the truth is far more complex. The outcome of this rivalry, as it has always been, is a product of numerous factors: coaching, defensive execution, special teams play, and offensive line dominance. Whether Davis Warren or J.J. McCarthy is under center, Michigan’s chance to beat Ohio State will always depend on the collective performance of the entire team.
The quarterbacks are, of course, crucial players in the Michigan-Ohio State rivalry, but no one player can carry the weight of such an intense, historic rivalry. McCarthy proved that Michigan’s success doesn’t rest entirely on the quarterback’s shoulders, and Warren, if called upon, will follow the same path. The key to beating Ohio State will remain in the hands of every player on the roster, from the defensive line to the running back room to the special teams units. Ultimately, Michigan’s hope for victory lies in the unity of the team—and in their shared mission to prove that they are ready to own the rivalry, together.
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