Michigan has a big challenge on Saturday, their biggest of the season. The No. 5 (6-0) Wolverines will be facing off against No. 10 Penn State (5-0) at Michigan Stadium.
The Wolverines have a quarterback in J.J. McCarthy who has been among the most productive and efficient in the nation. McCarthy has started every game since Week 2 and has put up numerous statistics that are top tier.
Michigan has the 20th ranked rushing offense in the nation, and a good rushing attack can make the play action passing game lethal. McCarthy has been lights out in play action situations — McCarthy’s averaging 15.4 yards per attempt on play action with four touchdown passes on 25 drop backs, which is best in the nation.
Defenders are having a hard time distinguishing whether McCarthy is handing it off to Blake Corum and Donovan Edwards, if he’s rushing it himself, or if it’s a play action shot. This statistic likely isn’t just a trend and McCarthy should continue to do well utilizing play action.
