Yes, they did keep score. But the only number that really mattered during Michigan’s annual Spring Game was the total number of smiles on the faces of young fans at Michigan Stadium. There were certainly plenty of smiles – too many to count – during the successful game that featured Michigan playing Michigan in April.
The Maize defeated the Blue 22-21 – in case you wondered.
Despite some rain and overcast skies during the morning and early afternoon, the sun did make a brief appearance right at the start of the 3 p.m. kickoff. But nothing could put a cloud over this always fun event, both for players and spectators.
Young fans lined up for autographs and selfies and high-fives. They brought hats and helmets and shirts to sign and cherished a few seconds with Michigan football players. Even DJ Turner, who ran a 4.26-second 40-yard dash at the NFL combine and is expected to be a high-round draft pick later this month, stopped by to take selfies and sign autographs.
The band and cheerleaders showed up to add to the festive atmosphere.
Some Michigan players, including Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards and CJ Stokes, didn’t suit up for the game. But those who did played with enthusiasm and there were even some hard hits on their fellow teammates.
J.J. McCarthy threw an interception on his team’s first series but came back to throw a TD pass on an impressive drive that included some impressive throws. McCarthy and all of the quarterbacks seemed to be enjoying themselves.
Speaking of quarterbacks, Jack Tuttle, a transfer from Indiana, looked solid for the Blue team. He completed 4 of 7 passes for 45 yards and also showed a strong running ability.
Coach Jim Harbaugh kept a close eye on the action and had to like what he saw on both sides of the ball. Michigan appears to have some established stars, some up and coming stars and depth at key positions. It’s only April and the Wolverines have plenty of time to get ready for East Carolina on Sept. 2.
Michigan opens the 2023 season with five straight home games – East Carolina, UNLV, Bowling Green and Rutgers. Tough road games will be Oct. 21 (at MSU) and Nov. 11 (at Penn State). The Maize and Blue host Ohio State on Nov. 25 – in case you didn’t know.
