J.J. McCarthy , in the Q4 of his first NFL game, finally realized an ambition he’d cherished since his days at Michigan. Maintain possession of the zone read, and then charge through a defender to secure the touchdown that wins the game. The hockey player in him came out, the part that relished the rough play and wanted to be the one with the ball during the most important moments. At UM, though, that natural urge was contained and put aside in the interest of health and environmentalism. Michigan Wolverines prioritized keeping McCarthy safe for the long term, even if it meant muting his most effective asset. That same philosophy now hangs over starter Bryce Underwood , and on Saturday against Oklahoma , it was glaring.

Michigan’s offense was stuck in the mud. The Sooners tore thro

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