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Michigan football vs. Hawaii game predictions: Will J.J. McCarthy grab QB job with blowout?

michael cohen, carlos monarrez, rainer sabin, jeff seidel and shawn windsor, detroit free press
·2 min read
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Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy scores a touchdown against the Colorado State Rams during the second half Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022.

Here are our predictions for the Michigan Wolverines' game against Hawaii on Saturday night in Ann Arbor:

Michael Cohen

Fans streamed out of Michigan Stadium late in the third quarter last weekend given the magnitude of U-M’s blowout over Colorado State. This one could get out of hand even earlier. The pick: Michigan 62, Hawaii 3.

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Carlos Monarrez

Sitting through these mismatches can make grumpy, old sportswriters even grumpier. Hawaii was throttled in its opener by Vanderbilt, 63-10, but after what surely had to be a Knute Rockne-like speech from rookie head coach Timmy Chang, the Rainbow Warriors rebounded with a 49-17 loss to Western Kentucky. Michigan could go for 80 in this one, especially with a biblical quarterback battle raging. But Jim Harbaugh will show some restraint and call off the dogs at some point. Right? The pick: Michigan 65, Hawaii 13.

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Rainer Sabin

A lousy team some consider the worst in the Football Bowl Subdivision will be served up to J.J. McCarthy in his first college start. The Rainbow Warriors have surrendered 112 points in their first two games, and McCarthy should spend the first half picking away at their carcass while the fans go wild. The pick: Michigan 63, Hawaii 3.

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Jeff Seidel

Somewhere, over the rainbow, the Wolverines will play a tough game. But it’s not this week. The Wolverines will hammer the Rainbow Warriors. The only real drama will be dissecting the quarterback situation. The guess here? McCarthy plays a great game in his starting debut for the Wolverines. Cue the dramatic music: What will Harbaugh do after that? The pick: Michigan 59, Hawaii 7.

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Shawn Windsor

McCarthy gets the start and proves little against Hawaii. Though he does prove he can make plays out of nothing. The pick: Michigan 48, Hawaii 13.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan football vs. Hawaii game picks: J.J. McCarthy audition