Michigan Football: Barner, Loveland Set New Career-Highs Against Michigan State

Originally posted on FanNation Wolverine Digest
By Christopher Breiler | Last updated 10/23/23

People like to say things like "throw out the record books" when it comes to rivalry games, but fans of both Michigan and Michigan State knew what was coming on Saturday night.

The No. 2 Wolverines entered the primetime matchup with a perfect 7-0 record and had looked like one of the most dominant teams in college football through the first seven weeks. The Spartans, on the other hand, entered the matchup at 2-4 and in last place in the Big Ten east division. Most expected it would be a dominant road win for Michigan, and most were right.

Several Wolverines hit career-high marks during Saturday's 49-0 victory over Michigan State, including tight ends AJ Barner and Colston Loveland.

Barner, a transfer tight end from Indiana, hit career-highs in receptions (8) and yards (99), and tied his career-high in touchdown receptions (1).

✅ Career-high 8 catches
✅ Career-high 99 yards
✅ Career-high tying 1 TD

Michigan TE AJ Barner went off at Michigan State. pic.twitter.com/oT2AM1UCnp
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 22, 2023

Sophomore tight end Colston Loveland added 4 receptions for 79 yards and a career-high 2 touchdown receptions.

Fellow TE Colston Loveland (@colstonlovelan1) also had a big night. pic.twitter.com/Z8xmYJlxeW
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 22, 2023

The stellar play from the tight end pair helped junior quarterback JJ McCarthy set a new career-high in passing touchdowns (4) - and it all occurred in just over two quarters of play.

J.J. McCarthy put up these stats in 2+ quarters. pic.twitter.com/OTqxLdtqfu
— Big Ten Football (@B1Gfootball) October 22, 2023

Michigan now enters the bye week with a perfect 8-0 record, ranked No. 2 in the nation, and with nearly all of their key contributors at 100 percent health - setting the stage for what should be an incredible run at the national championship to finish the season.

Games remaining: