Before the first week of the 2022 college football season, the Michigan Wolverines coach, Jim Harbaugh announced that there would be a battle for the starting quarterback spot between Senior Cade McNamara and Sophomore J.J. McCarthy. Cade McNamara was the starter for the Wolverines College Football Playoff run last season. J.J. McCarthy showed flashes in his limited playing time as a freshman last season.
Week One Michigan Wolverines vs Colorado State Rams
McNamara went 9 for 18 for 136 yards against Colorado State
In the week one win over the Colorado State Rams, McNamara started and played most of the game. He went 9 for 18, for 136 yards and one touchdown. McCarthy only threw four passes, all of which he completed, for a total of 30 yards. McCarthy also added three rushes for 50 yards and a touchdown. Although the passing stats of either may not sound extremally impressive, the Wolverines won the game 51-7, on the back of stifling defense and a dominating ground game that saw three different Wolverines, Blake Corum, Donovan Edwards, and J.J. McCarthy, all rush for at least 50 yards and each one also had a touchdown.
Week Two Michigan Wolverines vs Hawaii Rainbow Warriors
McCarthy went 11 for 12 for 229 yards and three touchdowns against Hawaii
Week two of the season saw more of the same dominating defense that the Wolverines showed in week one, this time the Wolverines played the Hawaii Rainbow Warriors, in which the Wolverines won 56-10. McCarthy started this game, and he shined in the starting role going 11 for 12 for 229 yards and three touchdowns. He also added one rush for 16 yards. McNamara played in a limited role, much like McCarthy did in week one. McNamara went four of six passing, for 26 yards. After these two games, it is pretty clear that McCarthy has looked like the much better player this season.
What to Look Forward to in Week Three
Over the first two weeks of the season, McCarthy was the much more accurate quarterback going 15 of 16 over the first two games, as opposed to McNamara’s 13 of 24 in the same span. He is also very dynamic with his legs, an element that McNamara does not bring to the game in the same way that McCarthy does. McCarthy also looked much more comfortable in game situations, which was unexpected, since McNamara started the majority of games last season. J.J. McCarthy has looked great in every opportunity that he has been given, and if he continues to shine like he has he gives the Wolverines a better chance to compete for not only a Big 10 title, but also a National Championship. In week three, the Wolverines take on the UCONN Huskies, with McCarthy at the helm to start the game once again. For more coverage on the Wolverines week three game against the Huskies, check out some of our other writers!
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