Cade McNamara evaluates Week 1 performance amid quarterback battle

Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara broke down how he felt about his performance as the starting quarterback during their season opener. Michigan’s plan heading into the regular season was to let McNamara start this week against Colorado State and give JJ McCarthy the next start in Week 2 — although a huge lead by Michigan opened the door for both quarterbacks to play this week.

Cade McNamara on his performance amid QB battle

McNamara built up a huge lead with the offense early, and McCarthy came in during the second half with the game well in hand. Despite not needing to contribute much with the passing game, McNamara played well and finished his day with 136 passing yards and a touchdown.

“I think today, it was a clean game,” said McNamara. “We didn’t — we had one penalty, we had no turnovers I think. There was some stuff that didn’t go our way but I thought we handled it pretty well. Building off of this, I think, just kinda like first game stuff. I missed a couple targets, we had a couple drops. I don’t know, it just felt like it looked like a first game, I felt like, on the offensive side of the ball. We’re definitely gonna have to clean that up and I’m gonna be a part of that.”

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The Michigan rushing attack dominated the day for the most part, running for 234 yards and four touchdowns. The Wolverines’ offense was so productive on the day that they scored touchdowns as many times as their drives stalled out — finishing with just two punts and adding three field goals.

It seems apparent that McNamara proved his ability to lead the offense again during the live game situation, but it is likely that next week sees the roles reversed between him and McCarthy. If McCarthy and the offense build up another major lead against Hawai’i, it could be McNamara coming in for relief in the second half in Week 2.