Greg McElroy reveals an advantage Michigan football has in their quarterback competition

As other teams across the country are wrapping up positions battles, the Michigan Wolverines can say they’re no stranger to a little quarterback competition. They’ve had one that’s been going on to a degree ever since last season between Cade McNamara and JJ McCarthy. While some argue how healthy that is, it didn’t bother Jim Harbaugh’s team during their run to the playoff. ESPN’s Greg McElroy believes that letting it continue may also be a positive for Michigan this season too.

McElroy gave his explanation on an episode of ‘Always College Football’. He says Michigan is in a unique position because of their early season competition. While other teams need a starter by kickoff, he thinks Harbaugh can leisurely use Michigan’s early matchups as auditions.

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“When you think about what these two guys can do, Michigan is at a bit of a luxury right now. The luxury being time…(Other) coaches we’ve talked about, they don’t have the luxury of time. They better have a dude ready to rock Week One because the team they’re playing against could very easily beat them,” said McElroy. “No disrespect to Colorado State, Hawaii, or UConn, but those are the three teams that Michigan starts the season with. So, why is it that right now there is an emphasis on trying to figure out who your guy is gonna be?”

McNamara was Michigan’s de facto starter during their best season with Harbaugh at the helm. He threw for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns during his sophomore campaign. Meanwhile, McCarthy was and still is the young gun on campus. He came in sparingly for Michigan and threw for 516 yards and five touchdowns on 59 attempts. McCarthy also rushed for 124 yards and a pair of scores too.

With both are making their case, Greg McElroy says this is an advantage that Jim Harbaugh should utilize. Michigan faithful may prefer a decision made one way or another, but McElroy sees the unique opportunity the Wolverine staff is in. If they can wait a few more weeks, potentially find their true guy, and it doesn’t hurt the team, he wonders why they wouldn’t do it?

“You very clearly have time on your side,” McElroy said. “Take your time. If the competition carries over into the first three weeks of the regular season, that might not have an adverse effect on you whatsoever. It’s not a big deal. Allow them to continue on.”

For context, Greg McElroy, like many in the media, has McNamara over McCarthy in the competition in the end. Most believe the veteran has played too well and done too much to be rewarded with a spot on the bench. Even so, McCarthy has done everything possible considering this competition still isn’t over. At the end of the day, Michigan has more time on their hands than other teams. In McElroy’s opinion, he suggests they use it.