J.J. McCarthy promises Michigan will be back, walks out of press conference after CFP loss to TCU

After comeback hopes fell short and Michigan lost to TCU, 51-45 in the Fiesta Bowl to see the Horned Frogs advance to the National Championship Game, Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy kept it brief with the media. Very brief.

McCarthy walked into the postgame press conference and walked out after taking one question, according to Jordan Strack of WTOL in Toledo. He did, however, issue a promise to Michigan fans.

“We’ll be back. I promise you that,” McCarthy said.

JJ McCarthy comes in to the postgame press conference. Gives TCU credit. Says “we’ll back back I promise you that” and he walked out after one question.

— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) January 1, 2023

It’s a similar message to the one McCarthy delivered following Michigan’s loss to Georgia in the 2021 Orange Bowl. Though this time it might play differently given his role as the starter — last year it was Cade McNamara at the helm — and his two pick-sixes in the game.

WATCH: J.J. McCarthy tells family in stands Michigan will win, throws flea-flicker touchdown

Michigan was in dire straits against TCU in the first half, turning the ball over and catching any number of other bad breaks. It all built up to a 21-6 halftime deficit. But Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy never stopped believing.

According to ESPN sideline reporter Molly McGrath, McCarthy found his family in the stands and mouthed the message “We are going to win this game” to them.

Then, on the ensuing drive, McCarthy hit a flea-flicker to Ronnie Bell for a touchdown and the Wolverines closed the margin to five, 21-16.

MICHIGAN FLEA FLICKER TDpic.twitter.com/HN9lkMuPid

— CBS Sports (@CBSSports) December 31, 2022

“Trying to back up those words he said to his family a moment ago,” play-by-play man Sean McDonough said as the broadcast went to commercial.