J.J. McCarthy reacts to being favorite for Heisman Trophy

J.J. McCarthy and the Michigan Wolverines have been on fire to start the season. Currently, the Wolverines are ranked No. 2 in the nation only behind the defending back-to-back champs Georgia. But Michigan has something this season that Georgia does not — a Heisman frontrunner.

In the most recent Heisman betting odds, McCarthy is the odds-on favorite to win the award. And while that is all fine and dandy, the Wolverines signal-caller has his eye set on a much bigger prize.

“It’s a tremendous honor but, at the end of the day, I could care less about that. I don’t really care about trophies. I care about championships. That’s the same thing that this entire team cares about. It’s a tremendous honor but we’re going to still focus on our goals and getting better every single day,” said McCarthy.

McCarthy has the Michigan offense firing on all cylinders. This season, the junior quarterback from La Grange Park, IL, has completed nearly 80 percent of his passing attempts, connecting on 132 of his 169 throws with 18 touchdowns and three interceptions. McCarthy also has 33 carries on the year for 168 yards with three rushing touchdowns. Only Michigan star running back Blake Corum has more rushing touchdowns, with 13.

While a Heisman Trophy would look great in anybody’s trophy room, the Michigan quarterback is after the most significant award of them all. He and the Wolverines have their hearts set on capturing the national championship this season, dethroning Georgia. And thus far, McCarthy’s play has them in prime position to do so in January.

Jim Harbaugh calls McCarthy is a ‘double-edged sword’

Jim Harbaugh finds new ways to praise J.J. McCarthy each week and the 49-0 win over Michigan State was no exception.

The Michigan quarterback was dialed in once again throwing and running the football. As Harbaugh described, McCarthy is a “double-edged sword.”

Every time the quarterback touches the football, Harbaugh knows McCarthy can make magic happen.

“A real high trust level that J.J. is going to make the play,” Harbaugh said postgame. “Yeah, they had the perfect defense called. One was a really well timed blitz that got home. I mean, there must have been seven guys in the backfield. He looked like Oz the Magnificent on that one. Incredible. 

“And then he’s just so dangerous when he’s out of the pocket, keeps his eyes downfield and just picks the open receiver and or runs it himself. It’s a double edged sword with J.J. McCarthy. He is the double edged sword. Can beat you in so many ways.”

McCarthy finished the win over the Spartans 21-of-27 passing for 287 yards and four touchdowns. It was in stark contrast to the last time McCarthy played in East Lansing.