JJ McCarthy breaks down Ohio State rivalry: ‘The stars are aligning’

The time has finally come for Michigan’s road trip to Columbus. After the hype has built all year, the Wolverines and Buckeyes will meet in Ohio Stadium to play for a season’s worth of stakes. That’s why JJ McCarthy is just ready to get the game here and compete.

McCarthy spoke about The Game during his press conference earlier this week. He said everything has led to this moment for both teams and, now, they’re chomping at the bit to hit the field on Saturday.

CLICK HERE to subscribe for FREE to the On3 YouTube channel

“It feels just like the stars are aligning. Like, it’s finally here. It’s meant to be and we couldn’t be more excited for it,” said McCarthy. “Honestly, we just can’t wait to get out there and have some fun Saturday night. It’s such a special opportunity to be a part of a game like this. We’re just so excited to go out there and have the time of our lives.”

Regardless of the animosity, it doesn’t take away from the significance of the game and what it means to the players. Not many players across college football get to experience a game of this magnitude.

However, the Wolverines won’t have home-field advantage behind them like they did a season ago. That won’t change how McCarthy and his teammates conduct themselves, though. They’re just ready to tune it out and face the test head on this weekend.

“At the end of the day, it’s really all just noise. And all just a bunch of fans that like to boo you and don’t like you very much. You just do whatever you can to transmute that and use it against them,” McCarthy said. “I feel like a lot of situations we’ve been through this year with facing adversity on the road is just going to help us tremendously this weekend.”

Michigan will be in what should be one of the season’s most hostile environments, if not the most. With that said, focusing on that won’t get them anywhere. To finish the regular season undefeated, put themselves in the Big Ten Championship, and place themselves in prime position to make the CFP, it’ll take McCarthy and the Wolverines quieting the noise and playing their best in this incredible moment against the Buckeyes.