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J.J. McCarthy circled every game on calendar where he suited but didn't play

On3 imageby:Andrew Graham•10/11/22•

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STATE COLLEGE, PA - NOVEMBER 13: J.J. McCarthy #9 of the Michigan Wolverines warms up before the game against the Penn State Nittany Lions at Beaver Stadium on November 13, 2021 in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Scott Taetsch/Getty Images)

Michigan’s mid-November win at Penn State last season was one of the signature moments in the Wolverines run to a Big Ten championship and the College Football Playoff. And now-starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy didn’t play a down.

Despite platooning McCarthy in for starter Cade McNamara in most games, the Wolverines kept the starter on the field the whole game and leaned heavily on Hassan Haskins en route to a 21-17 that crystallized Michigan’s hard-nosed, run-first identity. It was one of only a few games that McCarthy didn’t see action in that he’s got circled this time around.

“Any game that I suited up for last year and didn’t play,” McCarthy said, “I have that game marked on my calendar for this year. And just, like I said, embracing the opportunity. This is a great team.”

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The 2021 game in Happy Valley was the annual white out game for Penn State — though Michigan was spared it being a night game — and the atmosphere was raucous, especially after a late Penn State strip sack and touchdown to take the lead.

It’s the sort of environment Michigan is seeking to replicate this Saturday with a maize out. McCarthy has not overlooked the benefit of the home game this time.

And with Michigan’s schedule being what it is through six games, he’s excited for a big showdown.

“Being able to play them in The Big House is a blessing, that’s for sure. With the maize out and all the fans that are gonna be showing up and bringing that energy, but yeah, it’s just a tremendous opportunity and I can’t wait to do it,” McCarthy said. “I can’t wait to go out there and show what I can do against that great team.”