Joel Klatt explains how JJ McCarthy has brought the missing element to Michigan

JJ McCarthy was the missing element for Michigan and he made everything count on the final drive for the Wolverines in the Rose Bowl.

When he tied things up, Michigan saw its national title hopes be resurrected right before the team’s eyes. Michigan would go on to win in overtime after it looked like Alabama would win once again.

Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt explained the rollercoaster of emotions involving McCarthy down the stretch.

“And then the third quarter, it really looks like Bama is going to come back and win that football game,” Klatt said on his podcast. “And they grabbed the lead and they’re starting to win the line of scrimmage now and you get the sense like maybe the clock struck midnight on the Michigan Wolverines, maybe it’s just not going to happen for them.

“And lo and behold, their defensive line started playing better. And then they finally now in the course of now you’re talking about the history of Harbaugh and Michigan, had a player that could walk on the field inside of five minutes down in the fourth quarter and drive the team the length of the field to win.” 

Basically, McCarthy did what he had to do and got Michigan down the field to tie the game and eventually win in overtime.

“There’s been a lot of constants for Michigan football outside of the COVID year in which they struggled, but they’re going to be physical, they’re going to be tough,” Klatt said. “They played generally speaking cleaner in particular on the special teams than they did in the Rose Bowl, but it’s like it’s kind of the same team. They’re gonna do things the right way … 

“So now it goes back to that giddy feeling that Michigan fan fans had when JJ McCarthy signed with Michigan, as a high school recruit is just like, Oh man, we’re getting a five star quarterback. Maybe we could have the guy that walks onto the field that can create a score when we need it. And lo and behold, what happens? Under five minutes, JJ walks on the field.” 

McCarthy’s been clutch, even if he hasn’t been flashy. But he made it happen when Michigan needed him the most.

“They hadn’t done much at all in the second half offensively, and yet they’re able to drive the length of the field, make great plays and score a touchdown to tie the game,” Klatt said. “That’s the difference. Okay, they didn’t have that even two years ago. You know, all due respect to Cade McNamara. They didn’t have the team on the defensive line like they do this year and last year. 

“And that’s why they couldn’t squeeze the life out of TCU. And now you’re putting it all together where you’ve got the boa constrictor and yet you still have the ability with a quarterback to go out there and win the game.”