JJ McCarthy praises Manny Diaz, Penn State defense

Penn State and Michigan meet in a matchup of two unbeaten top-10 teams. However, largely because Alabama and Tennessee are in the same situation, it’s been overlooked by many. Still, this is an incredibly important game in the Big Ten East race. One of the biggest battles of the game is going to be how the Penn State defense attacks Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy.

While speaking to the media, JJ McCarthy was asked about the challenge that the Penn State defense represents. He used the opportunity to praise Penn State and defensive coordinator Manny Diaz.

“I mean, it’s just a defense with a lot of talent,” JJ McCarthy said. “And they’re coached very well. Manny Diaz is a great coordinator.”

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“I feel like he puts them in the right spots at the right time, and they just let their athleticism show. You got guys like Joey Porter that are just extremely gifted physically and they’re in the right spots at the right times.”

This game won’t be easy for the Michigan offense. However, as JJ McCarthy explained, this is an exciting opportunity for the Wolverines to prove themselves after playing a weak out-of-conference schedule.

“So, it’s a tremendous opportunity for us as an offense to be able to put ourselves up against that and really see what we’re all about.”

A sophomore, JJ McCarthy split reps with the older Cade McNamara in 2021. He did play against Penn State then. So, this will be his first look at the Nittany Lions’ defense in live action. Because of that, he also has this game circled on his calendar.

JJ McCarthy responds to criticism

College athletes hear outside criticism. JJ McCarthy is no exception, and he responded to criticism from Fox Sports’ Joel Klatt.

“It just comes with the job. And it’s one of those things where you can only focus on what you can control. And what your coaches are telling you and what you’re self-criticizing,” JJ McCarthy said.

“And I promise you that I’m harder on myself than any critic out there is on me. It’s nothing, I really don’t pay too much attention to it. Actually, I’m thankful for it, because it’s guys like Joel Klatt that are pointing things that sometimes the coaches might miss on, so it’s just more information to grow and get better and I’m appreciative of that. I’m not going to get emotional with it, I’m just going to take the advice and I’m going to roll with it. If it works it works. If it doesn’t, then I won’t implement it.”