JJ McCarthy reveals if he'd rather get rematch with Ohio State or Georgia in title game

When the final College Football Playoff rankings came out on Sunday, it showed a big rematch could be in the cards. Michigan came in at No. 2 and Ohio State came in at No. 4, meaning The Game could have its highest stakes yet if both teams win their semifinal games and reach the national championship.

The Wolverines won the last two matchups, including this year’s installation in Columbus. But J.J. McCarthy sounded like he’d want another shot at the Buckeyes if it works out that way.

“Deep down, a little bit, you know?” McCarthy said. “Hopefully, we’ll see them in the big game.”

But there’s another potential rematch on the table. In last year’s Orange Bowl, Georgia — which came in at No. 1 in this year’s final rankings — knocked off Michigan 34-11 to clinch a national championship appearance. That would be another intriguing matchup if both teams win their respective semifinal games.

Basically, no matter what happens, McCarthy and the Wolverines would face a familiar foe with a victory. That’s why he’s prepared for whatever happens.

“Honestly, it’s the best of both worlds,” McCarthy said. “It doesn’t matter who it is. We’ll be ready for it.”

Regardless, Michigan’s CFP journey starts with No. 3 TCU in the Fiesta Bowl.

JJ McCarthy not yet satisfied with Michigan making it to College Football Playoff

Michigan has reached the same point they were at a year ago. After beating Ohio State and winning the Big Ten for the second straight year, the Wolverines are back in the College Football Playoff.

However, just making the CFP isn’t good enough for J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy spoke with the media following Michigan’s selection in the playoff on Sunday. Making the field is a goal the young Wolverine QB said he and his teammates were happy to check off. With that said, he said the job is not finished and their sole focus now is finishing what they started.

“It was one of the goals we checked off. So it was obviously great,” McCarthy said. “But, at the end of the day, we still have one more goal to check off. And we’re focused on that.”