James Franklin previews going up against Michigan QB JJ McCarthy

So far, when Michigan has needed J.J. McCarthy to provide answers, he’s had them available — like this past weekend against Indiana when McCarthy surpassed 300 passing yards for the first time in his career while leading a 21-0 second half.

As Penn State head coach James Franklin reviews the film, he sees a quarterback made confident by the effectiveness of the team around him and the knowledge he has physical tools not every quarterback possesses. From operating ahead of schedule to the ability to run away from pressure, McCarthy is showing why Michigan opted to anoint him the starter.

“But this quarterback, I’ve been impressed with his poise. He is very poised back there. Obviously he’s been very accurate and he can make all the throws on the field. He’s got a very strong arm. He’s got real, good what people describe as ‘arm talent.’ And I think part of his poise is his confidence in his athleticism. He feels like he can stand in there and if he gets pressure, that he runs well enough to run away from most people. And avoid hits. Able to run for a first down on the sideline and step out of bounds, but keep people on their heels,” Franklin said. “So that confidence that comes from his accuracy, that confidence that comes from his athleticism, and that confidence that comes from staying ahead of the sticks, is what I think makes him and their offense challenging.”

CLICK HERE to subscribe to the On3 YouTube channel today for all of the latest news on college football, recruiting, NIL, more!

Franklin noted that much of what keys Michigan’s offensive success is being ultra-productive on first downs, particularly in the run game with Blake Corum. Getting into second and medium or better gives the Wolverines bigger margins to operate with on later downs. And the rushing attack, in general, has been pacing the Michigan offense.

With Corum near the top of the nation in rushing yards and touchdowns, Michigan has been in positions to get McCarthy advantageous looks. He has obliged when his number’s been called.

After six games, McCarthy has the highest completion percentage in the country (78.4%) and is No. 5 nationally in passing efficiency. His overall volume — 120 pass attempts — is certainly on the lower end relative to other quarterbacks on the top of those lists, but he’s Top 10 in both yards per attempt and adjusted yards per attempt. When the ball has been in McCarthy’s hands, he’s made defenses pay. Michigan just hasn’t had to put the game in his hands all that often so far.

That could very much change on Saturday against Penn State in a Top 10 matchup, as the Nittany Lions seek to get Michigan out of rhythm and behind the sticks.

“They’ve been great on first down,” Franklin said. “And when you’re able to run the ball and be as efficient as they’ve been on first down, they’re able to stay ahead of the sticks. Takes the pressure off of their quarterback. Takes the pressure off of their offensive coordinator. Because they’re in favorable down and distance situations a lot. And that’s a credit to their players, that’s a credit to their coaches. And I think a big part of it is, obviously, not only Blake Corum but really their running back room. They’ve had a lot of production out of those guys. It’ll be a real challenge for us.”