Jim Harbaugh updates Michigan QB battle at Big Ten Media Day
INDIANAPOLIS — Big Ten football starts in 32 days, and Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh and his players were on hand for media days in Indianapolis this week. One of the first questions, not surprisingly, centered on the quarterback battle between senior Cade McNamara and sophomore J.J. McCarthy.
Asked how it worked last year and how he perceived it playing out this year, the Michigan coach remained diplomatic.
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“Last year they both had phenomenal seasons, J.J. his true freshman year, Cade his junior year,” Harbaugh said. “Both played outstanding, winning football in the time they went out there.”
McNamara started every game, throwing for 2,576 yards and 15 touchdowns. He led the Wolverines to their first Big Ten title since 2004 with wins over Ohio State and Iowa, and into the playoff for the first time ever.
Efficiency and leadership is his strength. While there were games (Michigan State) in which he needed to air it out, he was most adept at two things — winning games and leading scoring drives.
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“A really cool stat on Cade McNamara — over 50 percent of his drives ended in points,” Harbaugh said. “I don’t know exactly what the number was for J.J.. but it seemed like every time he got in there he led a drive for points, as well. Both were really good.”
McCarthy, meanwhile, is reportedly back to full strength after missing spring with a shoulder injury. He threw for 516 yards and five scores and ran for 124 with two touchdowns in a backup role.
He’s got an elite skillset, though, and is expected to push for the starting job.
“The best player is going to play. You’re going to know who the best player is by who played the best,” Harbaugh said, noting it’s the same at every position. “Cade McNamara is going to be really tough to beat out for the starting quarterback job. J.J. McCarthy is going to be really tough to beat out for the starting quarterback job.”
Who starts, then, will be determined by what McNamara and McCarthy do in fall camp, which begins August 3. The season starts Sept. 3 when the Wolverines play Colorado State in the opener in Ann Arbor.
