Newsstand: J.J. McCarthy speaks on how they assess non-conference performances
Michigan football is the toast of the town again after a 59-0 win over UConn and a 3-0 record heading into late September. A big part of that has been the play of sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy, who started his second game in a row in the Week 3 victory.
McCarthy finished the game 15-for-18 for 214 yards and played another clean, efficient game on Saturday. Still, his production all month has come in the form of a trio of cupcake teams. McCarthy sees it differently for Michigan than that, though.
“We’re always competing with ourselves,” McCarthy said after the game. “No matter who we’re playing or when we’re playing, we’re always just going to go out there and try to be the best version of ourselves every single week. Every single game it’s like going out there and playing like you’re in first grade again, fifth grade — just playing football and just having a great time. And of course, you want to excel at it. We just emphasize getting better each week and being the best version or ourselves.”
McCarthy is 30-for-34 passing on the year with 473 yards and 3 touchdowns but is not leaning on past performances and success. He is worried about the future and what comes next.
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“The fact of whatever happened that last game, you have to put in the past, you have to forget about it; it’s a new week, new process, new preparation,” he said. “So, definitely that — just being able to accept what happened, whether it’s good or bad. Sometimes with those big games, you want to hold onto them throughout the week, but you can’t. Throw it in the ocean; you’ve got to move on. Next week. So, that’s what we’re doing.”
The Michigan quarterback has been singled out for his mindfulness meditation on the sidelines. It was another aspect of his personality that was a talking point this week.
“I do it every single day, twice a day,” he said. “But before the game, it’s just super, all about getting into that present moment and finding that flow. I wake up, I’ll meditate for 30 minutes. As everyone sees out by the field goal posts, just to meditate for 10 more minutes as that quick tune up to make sure I’m completely present and in the moment. That is, especially on game day a, huge focus for me.”
Tweets of the day
Michigan quote of the day
I like the team a lot. Good friend of mine, Jay Norlinger who I grew up with … got a great way with words, always has, writing for the National Review, Senior Editor. Sent me a great text this week that really resonated with me. He said he just can’t wait to watch Michigan football. Said it reminds him of the days of Rick Leach, Harland Huckleby and Anthony Carter. That’s the way he feels about this team.
– Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh on what he thinks about his team so far
Headlines of the day
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From the field: Scoop on Chris Peal, Notre Dame commit visits, new prediction
What they’re saying about Michigan football after demolishing UConn
Michigan 59, UConn 0: Notes, quotes, and observations
Game balls from Michigan football’s win over UConn
