JD PicKell predicts outcome of Michigan quarterback competition
On’3 JD PicKell has been on a mission recently, breaking down the college football landscape as we prepare for the 2022 season. While teams around the nation are going through their final preparations during summer camp, he has been providing his analysis on key situations at some of the biggest programs. And recently, PicKell gave his prediction on the outcome of the Michigan Wolverines quarterback competition between J.J McCarthy and Cade McNamara.
“Here’s my feelings on it. JJ McCarthy has talent pouring out of his ears. The what-if factor is really attractive. It’s really appealing to say this dude has arm talent like we haven’t seen here while. We might be able to throw the football downfield, spread it out more, and open the offense. We can do some things here that we haven’t done in a minute,” said PicKell. “However, Cade McNamara is sitting there saying see this on my finger; it’s a Big Ten championship ring. Remember when we won that? I was your quarterback. College Football Playoff, I was your quarterback.”
The Wolverines have a full-scale battle between sophomore McCarthy and senior McNamara. One possesses incredible arm talent, the likes of which Michigan has not seen in a while. And the other just let the Wolverines to their most successful season since the early 2000s. So how does this situation play out for the maize and blue? According to PicKell, there is no easy answer, but there is an answer he prefers.
“If I’m Jim Harbaugh, I don’t know how you turn your back on that guy. I don’t know how that’s a world you exist in if you’re Jim Harbaugh. Now ultimately, Jim Harbaugh knows his football team a lot better than me. But again, I would have a hard time turning my back on all the things that Cade McNamara did for that program and all the places he got them.
While the decision may be challenging, if Harbaugh elects to go with McCarthy over McNamara, it will not be the first time in college head coach has gone with the younger, more talented quarterback over his established veteran; it’s not even the first time it’s happened this season. Earlier this year, a similar event occurred when the Baylor Bears chose Blake Shapen over last year’s starter, Gerry Bohannon. And similarly, Bohanon led the Bears to their first-ever Big 12 title and a New Year’s Six bowl victory.
It is unclear right now what direction Harbaugh is leaning. However, regardless which way the Wolverines head man leans, both options are solid. They both have the ability to lead Michigan back to the top of the Big Ten and into the College Football Playoff.