Jim Harbaugh believes JJ McCarthy can become best quarterback in Michigan history
Jim Harbaugh isn’t setting a limit on Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy’s potential. On Monday, the Michigan head coach made a bold claim regarding his QB1.
“I feel like I stand corrected from what I’ve been saying the last several months, which is I think J.J. is a once in a generation quarterback,” Harbaugh said. “J.J. has shown to be on path to be the best quarterback in Michigan history.
“The statistics I’m sure speak to that, and the statistic that speaks to it the most is amount of [successful drives. He’s had 213 drives. We’ve scored on 130 of those drives, and 96 have been touchdowns, 34 field goals, 61%. So, it’s really remarkable. There’s no stat that demonstrates the quality of quarterback play more than that statistic, in my mind.”
While Harbaugh believes it’s the most telling statistic, McCarthy boasts plenty of other other impressive figures. In five games, McCarthy has tallied 1,512 passing yards and 14 touchdowns while connecting on 78.2% of his pass attempts, the second-best in the country.
McCarthy is only getting better. In Michigan’s 52-7 win over Indiana on Saturday, the junior QB completed 14-of-his-17 pass attempts for 222 yards and three touchdowns. He threw no interceptions in the contest.
J.J. McCarthy is more than a stat stuffer
McCarthy’s numbers don’t tell the full story, either. Tied 7-7 with the Hoosiers and sitting at fourth and two from the goal line, McCarthy barely blinked. Harbaugh sent the call and the Illinois native responded, finding senior receiver Roman Wilson for a two-yard score.
Harbaugh never doubted his man behind center.
“It’s perfect when you’ve got a quarterback like that,” Harbaugh said. “Some people ask me fourth and two, tie ball game on the two-yard line, what goes into that decision? I know the ball’s going to be in No. 9’s hands. Or in Colston [Loveland]’s hands, or Roman [Wilson]’s. But mainly I know No. 9 is going to make it right. I just have a great confidence that the odds are in our favor. Tremendous job by him responding.”
With five games remaining in the regular season, McCarthy boasts 4,467 career passing yards at Michigan, the 11th-most in program history. With each throw, McCarthy comes closer to history. Harbaugh enjoys the view.
“I think going forward, J.J. will be the quarterback that all future quarterbacks are compared to,” Harbaugh said.
On Saturday, McCarthy will lead the Wolverines into battle against in-state rival Michigan State. The teams will kickoff at 7:30 p.m. ET on NBC.