Jim Harbaugh defends benching Cade McNamara, quarterback situation

On3 imageby:James Fletcher III01/01/22

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During Michigan’s 34-11 loss against Georgia in Friday’s Orange Bowl and College Football Playoffs semifinal, head coach Jim Harbaugh made a bold move benching starting quarterback Cade McNamara in favor of four-star freshman JJ McCarthy. The controversial move sparked postgame questions focused on the future of the quarterback room.

Jim Harbaugh addressed the reasoning behind his quarterback swap, defending Cade McNamara and promoting JJ McCarthy’s skillset in a delicately balanced response.

“We know we have two great quarterbacks,” said Harbaugh. “We make no apologies for that. I felt we just weren’t – the protection just wasn’t as good as it needed to be – and JJ gave us more of a chance to escape it, avoid it and run because that was the reason we made that switch. Like I said, we’ve got two great quarterbacks. We make no apology for that.”

McNamara started the game and finished 11-for-19 with 106 yards and two interceptions, adding seven carries for -1 yard. While McCarthy spent plenty time on the field throughout the season, the full-time swap in a playoff game brought hope of a spark.

While the freshman did provide Michigan’s only touchdown, he finished just 7-for-17 with 131 yards, adding four carries for 24 yards. Despite his ability to escape the pocket with more mobility, Michigan was unable to find any sort of comeback.

Jim Harbaugh on Orange Bowl loss

Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh spoke with reporters after suffering a blowout loss at the hands of the Georgia Bulldogs in the Orange Bowl, providing his immediate reaction to the game and the season.

“Great season, really proud of our guys,” Harbaugh started. “With the score lopsided, they were still having fun fighting. I was fighting right next to them. It wasn’t our night, they were the better team tonight.”

He continued: “This is the start. As we just talked about in there, the team isn’t going to be the same next year. But this is the start. In Michigan history, I believe it is one of the best teams ever. It’s a beginning. Onward.”

In addition to the passing struggles, Hassan Haskins only had 39 rushing yards on nine carries before leaving with an injury. Blake Corum only had six rushing yards on three carries. The Bulldogs stifled the Wolverines’ rushing attack with their elite defensive front. Coming into the game, Michigan had the nation’s 10th ranked rushing attack, but struggled behind its Joe Moore Award winning offensive line.