J.J. McCarthy details how last year's playoff loss helps Michigan this season

JJ McCarthy knows last year’s College Football Playoff loss for Michigan still stings but it can be used as motivation.

Michigan lost in the CFP semifinals the last two years to TCU and Georgia. Last year’s loss to the Horned Frogs is particularly troubling considering the back and forth affair and the self-inflicted mistakes from McCarthy and the offense.

But now, McCarthy and the Wolverines are ready to capitalize on third time’s-the-charm.

“I think that the last couple of years I felt like we fell victim to paralysis by over analysis,” McCarthy said. “And you know, just kind of getting over detailed with too many things and overthinking things. I feel like the first couple of weeks we really just  took things kind of like, easing into things and you know, it’s been kind of fresh every single day. So, yeah, I think that’s gonna make the biggest difference, keeping the balance.”

McCarthy interceptions were killers in last year’s loss to TCU, but he wasn’t the only turning the ball over. But, when you throw a pick-six, it can be back breaking.

Still, Michigan had every opportunity to win the game and make it to the national championship. If the Wolverines clean the little things up, they’ll have a great chance to beat Alabama and finally get over the hump.

“At the end of the day, it’s just, you know, not throwing it to the other team,” McCarthy said. “You know, it’s one of the worst things you can do as a quarterback and just stay poised, calm and collected no matter what happens, whether it’s a tip or anything like that, just going out there and being great every single play.”

McCarthy’s been really solid under center this season, just like last year leading Michigan to the playoff. He has 2,630 yards, 19 touchdowns, four interceptions and a 74.2% completion percentage (career high).

Throughout his time in Ann Arbor, McCarthy has 5,861 yards, 46 touchdowns, 11 interceptions and a 68.1% completion percentage.

As a member of the Class of 2021, McCarthy was a four-star recruit out of La Grange Park (Ill.) IMG Academy (Fla.), according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 12 overall prospect in Florida, the No. 9 quarterback in the class and the No. 47 overall prospect in the class.

For now, McCarthy is only focused on the game versus Alabama. As far as his future in the NFL or at Michigan in 2024, that’ll have to wait.