WATCH: JJ McCarthy participates in 'Iowa Wave' in wholesome moment
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy is a man of his word. Earlier this week, he said he intended to participate in the “Iowa Wave” when the Wolverines headed to Kinnick Stadium, and he did exactly that — with a smile on his face.
The “Iowa Wave” took place as usual at the end of the first quarter when fans, players and broadcasters alike turned to the UI Stead Family Children’s Hospital and wave to the children watching the game. Saturday was the first time Michigan took part in the tradition, and McCarthy made good on his promise.
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Earlier this week, McCarthy told reporters about his plans to take part in the tradition, widely considered one of the best in college football.
“I’m going to be waving my butt off,” he said, via the Detroit News. “At the end of the day, football is just this amazing game we get to play. … It’s just really awesome to be able to include them and let them know, ‘We see you. You inspire us.'”
Michigan had a 7-0 lead over Iowa at the end of the first quarter in the Week 5 showdown.
Michigan ‘really encouraged’ by JJ McCarthy’s first full game against Maryland
Generally, when you throw a touchdown pass on the first play from scrimmage eight seconds in to the game in your conference opener, it winds up being a good day. Michigan sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy did not prove to be any sort of exception to that rule on Saturday against Maryland.
After a fumbled kickoff gave Michigan a free possession and basically an instant 7-0 lead via a McCarthy touchdown pass to Luke Schoonmaker, things got bogged down. And while McCarthy was not immune to the occasional suspect decision, his performance left the Michigan coaching staff feeling confident after his first full game at quarterback.
“I think you said it, it’s his first real appearance. It’s the first time he’s ever played a full [college] football game,” Michigan co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss said. “So, I think for the first time playing a full football game, there’s a lot of positives to take away from it. I think he did a good job. Certainly, look at the stat line, it’s really good for guy playing his first football game.”