Michigan football: On3 analyst weighs in on quarterback battle
One of the biggest national storylines in college football has to do with Michigan football’s quarterback situation. Senior Cade McNamara and sophomore J.J. McCarthy will continue to duke it out in leading up to the season opener on Sept. 3 vs. Colorado State. It may even last longer than that.
In one corner, McNamara brings experience, Big Ten championship pedigree and strong execution to the table. McCarthy is a dual-threat dynamo that could raise the ceiling with his explosive potential. On3 national analyst J.D. PicKell weighed in on the battle this week, seeing a positive outcome regardless for Michigan.
McNamara started every game last season, finishing with 2,576 yards, 15 touchdowns and six interceptions. His 75.4 QBR (ESPN) ranked 24th among quarterbacks nationally. McCarthy suited up in 11 contests, completing 34-of-59 passes for 516 yards, five touchdowns and two picks. He also had 27 rush attempts for 124 yards and two touchdowns.
“The feeling within the program is, and around Ann Arbor, whoever it is, good,” PicKell said. “Because ultimately a competition in fall camp is just going to raise the play of both these guys like they’re both going to absolutely put their best forward.”
McNamara received the lion’s share of the snaps last year, but there was still a rotation that took place. Michigan proved that it could be pulled off.
“Again it might be both of them for some point of the season, if they go with the same model as last year obviously it worked,” PicKell said. “Obviously the two-quarterback system worked last year but how long do you want to stay with that? I think teams more often than not would like to have one quarterback to be the guy.”
At the end of the day, iron sharpens iron and Michigan should be better for it. The man that emerges from the competition will have earned it.
“It’s going to make Cade McNamara better, it’s going to make J.J. McCarthy better. The cream will rise to the top. And so if it’s JJ McCarthy out of camp, then he beat out a Big 10 championship quarterback, he beat out a College Football Playoff caliber quarterback and so if he wins the job, great, he must be the best option. If it’s Cade McNamara, awesome he beat a very talented kid in J.J. McCarthy who brings a lot to the table especially vertically.”
The Wolverine weighs in on Michigan’s QB derby
Last week, we broke down the position battle in categories and who brings what to the table. The overview was a conclusion similar to the one PicKell came to. Michigan is in great shape regardless.
“If McCarthy can be what his potential suggests, there is no question he could raise the ceiling of Michigan’s offense,” we wrote. “But Michigan is not going to hand him the job because of his potential. McNamara has room for improvement and an edge about him that should allow him to put his best foot forward in camp, as well.
“Michigan has never played favorites or politics when it comes to having its best players on the field. If someone wants a job, they will compete for it and earn it. McCarthy could be the future at the position, but he will only become the present if he makes it happen. And McNamara has to realize that despite his standing, nothing is guaranteed to him either.
“McCarthy’s spring shoulder injury put a wrench into what should have been a battle that played out during the spring. It puts that much more of an emphasis on fall camp. He has the goods to take the job, but the other guy will stake his claim, too.”
