Alabama Stars Taking Note Of Michigan Football Quarterback

The Michigan Wolverines and Alabama Crimson Tide are slated to face off on January 1, 2024, in the Rose Bowl game for a shot at the national championship game. Ahead of the matchup, a number of Bama star players are taking note of one of Jim Harbaugh’s most dangerous weapons: Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy, who is entering his third straight College Football Playoff appearance.

Michigan football quarterback catches the eye of Alabama Crimson Tide star players

JJ McCarthy had a hot start for Michigan football this year, though a Week 11 injury against Penn State hindered his progress quite a bit. While the injury ultimately did not matter in the scheme of things, seeing as the Wolverines still won all 13 of their games, the Big Ten title, and are ranked No. 1 nationally right now, it made JJ’s stats heading into the College Football Playoff not reflect how great of a season he is having.

J.J. McCarthy 2023 Season Highlights Part 2 of 3 🔥 pic.twitter.com/uu6jkCae8L

— JD 〽️ (@MGoJDBlue) December 19, 2023

While his stats don’t tell the full story, Alabama football stars aren’t checking box scores — they are watching tape. What does the tape say? It shows that JJ McCarthy is among the best quarterbacks in the country right now, and can beat a defense on the ground or in the air.

“Watching them, they’re like a real balanced team,” Alabama Crimson Tide defensive back and team captain Malachi Moore said. “JJ (McCarthy) does a good job of managing their offense and setting up the offense, changing the look if you give away a blitz or something like that, checking the calls and putting his team in the best situation to win.”

“He stands out in the way that he runs that offense,” added Alabama linebacker and team captain Dallas Turner. “He’s kind of like the general on that offense. He makes sure that those guys know what they’re doing. He’s just a good quarterback and a good leader, is what I’m seeing.”

JJ McCarthy looking to lead the Wolverines to a Rose Bowl win over Bama on New Year’s Day

So far this season, the junior Michigan football quarterback has thrown for 2,630 yards, 19 touchdowns, and four interceptions — he also has a QBR of 89.2, the third-best in the nation. While McCarthy’s numbers aren’t Heisman-caliber like they were earlier in the year, he is still a major factor for the Wolverines, even earning the team’s MVP honors over the weekend.

#Wolverines QB JJ McCarthy drives a 15 yard dig route to WR Cornelius Johnson through an absolute keyhole as this 🏈 whizzes by the NTs hand & past the weak buzz defender #6 for a clean completion

Throw could have been a smidge quicker, but that’s a 2 route progression#GoBlue pic.twitter.com/55fNYavmNW

— Jordan Silveira (@JordanTSilveira) December 18, 2023

Alabama is coming into the Rose Bowl with a major goal on its mind: stop JJ McCarthy and down Michigan football to advance to the national title game. Of course, McCarthy and his Wolverines are favored right now, and are looking to flip the script when it comes to their post-season woes.

In less than two weeks, everything will be settled on the field in Pasadena; however, in the meantime, Alabama stars are taking note of the Wolverines’ prolific junior quarterback.

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