Thus far, during his time in the Maize and Blue, JJ McCarthy has experienced a few impressive years. In his true freshman season, he saw significant game action, aiding former starter Cade McNamara in leading the Wolverines from the second-worst position to first in the Big Ten. He subsequently assumed the role of Michigan’s full-time starter in 2022. Presently, after securing two consecutive Big Ten titles and more, McCarthy and his Wolverine teammates are no longer satisfied with conference championships; Michigan football is determined to claim a national title this year.
JJ McCarthy and Michigan football are close to a national title
Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy has made a significant impact for the Wolverines thus far. His time donning the winged helmet is highlighted by his two Big Ten Championship rings, two College Football Playoff appearances, and his team’s two resounding victories over Ohio State. Despite registering a program-record 13 wins last year, Michigan football once again fell short in their bowl game, suffering a narrow loss to TCU in the playoff semi-final.
As the 2023 season approaches, JJ McCarthy and Michigan football understand that much is at stake. This season holds Jim Harbaugh’s most formidable Michigan roster to date, and the national title appears to be within reach for the Maize and Blue.
“That’s my ultimate goal,” JJ McCarthy said of the national title, per ESPN. “I have a lot of goals, we have a lot of goals, but it’s to bring a national championship to Ann Arbor. We’re just so close.”
New postseason results are needed for the Wolverines
Last season’s Michigan football team was undeniably one of the finest in the program’s history. However, despite their remarkable performance, the Wolverines fell short against the TCU Horned Frogs, the runner-up of the Big 12. This defeat has become a driving force for the team, igniting their determination to make another run at the national title when this fall’s season arrives. The memory of that loss serves as potent motivation for the Wolverines as they strive to achieve greatness once again.
“(the TCU loss) definitely hurt a whole lot more,” JJ McCarthy said. “When I went in freshman year and we were playing the defense of the decade, it was kind of like, ‘All right, let’s see what I can do out here.’ Realistic expectation set in, like, ‘It’s going to be tough.’ But this TCU one, it was all in my hands. It was obviously a team effort, but I was in the driver’s seat. It’s a whole different pain that I’ve felt, and one that’s still driving me today.”
With only 50 days remaining until Michigan football kicks off, all indications point to the Wolverines being in an excellent position for a successful season. As the 2023 college football season takes center stage, JJ McCarthy and his team are laser-focused on achieving their ultimate goal — it seems that few teams, if any, have the potential to impede their path to greatness.
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