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Michigan football: how high is JJ McCarthy’s ceiling?

Could the rising junior bring Michigan football its 12th National Championship in 2023?

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Dec 31, 2022; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Michigan Wolverines quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) passes against the TCU Horned Frogs in the fourth quarter of the 2022 Fiesta Bowl at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Michigan football is in an excellent position heading into the 2023 season as they return a large portion of their production from a year ago. This return of production including crucial spots like the quarterback position. Specifically, JJ McCarthy for his junior season after a strong sophomore campaign.

As Michigan’s highest-ranked quarterback recruit since Ryan Mallett back in the class of 2007, McCarthy has had high expectations since he first stepped foot on campus. Following a 13-1 season in his first year starting, including a second straight Big Ten title and a trip to the college football playoff, many are projecting great things for the soon-to-be junior play-caller.

Just how good was McCarthy in 2022?

McCarthy did have a rough stretch in the heart of Big Ten play, as he averaged 148.0 passing yards per game during a four-game run from mid-October to November. Still, he played really well overall on the season and, honestly, as good as you can ask from a first-year starting true sophomore. Also, it should be noted that McCarthy by no means played terribly in that stretch, as the Wolverines went 4-0, and McCarthy was responsible for seven touchdowns compared to just one turnover.

For Michigan football to achieve its goals, they needed McCarthy to play better in the latter half of the season, and McCarthy delivered just that. In the season’s final three games, beginning with Michigan’s 22-point road victory in Columbus, McCarthy threw for 767 yards passing and eight touchdowns while adding another pair of scores with his legs.

Even in the lone loss of the season, a disappointing six-point decision in the Fiesta Bowl against TCU, McCarthy threw for a career-high 343 yards and nearly willed his team back to victory from 21-6 and 34-16 deficits. In the end, the offense scored 45 points, which was the eighth time the offense put up at least 40 points and should have been more than enough to secure the win.

McCarthy’s final stat line for the season was 208 completions on 322 attempts (64.6 percent), for 2,719 passing yards (8.4 yards per attempt) and 22 touchdowns with just five interceptions (4.4 touchdown/interception ratio). McCarthy achieved this without starting all 14 games and only attempted 16 passes through the first two games.

Where does his season rank in Wolverine history?

While compared to some of the gaudy numbers other quarterbacks have been putting up in college football over the past decade, McCarthy’s stats may not seem super impressive on paper. Still, he’s already made an impact on the Wolverine record book. McCarthy’s 2,719 passing yards are currently good for 8th all-time in a season by a Michigan football quarterback. In five of those seven seasons with more passing yards, a senior quarterback was responsible, and only one other (Chad Henne with 2,743 yards in 2004) was by an underclassman.

Even more impressively, his 22 passing touchdowns finished tied for 6th all-time in a season and fell just three shy of tying the school record. Elvis Grbac’s 25 touchdowns in 1991, the season in which he set the school record, is the only other time a quarterback has thrown for at least 22 touchdowns on less than 325 attempts. So not only was McCarthy efficient with the ball, but he was also responsible, as his five interceptions were the fewest in an entire season by a Michigan starting quarterback since Drew Henson had just four in 2000. That season, he threw over 100 fewer passes than McCarthy did last season.

McCarthy’s 4.4 touchdowns per one interception in 2022 finished as the highest TD/interception ratio in school history, dating back to 1906 when the forward pass was first legalized. Only two other quarterbacks finished a season with a ratio above 4.0: Grbac in 1991 and Henson in 2000.

What should be the expectation in 2023?

After what was arguably a top-five quarterback season in school history, how will 2023 look for McCarthy? Much of that depends on the moving pieces around him. Namely, how well first-year passing game coordinator and new quarterbacks coach Kirk Campbell performs, along with a new look receiving core. Regardless, if McCarthy plays in at least 13 games next season, hopefully up to 15, then breaking every single-season passing record should be on the table.

While that may sound unfair or unrealistic, it should be noted that many of Michigan’s passing records are stuck decades in the past as twenty college quarterbacks would have broken the single-season yards record (3,331) this past season, and twenty-five would have set a new touchdown record as well.

While stats and records are great, the most crucial factor in a successful season for McCarthy will once again be the number of Wolverine wins. Especially victories in East Lansing, Happy Valley, and chiefly Michigan’s third straight over the Buckeyes for the first time since 1995-97. Not to mention another Big Ten title and the school’s first-ever playoff win.

No Michigan quarterback has ever won the Heisman trophy, and just three have even finished in the top five in voting (Bob Timberlake finishing 4th in 1964, Rick Leach finishing 3rd in 1978 and Jim Harbaugh finishing 3rd in 1986). Still, if McCarthy does lead the Wolverines back to the playoffs while setting a school record or two along the way, Michigan football could see a Wolverine quarterback in New York for the first time in nearly 40 years.

First, one game at a time, though. East Carolina is officially on the clock.

Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebookand Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Managing Editor at Cj@BluebyNinety.com or DM him on Twitter, @CJsWrld_.

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Four-star Michigan football target expected to commit soon

This four-star Michigan football target is about to announce his commitment.

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Michigan football, recruiting, 2024 recruiting class, Brian Robinson
Dec 4, 2021; Indianapolis, IN, USA; Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh against the Iowa Hawkeyes in the Big Ten Conference championship game at Lucas Oil Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

The Wolverines are one of the five remaining teams for Brian Robinson, a blue-chip edge rusher from Ohio, who is reportedly close to making a college decision. Robinson, who was once a prominent four-star Michigan football target in the 2024 recruiting class, was initially strongly leaning towards Michigan, but now it appears to be more uncertain. His commitment would be a significant and unexpected acquisition for Jim Harbaugh and the Wolverines.

Four-star Michigan football target Brian Robinson close to a final call

According to recent reports, Brian Robinson is nearing a decision and aims to conclude his recruitment within the next week or so. Robinson is currently ranked as the No. 131 recruit in the 2024 recruiting class. Given that the Wolverines have recently lost a substantial amount of talent on the defensive side of the football, especially at edge rusher, Robinson could be a major addition for Jim Harbaugh.

It doesn’t appear that Robinson is favoring the Wolverines right now, although Michigan football recruiting has seen significant changes recently, so anything is possible. At one point this year, it seemed highly likely that Ann Arbor would be Robinson’s eventual destination; however, his recruitment has become much more complicated in recent months.

If Jim Harbaugh can land Robinson, it would be huge for the 2024 recruiting class

The remaining schools in contention, aside from Michigan football, are Maryland, Kentucky, Tennessee, and Penn State. According to the RPM, Robinson’s preferred landing spot right now is the Kentucky Wildcats, with the Maize and Blue firmly in contention at the No. 2 spot.

As per the On3 industry rankings, Robinson is a highly sought-after four-star Michigan football target, ranking as the No. 131 player nationally, the No. 9 edge rusher in the 2024 recruiting class, and the No. 5 player in the state of Ohio.



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Latest buzz on impressive Michigan football freshman wide receivers

Here is the latest buzz from Schembechler Hall regarding a few rising stars — these Michigan football freshman wideouts are impressive!

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Michigan football, wide receivers, Ron Bellamy, Big Ten
© Junfu Han / USA TODAY NETWORK

The Wolverines’ wide receiver corps is led by Roman Wilson — the NCAA’s leader in touchdown catches (6) — and Cornelius Johnson. That said, below these two talented veterans are a number of impressive Michigan football freshman wideouts, who recently earned some high praise from wide receivers coach Ron Bellamy ahead of this weekend’s Big Ten conference opener against the Rutgers Scarlet Knights (3-0).

Michigan football freshman wide receivers continue to impress

Unlike the previous two seasons, the Michigan football offense is really starting to air the ball out often this fall. Aside from an unimpressive game against Bowling Green, junior quarterback JJ McCarthy has been dominant this year, which is a trend he hopes to keep up during this week’s matchup against Rutgers.

Ron Bellamy gives the latest ahead of this week’s Big Ten opener

Among this year’s wide receiver corps are a number of Michigan football freshman standouts, who have been turning heads throughout fall camp and even into the first few games of the season. Yesterday, Ron Bellamy — Michigan’s WR coach — gave the latest on these rising star Wolverines.

“They’re doing well,” Ron Bellamy said of the Michigan football freshman wide receivers. “They’re doing well — you can’t treat them like freshmen. I tell them all the time, ‘Whoever we play, they’re not going to look across and say, ‘Oh, this is an 18-year-old freshman here; take it easy on him.’ No, they are going to be attacking like they would any other player.’ That has to be the mindset, and we don’t treat them like freshmen. Those guys are diligent about their craft. That’s the thing I like about them. And that’s why they’re getting opportunities. Those guys are constantly wanting to learn and making sure that they’re dialed in and detailed in everything that we do.”

Keep an eye out for these freshmen when Michigan football takes the field

Ideally, Michigan football won’t need to rely on these freshman wideouts just yet; however, if you start to see names like Semaj Morgan, Fredrick Moore, and others getting some notable in-game reps, don’t be too surprised. From the sound of things, it seems that the Wolverines are confident in many of these rising stars, and are looking to continue developing them into the next generation of elite offensive skill players to wear the Maize and Blue.



Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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Top analyst has an interesting message for Michigan football fans

Top analyst Joel Klatt has some interesting thoughts about Michigan football heading into the Wolverines’ Big Ten opener this weekend.

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Michigan football fans, Joel Klatt, Big Ten conference, Penn State, Ohio State
Sep 9, 2023; Ann Arbor, Michigan, USA; Michigan Wolverines wide receiver Roman Wilson (1) celebrates his touchdown against the UNLV Rebels with teammates during the first half at Michigan Stadium. Mandatory Credit: David Reginek-USA TODAY Sports

Last weekend, the Maize and Blue won their third-straight game of the 2023 season, downing the Bowling Green State Falcons by 25 points at home. While JJ McCarthy and the offense struggled, the Wolverines are still undefeated heading into Big Ten conference play this weekend. Still, with Penn State and Ohio State playing great football right now, top college football analyst Joel Klatt has an interesting message for Michigan football fans — he thinks that folks in Ann Arbor should be “antsy” right now.

Joel Klatt has an interesting take for Michigan football fans

Sure, last weekend’s victory over Bowling Green wasn’t pretty; however, Ohio State and Penn State have both seen their fair share of struggles so far this year. In fact, even outside of the Big Ten conference, schools like Texas, Alabama, and even Georgia have not been looking like their usual selves lately. Still, Joel Klatt says that there should be some tension among the Michigan football fanbase due to recent lackluster play during the non-conference slate.

“With what’s going on in the Big Ten East, namely Penn State and Ohio State? I would feel antsy if I were you, Michigan fans,” Joel Klatt explained on his show, ‘The Joel Klatt Show.’ “The one thing that will derail your season faster than anything else is if JJ McCarthy starts to turn the ball over. That’s why I would be antsy.”

“I know you’re going to run the football fine, I really do. I’m pretty confident that the defense is going to play really well. The one unknown is how efficient can JJ (McCarthy) play? Now, he was really good a year ago until late. Obviously, the TCU game (last year’s College Football Playoff semi-final), it got a little bit loose, and guess what? They (Michigan football) lost.”

Thoughts on what Klatt said about the Wolverines heading into Big Ten conference play

Now, I am going to disagree with Joel Klatt a bit here in a few aspects. First off, Michigan football has not proven that it can run the football consistently yet, and the offensive line is yet to mesh. This idea that the rushing attack will be elite this year because it was last year is simply not true — it’s a hard thing to admit, but fans are yet to see the same bruising Wolverines that they did over the past two seasons. Not that it won’t develop, but so far, Michigan is not nearly as dominant on the ground as it was in 2021 and 2022.

Additionally, Klatt said that JJ McCarthy was good in 2022 until late in the season, which is really not that accurate. JJ McCarthy was not seen as a great quarterback until the Ohio State game hit — not to say that fans didn’t see the talent, but he struggled to really get things going consistently until the final three games of the year, including the Wolverines’ CFP loss.

Right now, Michigan football fans should not be too concerned, if you ask me. That said, as the weeks go by and the Penn State and Ohio State matchups get closer, we need to see more from the Wolverines. The fact of the matter is that, with Michigan’s schedule this year, the Maize and Blue can have many shortcomings and still begin the year 9-0 — it’s the final three games that will truly define the 2023 team, so long as they can avoid upset beforehand.


Thank you for reading Blue by Ninety. For more Michigan Athletics and Big Ten content from Blue by Ninety, follow us on TwitterFacebook, and Instagram. You can also subscribe to our YouTube Channel. For feedback, questions, concerns, or to apply for a writing position, please email our Publisher at Cj@BluebyNinety.com. Also, be sure to check out our shop and our podcast, which is available on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, and all other streaming platforms. It is because of your support that we have become one of the fastest-growing and most influential Michigan media outlets there is!

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