Michigan football: JJ McCarthy has perfect response to the non-conference schedule

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — This year’s non-conference schedule for Michigan football falls short of expectations in the eyes of many analysts and fans around the country. The Wolverines will kick off the new season against East Carolina, followed by hosting Bowling Green and UNLV — all three games are slated to be played at home. Throughout the offseason, there has been substantial criticism of the Wolverines’ non-conference lineup; however, when JJ McCarthy was asked for his thoughts on the matter, his response was nothing short of perfect.

Michigan football quarterback JJ McCarthy has perfect response to questions about the non-conference schedule

In just 25 days, Michigan football will kick off its 2023 season against East Carolina at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, MI. Seeing as the upcoming season holds tremendous promise for Big Ten and national title pursuits for the Maize and Blue, it seems as if no Michigan team has been as hyped as this year’s team is leading up to the fall opener next month. Nonetheless, the Wolverines must adopt a one-game-at-a-time approach to achieve their goals.

Similar to last year, the 2023 Michigan football non-conference schedule leaves much to be desired. While it excludes any FCS schools, the Wolverines won’t face a Power 5 opponent until Week 4 when Rutgers visits the Big House and Michigan kicks off Big Ten play. Furthermore, Michigan’s first four games are all at home, followed by an away game against Nebraska in Week 5. Nevertheless, JJ McCarthy, Michigan’s rising junior quarterback and second-year starter, emphasizes that the identity of the opponents is immaterial — Michigan football is prepared to face any team, at any venue, and at any point in time.

“Doesn’t matter who we’re playing,” JJ McCarthy told the media at Schembechler Hall yesterday when asked about his thoughts on the Wolverines’ 2023 non-conference schedule. “It could be out in a parking lot right there, it could be at Yost (Ice Arena), we are gonna bring it our all. (Michigan football) takes it day by day, game by game, it doesn’t matter who we’re playing, we’re gonna give it our all.”

This mentality has served the Wolverines well during McCarthy’s first two seasons in Ann Arbor. While JJ McCarthy has only completed one season as a full-time starter, he significantly bolstered Michigan football in 2021. As of now, McCarthy’s Wolverines have amassed an impressive 25-3 overall record (19-1 in the Big Ten), securing victories over Penn State and Ohio State, clinching two Big Ten titles, and making two College Football Playoff appearances ever since McCarthy arrived in Ann Arbor back in 2021.

This season, regardless of the opponents and schedule, Michigan football is determined to achieve a three-peat of Big Ten titles for the first time since the early 1990s (the last time was from 1990-92 under head coach Gary Moeller).

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