Cade McNamara or JJ McCarthy? Michigan Coach Jim Harbaugh Comments on QB Controversy After Week 1 Trouncing

Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is to have to choose from  quarterbacks J.J. McCarthy and Cade McNamara at some point soon. And if Michigan fans have it their way, it’s going with the latter.

During their blowout win over Colorado State on Saturday afternoon, McNamara was tabbed as the starting quarterback. but he didn’t really stand out over the performance (not that he had to).

McNamara finished the game 9-18 for 136 yards and a touchdown in the 51-7 win. However, McCarthy looked like a true spark plug during his short time under center.

The dual-threat option finished the game 4-4 passing for 30 yards. He added three rushes for 50 yards and an impressive touchdown scamper.

After the game, Michigan fans were quick to let their feelings known that J.J. McCarthy should be their QB1.

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Did JJ McCarthy secure the job today without starting? #GoBlue

— Mike Farrell (@mfarrellsports) September 3, 2022

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I get the feeling JJ McCarthy will start next Saturday and will keep that starting role.

— Derek Jansen (@wolverinefan24) September 3, 2022

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JJ McCarthy will put up a better performance against Hawaii and become the starter for the rest of the year

— Stanley Wu (@stanleywu_) September 3, 2022

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JJ McCarthy just locked up the starting QB job.. let’s stop kidding ourselves

— Mansa Austin Alvin (@mansaAustinAlv) September 3, 2022

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Gotta start JJ McCarthy fsfs but I think the offense gon pick up tho, and y’all secondary not good or sum?

— AidanW (@wrightaidan_) September 3, 2022

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JJ McCarthy will be the starter come week 3

— 〽️Chris〽️ (@MetalMosh33) September 3, 2022

After the game, Jim Harbaugh said he didn’t really think it was necessary that he manages emotions with his two quarterbacks given the unique situation they’re in.

“I don’t think I have to manage anything,” Harbaugh said before adding that both McCarthy and McNamara are “warriors”.

Despite the rise of J.J. McCarthy, Cade McNamara certainly sounded annoyed that he won’t be starting against Hawaii next week.

“I’d definitely say it’s pretty unusual,” he told reporters of the QB switching. “It was kinda a thing I wasn’t expecting by the end of camp. I thought I had my best camp. I thought I put myself in a good position.”

Cade McNamara led the Wolverines to the Big Ten Championship last season and the first win over Ohio State for the entire Jim Harbaugh era. But perhaps the options JJ McCarthy brings to the table are just too much to pass up.

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