Does Michigan need to start J.J. McCarthy after Michigan State loss?

With Michigan football seeing their perfect season come to an end against rival Michigan State, is it time to make the move to starting J.J. McCarthy?

The perfect season is no more for Michigan football. On Saturday, the Wolverines blew a nine-point halftime lead to rival Michigan State in Spartan Stadium, ultimately falling 37-33 to their in-state rivals.

One of the big aspects of the Michigan roster that has been highlighted as a weak point throughout the year has been quarterback Cade McNamara. Against the Spartans, he admittedly had a strong statistical game, finishing the afternoon going 28-of-44 for 383 yards and two touchdowns with one pick, which came on the final drive of the game.

However, when Sparty started to make their run, the limitations that McNamara brings to the offense were evident. He was seemingly unable to push the ball down the field when it was absolutely necessary and it’s obvious he just lacks the elite upside needed to win against an undefeated rival.

And that all brings us to freshman J.J. McCarthy.

McCarthy has made sporadic appearances throughout the season, as he continued to do on Saturday. He there four passes, completing three for 23 yards and a touchdown, while rushing for seven yards. But what he’s shown in those flashes has rightfully raised the question of if he should be given the starting nod over McNamara.

J.J. McCarthy gives Michigan football the upside they need on offense

While there is always inherent risk with turning to a true freshman quarterback, it’s the move that has to be made for the Wolverines and, frankly, that should’ve been made early in the season.

McCarthy landed in Ann Arbor as a 5-star recruit and simply has traits that McNamara doesn’t and that could take the Michigan offense to the next level.

The freshman has a tremendous arm with great touch pushing the ball down the field, which would add a dynamic element to the passing attack. Furthermore, McCarthy is a much more dynamic athlete with the capability of breaking down defenses and scrambling for good yardage or being a factor on designed runs. That would add another element and improve the run game further in RPOs.

McNamara is far from a bad quarterback, to be sure. However, for Michigan football fans who have been longing for the Wolverines to take a leap offensively, J.J. McCarthy is the quarterback capable of allowing that to happen. The dynamic elements of the youngster’s game are lacking in this offense and, if this team is going to compete for the College Football Playoff or, perhaps just as importantly, against Ohio State, then they need to add what the freshman can offer them.

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