Against the TCU Horned Frogs in the College Football Playoff, the 2022 season came to a close. The two interceptions by J.J. McCarthy made the Michigan Wolverines play more differently than they usually would have. The season ended without a national championship because the defense was unable to make much of an impact.
In the present, McCarthy and this team are once more on the verge of taking home the championship. After capturing their third straight Big Ten title, they are the top team in the nation and are favorites over the Alabama Crimson Tide. They are once again in the chase thanks in large part to McCarthy’s ability, who has improved in all facets of his game.
The fact that McCarthy is taking significantly less is crucial.
The most significant development is that McCarthy is, maybe for a variety of reasons, taking significantly fewer chances this season. McCarthy has had advantageous circumstances at Michigan this year, and he has had full access to Jim Harbaugh and Sherman Moore’s playbook.
McCarthy would frequently force throws and make costly errors during what seemed like a ton of do-or-die plays on particular drives last season. Plays falling apart, McCarthy losing his cool under duress, and failing to toss the ball away were all contributing factors. He occasionally transformed into one of those “five-star plays,” but the opposite may also be harmful.
This season, there haven’t been as many “no, no, no, YES!” plays. He’s quick and his pocket presence has significantly improved.
He also had one late in the fourth quarter against Ohio State, when he rolled right, threw over his body, and found Cornelius Johnson with a hazardous pass.
In 2023, those plays are far less frequent, and Harbaugh and his quarterback are placing more emphasis on managing the football. Following the Ohio State play, Gus Johnson and Joel Klatt began talking about how Harbaugh was attempting to eliminate McCarthy’s playmaking abilities in order to help him develop into an NFL quarterback. Although he’s come a long way, there is still potential for progress.
