Michigan Football: Another Impressive JJ McCarthy Statistic Surfaces

Michigan's QB1 is starting to assert himself squarely within the Heisman race, as his efficiency and effectiveness continue to impress from week to week.

Halfway through his second year as QB1 in Ann Arbor, Michigan's JJ McCarthy has firmly established himself as one of the top quarterbacks in the country. Although McCarthy's numbers are a little more modest than some of his counterparts, he's proven to be one of the most efficient and effective quarterbacks in all of college football. 

Photo: Christopher Breiler

Through seven weeks, McCarthy currently ranks No. 2 nationally in completion percentage (.782), as well as No. 2 nationally in passing efficiency (195.92). He's also the most effective quarterback in the country when it comes to moving the sticks on third down through the air - as evidenced by the statistics provided below. 

% of 3rd down passes that have resulted in a 1st down:

73.1% JJ McCarthy
52.3% Drake Maye
50.0% Jayden Daniels
47.4% Caleb Williams
46.3% Michael Penix Jr.
45.0% Quinn Ewers
42.9% Box Nix
40.0% Shedeur Sanders

(It will be interesting to revisit these numbers at the end of 2023)

— Dane Brugler (@dpbrugler) October 16, 2023

A whopping 73.1 percent of JJ McCarthy's passes on third down have resulted in a first down, far ahead of current Heisman frontrunners Michael Penix Jr. (46.3 percent) and Drake Maye (52.3 percent). Here's a look at the full list, courtesy of Dane Brugler, NFL Analyst for The Athletic.

Percentage of 3rd down passes that have resulted in a 1st down: 

1. 73.1 percent - JJ McCarthy 
2. 52.3 percent - Drake Maye 
3. 50.0 percent - Jayden Daniels 
4. 47.4 percent - Caleb Williams 
5. 46.3 percent - Michael Penix Jr. 
6. 45.0 percent - Quinn Ewers 
7. 42.9 percent - Box Nix 
8. 40.0 percent - Shedeur Sanders 

College Football fans across the country have seen the full range of what McCarthy is capable of in 2023, showcasing his vision, power, accuracy, and mobility each week. Beyond that, the junior quarterback is also a tremendous leader and team player. 

Meeting with the media on Monday, head coach Jim Harbaugh went as far as to say that McCarthy was on his way toward becoming the greatest quarterback in Michigan Football history. 

“J.J. has shown to be on path to be the best quarterback in Michigan history,” Harbaugh said. “He’s had 213 drives, we’ve scored on 130 of those drives. Ninety-six have been touchdowns, 34 field goals — 61%,” Harbaugh said. “It’s really remarkable. There’s no statistic that demonstrates the quality of quarterback play more than that statistic in my mind.”

It's clear that McCarthy is setting a new standard for quarterbacks at the University of Michigan, and Harbaugh made that clear on Monday. 

“I think going forward, J.J. will be the quarterback that all future quarterbacks are compared to."