JJ McCarthy Through Six Weeks: Comparing 2022 To 2023
Six weeks into the season, it's clear that the best quarterback in the Big Ten conference is Michigan's JJ McCarthy. The junior signal caller is one of the most efficient QB's in the country, is considered a legitimate Heisman contender, and he's taken just four fourth quarter snaps all season long.
On Friday, FOX Sports College Football compared McCarthy's first six weeks through the 2022 season to what we've seen through six in 2023.
2022
- Completions: 94
- Attempts: 120
- Pass YDS: 1,150
- Rush YDS: 90
- Total TDS: 10
- INTS: 1
2023
- Completions: 97
- Attempts: 125
- Pass YDS: 1,290
- Rush YDS: 133
- Total TDS: 14
- INTS: 3
In 2022, McCarthy helped lead the Wolverines to a 13-1 overall record that included a win over Ohio State, a Big Ten championship win over Purdue, and a narrow loss to TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal. On paper, it was one of the most successful seasons in Michigan Football history - notching 13 wins in a single-season for the first time in program history.
Although the success of last year was certainly enjoyable, the reality is that the bar has been raised significantly for the Wolverines. After proving in two consecutive seasons that they can dominate the Buckeyes, win a conference championship, and secure one of the top four spots in the College Football Playoff, the Wolverines are now looking to take the next - and biggest - step in their progression: winning a national championship.
In order for that to happen, the Michigan defense will need to continue to suffocate its opponents. The Wolverines currently rank No. 1 in the nation in scoring defense, allowing just 6.67 points per game, have yet to give up a single point in the third quarter, and have held opponents scoreless in 17 of 24 total quarters played so far.
Offensively, McCarthy has already proven he's more than capable of leading the Wolverines to their first national championship in 25 years. His vision, movement within the pocket, and precision with the ball are all elite. Beyond the physical talents, McCarthy's leadership qualities are exactly what you need for a team that is looking to capture College Football's biggest prize.
