Where did they go? Updates on Michigan football’s transfer portal departures
Michigan football saw 10 players on the 2022 roster depart via the transfer portal, which saw the latest flurry of activity end on Jan. 18. QB Cade McNamaraDestination: IowaEligibility: 2 seasons left (graduate student)McNamara was the first transfer domino to fall in December, when the former starting quarterback elected to depart for a bigger opportunity with Iowa. In four seasons at Michigan, the IMG Academy product totaled 36 tackles (10 1/2 for a loss), five sacks and an interception. Story: Veteran Michigan edge rusher hits transfer portalMichigan edge rusher Julius Welschof practices at Tempe Diablo Stadium in Tempe, Ariz. on Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022. Welschof played sparingly during his five seasons at Michigan, and was never able to break through and land a regular role.
mlive.comMichigan QB Alan Bowman will try to win a national title, then transfer
SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. -- Alan Bowman ascended the stairs to the second floor of Schembechler Hall and knocked on a door that was already open. Bowman wanted to be part of the preparation for that game; to travel with the team, practice, and, if needed, take snaps at quarterback against TCU. One respected college football prognosticator, Phil Steele, projected Bowman would be Michigan’s starting quarterback that season. The job instead went to Cade McNamara, who guided Michigan to a Big Ten championship and playoff appearance. “I want to play,” Bowman said, recalling the exchange on Thursday.
mlive.comMichigan’s award-winning OL fueled by last year’s disappointment vs. Georgia
Saturday’s matchup against the Horned Frogs is an opportunity for vindication for Hayes and the offensive line. Following last year’s loss to Georgia, offensive line coach and co-offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore didn’t need to harp on the unit’s performance. Although the 6-foot-3, 307-pounder wasn’t a part of last year’s team, he understands there will be a microscope on the offensive line Saturday against TCU. He estimates Michigan is in 12 personnel (two tight ends on the field) 60-70% of the time. “They’re required to be very physical in the run game, they’re required to be sound in pass protection.
mlive.comAlan Bowman is second Michigan QB to enter transfer portal
For the second time in less than a month, Michigan has lost a scholarship quarterback to the transfer portal. Bowman, who transferred in from Texas Tech prior to the 2021 season, never saw much playing time with the Wolverines. More transfer news: U-M football lands starting linebacker from NebraskaMichigan QB Alan Bowman is in the transfer portal, @MLive confirms. Meanwhile, Michigan (13-0) now enters the playoff without two experienced quarterbacks after McNamara entered the portal in the days leading up to the Big Ten championship game. Five Michigan players have entered the transfer portal since the end of the regular season, a list that includes McNamara, tight ends Erick All and Louis Hansen, and defensive lineman George Rooks.
mlive.comMichigan TE Erick All to join Cade McNamara at Iowa
Tight end Erick All, who cryptically announced his departure from Michigan earlier this month, is off to Iowa. Assuming he can remain healthy, All would take over for Sam LaPorta, the Big Ten’s tight end of the year, in an offense that leans on the position for pass-catching production. All totaled 54 catches for 565 yards and two touchdowns during his Michigan career, highlighted by his breakout 2021 season. The back injury slowed the senior in 2022, limiting him to three games before he elected to have the season-ending surgery. 2 Michigan (13-0) has watched three players enter the transfer portal since the end of the regular season, with McNamara announcing his commitment to Iowa on Dec. 2 and redshirt freshman defensive lineman George Rooks entering the portal on Monday.
mlive.comQB Cade McNamara: Final year at Michigan was my ‘highest high’ and ‘lowest low’
Cade McNamara called the last 12 months at Michigan, before choosing to enter the transfer portal last week, one of the wildest rides of his football career. But Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh, as he usually does, left the job open and declared a competition heading into fall camp. More: Michigan QB Cade McNamara plans transfer to Iowa“Then the day after I get voted captain, coach Harbaugh tells the team that Michigan has two starting quarterbacks and we’re going to be splitting games,” McNamara said. Michigan Wolverines quarterback Cade McNamara (12) looks to pass at the Capital One Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Fla. on Friday, Dec. 31, 2021. That’s when McNamara, who remained on the Michigan sideline until early November, decided to hang it up for the season.
mlive.comNews & notes: Michigan TE Erick All sets visit, more transfer portal offers
Two days after formally entering his name into the NCAA transfer portal, Michigan tight end Erick All already has a visit lined up. #Michigan TE Erick All, who entered the transfer portal on Monday, is taking an official visit to Iowa tomorrow, per his Instagram. pic.twitter.com/Erd0lnRSY1 — Aaron McMann (@AaronMcMann) December 7, 2022∙ TRANSFER PORTAL: While Michigan has already landed one player out of the transfer portal, with graduate student offensive lineman LaDarius Henderson (Arizona State) verbally committing on Tuesday, the staff does not appear to be done. Cypress is another graduate student and former teammate of center Olu Oluwatimi, who transferred to Michigan from Virginia last December. We’ll see where things go, but Michigan has been active in the portal this week, much more than it was last year.
mlive.comTE Erick All plans departure from Michigan: ‘Time for me to move on ...’
“Not everything/ everyone are what they seem, and I learned that from my time here at Michigan. Sometimes you have to let go and do what’s best for you and your family.”All did not immediately return a message seeking comment, but published reports say the 6-foot-5, 255-pound tight end plans to enter the transfer portal. More: TE Erick All has ‘life-changing’ surgery in FloridaTE Erick All appears to be leaving Michigan. Last week, Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara, his former roommate in Ann Arbor, entered the transfer portal and announced his intention to depart for Iowa. Meanwhile, redshirt-freshman tight end Louis Hansen announced Monday plans to enter the NCAA transfer portal.
mlive.comNCAA transfer portal opens with 45-day window of football free agency
The next period of college football free agency is ramping up. Monday marked the opening of the new transfer portal window as players from across the country enter their names into the online database. Approved by the NCAA in August, the portal window opened Monday and will remain open for 45 days before closing on Jan. 18, 2023. A second window for fall sports is May 1 to 15. 3 TCU (12-1) in a College Football Playoff semifinal in the Fiesta Bowl on Dec. 31 in Glendale, Ariz.
mlive.comLive updates: Michigan, Purdue battle for Big Ten title
Michigan is aiming for its second straight Big Ten championship and has a chance to accomplish the feat Saturday night against Purdue. Kickoff at Lucas Oil Stadium in Indianapolis is at 8:17 p.m., and MLive will be there providing live updates throughout. This has been a busy news week for Michigan, which will be without star running back Blake Corum, who underwent knee surgery this week. For the Boilermakers, they are in the conference title game for the first time and looking to win a Big Ten title for the first time since 2000. Beat writers chatRecruiting: Michigan regains its footing in Ohio24-year-old QB, versatile defenders among Purdue’s key players vs. MichiganThe 10 defining moments of Michigan’s football seasonBig Ten championship: Michigan vs. Purdue predictions from MLive’s beat writers
mlive.comMichigan injury report: Can Donovan Edwards shake off cast vs. Purdue?
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As Michigan gets ready to depart for Indianapolis, health of the team remains a big storyline. It limited him early on, slowing Michigan’s ground attack, but Edwards powered through en route to a 22-carry, 216-rushing yards, 2-TD game in the victory. Unless he suffered additional damage to that thumb, we expect Edwards to play again. But that’s also why they play the games — Michigan showed last week that it could win games through the air. LS William Wagner — We don’t have the particulars on this one, but Michigan’s top long snapper also suffered a season-ending injury against Iowa.
mlive.comMichigan QB Cade McNamara plans transfer to Iowa
When the transfer portal opens up next week, Cade McNamara will exit and head west. The Michigan quarterback plans to remain in the Big Ten and transfer to the University of Iowa, McNamara unveiled Thursday evening on social media. More: QB Cade McNamara enters transfer portal ahead of Big Ten title gameRelated: J.J. McCarthy, Donovan Edwards: Michigan’s ultra-bright futureLast month, McNamara popped up on social media revealing that he underwent surgery to repair an injury to his left knee. At Iowa, McNamara will get a fresh start and new opportunity. “The guy is a Michigan legend, and I don’t say that lightly,” Michigan quarterbacks coach and co-offensive coordinator Matt Weiss.
mlive.comWolverine Confidential: QB Cade McNamara’s legacy at Michigan
Cade McNamara hit the portal this week, and it’s no surprise after the way things went down earlier this season. The Michigan quarterback lost his starting job to J.J. McCarthy and then came up injured, sidelining him for the rest of the season. McNamara later revealed that he had been playing through an injury he suffered last year. On the latest “Wolverine Confidential” podcast, MLive’s Aaron McMann and Ryan Zuke discuss the move and his complicated legacy at Michigan, where he might fit in elsewhere and the impact on the quarterback depth chart. It’s a short, to-the-point episode that you can listen to on your next car ride or walk.
mlive.comHere’s why Michigan football’s Jim Harbaugh should win coach of the year, again
The Michigan Wolverines have advanced to their second consecutive Big Ten Championship after dismantling the Ohio State Buckeyes 45-23 in Columbus, finishing the regular season undefeated while also planting their flag for Jim Harbaugh to win the coach of the year award again.
Michigan QB Cade McNamara enters transfer portal ahead Big Ten title game
Cade McNamara, the centerpiece for a Michigan team that won a Big Ten championship and reached the College Football Playoff in 2021, is moving on. McNamara has been sidelined since Week 3, when he suffered a knee injury during the first half. “Turns out I have been dealing with a serious injury since the middle of last season,” McNamara wrote. A former four-star recruit, McNamara came to Michigan in 2019 at a time when the program’s quarterback room was crowded. McNamara stuck it out, won a championship and helped guide a Michigan offense to new heights.
mlive.comMichigan football and Ohio State prepared to square off in game of the century part II
The Michigan Wolverines and the Ohio State Buckeyes are prepared to square off in the game of the century II for a chance to represent the east division in the Big Ten Championship, remain undefeated, and have bragging rights for the next 365 days.
Michigan football injury report, keys to victory: Who returns vs. Nebraska?
Last week, against Rutgers, Michigan was missing four full-time starters, including two key offensive linemen. Asked after the game, coach Jim Harbaugh suggested that Michigan’s starting left tackle could be back this week, and we believe it’s likely. Michigan linebacker Nikhai Hill-Green (41) warms up before their Big Ten football game against Michigan State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor, on Saturday, October 31, 2020. TE Erick All — Michigan’s starting tight end had “life-changing” season-ending surgery during the bye week, ruling him out for the rest of the season. Story: Nebraska rules out starting quarterback for Michigan gameLooking for a one-stop podcast on all things Michigan athletics?
mlive.comMichigan QB Cade McNamara updates surgery; says he played injured last year
As it turns out, Cade McNamara had surgery to repair an injury to his right knee ... and he apparently played through it last season. “Turns out I have been dealing with a serious injury since the middle of last season,” McNamara wrote. He hasn’t played since, with head coach Jim Harbaugh coy, albeit upbeat, about his status for the rest of the season. The procedure is believed to have taken place Wednesday in Los Angeles, when McNamara shared a photo of himself in a hospital bed being wheeled into surgery. “Sadly I was unable to heal properly, but thanks to Dr. ElAttrache he was able to help me determine exactly what I needed to do to come back the best version of myself,” McNamara continued.
mlive.comMichigan QB Cade McNamara posts from hospital bed: ‘Here we go!’
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Any optimism that Cade McNamara might return before the end of the season was dashed this week, when the Michigan quarterback suggested he was going in for surgery. McNamara took to social media platform Instagram on Wednesday morning with a photo story from a hospital bed, with a caption reading, “Here we go!”A Michigan team spokesman declined comment on the situation, and referred all inquiries to McNamara. #Michigan QB Cade McNamara posts on Instagram from a hospital bed. A former four-star recruit, McNamara, from Reno, Nev., rose to prominence during Michigan’s pandemic-plagued 2020 season, winning the starting job and confidence of Harbaugh. Two years later, he’s been limited due to injury with his status at Michigan up in the air.
mlive.comInjured Michigan offensive lineman appears ready to return
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Three weeks after being carted off the field with an apparent ankle injury, Trente Jones is back in uniform. Michigan’s starting right tackle was in uniform and going through pregame warmups ahead of Saturday night’s showdown with Michigan State (7:30 p.m., ABC), making him available to the fourth-ranked Wolverines. Jones missed only one full game, a 41-17 win over Penn State on Oct. 15, thanks to the subsequent bye week. Michigan State is in all-white uniforms. Pregame reading:Michigan vs. Michigan State score predictions from MLive’s beat writersWhy the Michigan athletic department doesn’t like night games5 things to watch: How Michigan State can upset MichiganMichigan football injury report, keys to victory vs. MSUFrom teammates to rivals: Michigan’s Makari Paige eager to face Spartans wideout
mlive.comRivalry roundup: All of MLive’s must-reads before Michigan-Michigan State showdown
It’s a long wait until 7:30 p.m.That’s when Michigan and Michigan State will kick off in Michigan Stadium in just the second night game in the history of the in-state rivalry. Our four college sports writers all came to the same conclusion as to whether Michigan covers the 22.5-point spread on Saturday or if Michigan State can be closer than three touchdowns. What’s the blueprint for a Michigan State upset? Can you name the last time Michigan State was favored against Michigan? The only other time this game has been played at night was a memorable experience: Michigan and Michigan State played in torrential rain in 2017, with Michigan State scoring the upset win.
mlive.comMichigan football injury report, keys to victory vs. MSU
Rivalry week has arrived without much sparring, leaving Michigan and Michigan State the chance to do it on the field. My MLive colleague Matt Wenzel has a full breakdown of the MSU side, including the Spartans’ keys to victory. McNamara’s injury remains undisclosed, but he was spotted throwing the football in pregame warmups two weeks ago against Penn State. Story: Can Michigan WR Andrel Anthony recapture his magic against Michigan State? Aaron’s McMann’s prediction: Michigan 31, Michigan State 14Looking for a one-stop podcast on all things Michigan athletics?
mlive.comMike Hart returns, Michigan gets key offensive player back vs. Penn State
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan assistant Mike Hart will be back on the sideline coaching today, seven days after suffering a medical emergency that hospitalized him, MLive has learned. A team spokesman confirms the return of Hart, who was given medical clearance to return to work earlier this week after collapsing along the sideline at Indiana. Michigan had elevated analyst and former long-time assistant Fred Jackson, 72, to an on-field assistant role earlier in the week. Hart holds the role of running backs coach and run-game coordinator for the Wolverines, who play No. … Michigan will wear its all-blue uniforms today, a sharp contrast to the school encouraging all fans in attendance to wear maize.
mlive.comMichigan injury report, keys to victory: Ground game critical vs. Penn State
Well, its biggest to date comes Saturday, when Penn State visits Michigan Stadium for a top-10 showdown that highlights this week’s Big Ten slate (Noon, FOX). If that’s the case, look for Jones to be out several weeks, including this Saturday’s game against Penn State. While deep shots might be nice, the key to beating this sticky bump-and-run Penn State is taking what you can get. This Penn State offense is no longer the one-dimensional dinosaur that Michigan successfully schemed against last year. Read more on Michigan football:TE Luke Schoonmaker picked up where Erick All left offMichigan vs. Penn State score predictions from MLive’s beat writersMike Hart helping with Penn State game plan from homeMichigan’s biggest trash talker is one of its smallest playersBowl projections: Michigan an early favorite to play in Pasadena
mlive.comMichigan’s J.J. McCarthy had Penn State game circled on his calendar
ANN ARBOR-- J.J. McCarthy didn’t see the field in last November’s Michigan-Penn State game. 10 Penn State (5-0) for the second straight season, McCarthy will get the nod in the biggest game of his collegiate career to date; a moment he’s been waiting for. “Any game that I suited up for last year and didn’t play, I had that game marked on my calendar for this year,” McCarthy said. He will head into Saturday’s game vs. Penn State coming off a 304-yard, three-touchdown performance in Michigan’s 31-10 victory over Indiana. Michigan’s knack for putting points on the board vs. Penn State’s stingy defense sets the stage for a competitive clash for the Land Grant Trophy.
mlive.comMichigan injury report, keys to victory: Indiana shines in one area
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Sandwiched in between two games that may determine Michigan’s trajectory this season is Indiana, a scrappy, middling Big Ten team Jim Harbaugh knows well. The Wolverines are currently 22-point betting favorites and ride a 5-0 record into the game, and coming off an impressive 27-14 win at Iowa. DOUBTFUL:Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh high-fives Michigan Wolverines tight end Erick All (83) Michigan faces off against Colorado State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. There’s been no indication of late that he’s close to returning, forcing Michigan to lean on Michael Barrett and Kalel Mullings for another week. The Hoosiers have thrown the ball more than any other FBS team this season, averaging more than 49 attempts per game.
mlive.comMichigan right tackle settling in after rocky first start
ANN ARBOR – Michigan right tackle Trente Jones found out early on this season what happens to his quarterback if there is a lapse in pass blocking. Colorado State was Jones’ first career start, and he allowed three pressures in the game, according to Pro Football Focus. He played in all 14 last year, mainly as an extra offensive lineman, before beating out Karsen Barnhart for the starting right tackle job this season. “Every game he’s getting better in the pass and run game.,” left tackle Ryan Hayes said Monday. “He’s doing really well,” right guard Zak Zinter said after the Sept. 24 win over Maryland.
mlive.comMichigan injury report, keys to victory: Taking care of football a must in Iowa
The fourth-ranked Michigan football team makes its first road trip of the season to play Iowa, a familiar foe with one of the country’s best defenses, statistically, through four games. INJURY REPORTMichigan Wolverines running back Donovan Edwards (7) runs the ball as Michigan faces off against Colorado State at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 3, 2022. Even last year, during a 42-3 rout of the Hawkeyes in the Big Ten title game, Michigan turned it over twice. Quarterback Spencer Petras is completing just 50 percent of his throws while the passing game averages just 131 yards per game. Even a net-neutral effort from the special teams unit would be considered a positive, helping to negate an area of the game Iowa thrives in.
mlive.comWith Cade McNamara hurt, Michigan considers three for backup QB role
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — With Cade McNamara expected to miss some time due to injury, Michigan will lean on one of three options as a backup to J.J. McCarthy. “I’m seeing very good things from them in practice, and when they’ve gotten into the games,” Harbaugh said on Monday. But since arriving in Ann Arbor, Bowman’s appeared in just six games (with zero starts) and was third on the depth chart for most of the 2021 season. Michigan quarterback Alex Orji (10) breaks the tackle of Connecticut defensive back Durante Jones (19) in the second half of an NCAA college football game in Ann Arbor, Mich., Saturday, Sept. 17, 2022. (AP Photo/Paul Sancya)APMore: Michigan QB Cade McNamara injured; ‘he’ll miss some time’“There’s not a quarterback controversy over who the backup quarterback will be,” Harbaugh said Monday night on the “Inside Michigan Football” radio show.
mlive.com4 things we think we know about Michigan football after 3 games
But, here’s what we *think* we know about a team off to one of its best starts in program history, statistically. More: Michigan football looks good, but is the success real? Michigan quarterback J.J McCarthy throws a ball during warmup before Michigan’s matchup with Hawaii at the Big House on September 10, 2022.Ryan Sun | rsun@mlive.com1. We’re three games in and no one on the Michigan defense has more than one sack to their name. Read more on Michigan football:Snap counts, PFF grades: Michigan’s OL shows improvementMichigan looks good, but is the success real?
mlive.comSnap counts, PFF grades: Michigan’s OL shows improvement
Michigan’s football team earned one of its most lopsided victories during the Jim Harbaugh era on Saturday, blanking UConn 59-0 in Ann Arbor. When it comes to grading, PFF evaluates every player on every play in multiple facets of the game, such as passing, rushing, receiving, pass blocking, run defense, etc. With that said, here are Michigan’s snap counts and key takeaways from PFF’s grades from Saturday’s shutout win. However, for a second straight game, the Wolverines were docked for their pass rush, which earned a season-low mark of 53.6. Nevertheless, he was efficient and still helped Michigan move the ball, finishing 15 of 18 passing for 214 yards.
mlive.comJ.J. McCarthy vows to ‘work my butt off’ as Michigan’s new starting QB
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As it turns out, J.J. McCarthy learned of the decision to name him Michigan’s permanent starting quarterback like many of you. That’s right — Harbaugh informed the press before he broke the news to McCarthy himself that he had beaten out incumbent Cade McNamara. “It’s a tremendous honor by coach Harbaugh,” McCarthy said Saturday following Michigan’s latest lopsided victory, a 59-0 win over Connecticut. Harbaugh described McCarthy as “very locked in” and his performance “very good.”“(He) keeps getting better and better from my vantage point,” Harbaugh said. It will also allow Michigan’s new starting quarterback to reset and turn the page on a quarterback battle that spilled into the season.
mlive.comMichigan QB Cade McNamara injured; ‘he’ll miss some time’
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — A week after losing the starting quarterback job, Michigan’s Cade McNamara came up injured late in the first half of a lopsided win over Connecticut. J.J. McCarthy finished 15 of 18 for 214 yards in his first start since being named Michigan’s permanent starter. More: Michigan without RB Donovan Edwards, two others vs. UConnAs for who the backup quarterback might be next Saturday when Michigan opens up Big Ten play against Maryland (Noon, FOX), Harbaugh left it open for determination. He’s right there in the mix.”This isn’t the first time McNamara has had to leave a game injured. He’s feeling better.”… Starting left guard Trevor Keegan exited Saturday’s victory with an injury to his left side and never returned.
mlive.comMichigan’s Erick All meets firefighter who saved his life as infant
The Michigan tight end’s life changed when his son, Houston was born just hours before the Wolverines kicked off against Colorado State in their season opener. Then after the game, All met the person who saved his life over 21 years ago. The heroic story was featured on Saturday’s ESPN College GameDay. “It makes me appreciate life more,” All said in an interview with GameDay. On February 13, 2001, life and death almost collided for Erick All but now, his story has come full circle.
mlive.comMichigan offensive line shakes off rust amid shuffling, new parts
“We’ve done some good stuff so far, but obviously after the first two games there’s always going to be stuff to clean up,” starting left tackle Ryan Hayes said this week. Starting left guard Trevor Keegan kicked out to tackle while sixth man Trevor Keegan slid in at guard. But not long after, Keegan left the game with a sprained ankle, forcing redshirt freshman Jeffrey Persi into the game. “When you put on the helmet here and you’re a starting tackle at Michigan, it’s a big deal. But Michigan’s offensive line still had the occasional trouble pass-blocking, surrendering six pressures and two sacks against an Hawaii team that had combined for zero in its first two games.
mlive.comAmid boos, demotion, Michigan QB Cade McNamara remains in good spirits
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Days after losing the starting job, Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara remains in good spirits during practice, teammates say. More: What’s next for Cade McNamara? “That’s a real edge for our football team, and we embrace it. Not only was McNamara visibly frustrated, but so were his teammates who came to his defense on Tuesday. “I mean, Cade was a big part of the offense last year, leading us to (wins over) Ohio State, Iowa, and into the playoffs.
mlive.comWhat’s next for Cade McNamara? Michigan’s backup QB has options
Cade McNamara, the spunky quarterback who had started 16 straight games for the Wolverines, helped usher in a new era of Michigan football and subsequent success, would be relegated to backup duties. After starting what became Michigan’s eventual season finale against Penn State in 2020, McNamara started 15 consecutive games afterward, including every game during Michigan’s wildly successful 2021 season. McNamara, despite his designation as a fourth-year graduate student, still has two more years of college eligibility after the 2022 season. Until then, McCarthy has won the starting job for the foreseeable future and McNamara, who helped Michigan reach new heights last season, will back him up. It’s certainly not the arrangement McNamara expected coming into the season; he felt like had played his best camp since arriving at Michigan.
mlive.comBig Ten’s worst-kept secret revealed as JJ McCarthy shines in first start for Michigan football
Jim Harbaugh and the Michigan Wolverines worst kept secret in the Big Ten was finally revealed to the public as QB1 J.J. McCarthy put on a show for the ages in his debut as a starter, albeit against the Hawaii Rainbow Raiders.
Jim Harbaugh’s 49ers past very similar to Michigan’s QB present
ANN ARBOR -- What’s taken place inside the Michigan quarterback room is unique. During the 2012 NFL season, Kaepernick replaced Smith as San Francisco’s starting quarterback. Per Harbaugh’s plan, McNamara started Michigan’s opener against Colorado State, with McCarthy getting some snaps as well. “It’s like I’ve been saying: I think we’ve got two really good quarterbacks, two starting quarterbacks, two championship quarterbacks. Should either of those fates befall Michigan’s new starter, Harbaugh knows he has a capable replacement ready.
mlive.comWolverine Confidential: Jim Harbaugh decides on a QB
Michigan football won in blowout fashion for a second straight week, while some clarity emerged in the quarterback situation. Jim Harbaugh declared J.J. McCarthy the starter for the Wolverines’ Week 3 matchup with Connecticut on Saturday (Noon, ABC), signaling the end of the alternating starts arrangement. On the latest “Wolverine Confidential” podcast, we discuss McCarthy’s sterling first start, what the future looks like for Cade McNamara, how much Michigan can learn from these non-conference games and more. Listen to the episode via the embedded player below, or search for us on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Stitcher or wherever you get your podcasts. J.J. McCarthy crushed it
mlive.comRemember Jim Harbaugh’s starting QB criteria? J.J. McCarthy crushed it
His dazzling play-making ability impressed everyone who watched, greasing the gears for Jim Harbaugh’s eventual decision to name him the guy. The results, both qualitatively and quantitatively, confirmed that McCarthy would be the starter moving forward. In two games, McCarthy accounted for zero turnovers and averaged an efficient 6.5 points per drive, leading Michigan to the end zone in six of the seven drives he started and finished. The play capped a trajectory-changing couple of games for McNamara, who was visibly frustrated over his play. Michigan’s next opponent, UConn, loses big on SaturdayOverheard outside U-M locker room: A dominant QB performance, an emotional TD
mlive.comSnap counts, PFF grades: Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy lights it up in first start
PFF grades every player on every play in multiple facets of the game, such as passing, rushing, receiving, pass blocking, run defense, etc. With that in mind, here are Michigan’s snap counts and key takeaways from PFF’s grades from Saturday’s blowout win. 1 for the second straight weekHead coach Jim Harbaugh said McCarthy had a “near flawless” performance on Saturday, and his PFF grade reflects that. Cade McNamara struggles in reliefMcCarthy earned the top grade on offense, while last week’s starter, Cade McNamara, received the lowest at 37.4. Harbaugh said McCarthy earned the starting job with his play, but McNamara also didn’t do much to make it a tight competition.
mlive.comCade McNamara goes from star Michigan QB to pushed aside in one year
McNamara even got results, leading the Wolverines to their best season in over a decade, a Big Ten championship and College Football Playoff. That set the stage for a two-game competition organized by Harbaugh, who said McNamara would start the season opener against Colorado State and McCarthy would start Week 2 against Hawaii. McNamara went 9 of 18 for 136 yards and a touchdown in his start, but his misses (and near interception) overshadowed his success. “I would definitely rather have two really good quarterbacks, or three really good quarterbacks — and let ‘em go have at it. “I know the competitor Cade is; he’s got gravel in his gut and he’ll be ready for his next opportunity,” Harbaugh continued.
mlive.comMichigan’s QB battle is over. Let the J.J. McCarthy era begin.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Jim Harbaugh saw everything that he needed in the first two games of Michigan’s season. While the Wolverines won both in convincing fashion, it was the elevated play of quarterback J.J. McCarthy that really shined through. After Saturday’s 56-10 win over Hawaii, Harbaugh named McCarthy the permanent starter moving forward, ending a month-long competition in which he beat out incumbent Cade McNamara. The game, which was also lopsided in the final result, saw McCarthy come into the game and spark a touchdown run. “Really from there, it’s been really straight up for him,” Harbaugh said.
mlive.comMichigan football clobbers Hawaii in J.J. McCarthy’s first start
Michigan’s fourth-ranked football team routed the visitors from Hawaii, 56-10, under the lights at Michigan Stadium on Saturday, in a game that was never once considered close. Jim Harbaugh’s team totaled 588 yards of offense against an outmatched, winless team from Honolulu that earned a $1.9 million payout for playing the game. Starting quarterback J.J. McCarthy, in his first collegiate assignment, was 11 of 12 for 229 yards passing and three touchdowns. Meanwhile, Hawaii native and Michigan wideout Roman Wilson tacked on two more touchdowns, both in the first quarter, one a 42-yard pass and another a 21-yard run. • The Wolverines’ 588 yards of total offense marks the most since last year’s 63-10 win over Northern Illinois, when Michigan had 606.
mlive.comLive updates: Michigan’s J.J. McCarthy makes first career start vs. Hawaii
Michigan sophomore quarterback J.J. McCarthy is set to make his first career college start on Saturday against Hawaii. Continue to refresh this page as MLive will be providing live updates throughout the game. All eyes will be on McCarthy, who will look to cement himself as the No. The Wolverines are now up to a consensus 52-point betting favorite, so another blowout is expected Saturday night. PREGAME READING: - Michigan vs. Hawaii score predictions from MLive’s beat writers- Michigan QB battle roundtable: Assessing Cade McNamara vs. JJ McCarthy- Hawaii has a QB battle, like Michigan, but for all the wrong reasons- Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy ready to let it rip in first start- Michigan’s Jim Harbaugh supports CFP expansion, hopes players earn share of revenue
mlive.comBall drops on Michigan after 34-11 rout by Georgia in CFP semifinal at Orange Bowl
The College Football National Championship will be a rematch of the SEC championship after Georgia boat raced the Michigan Wolverines in the College Football Playoff semifinal at the Orange Bowl inside Hard Rock Stadium.
Angry Dawgs: No. 3 Georgia beats No. 2 Michigan 34-11 in CFP
Stetson Bennett threw three touchdown passes, Nakobe Dean led an angry Georgia defense and the third-ranked Bulldogs returned to their dominant ways, beating No. 2 Michigan 34-11 in the Orange Bowl to advance to the College Football Playoff championship.