Jim Harbaugh: That โ€˜it factorโ€™ is J.J. McCarthy

Following Michigan's blowout win over Rutgers, Jim Harbaugh praised his sophomore quarterback, J.J. McCarthy.

During Michiganโ€˜s 52-17 blowout win over Rutgers on Saturday night, Wolverinesโ€™ quarterback J.J. McCarthy completed less than 50% of his passes for the first time in his career. McCarthy only tossed for 151 yards in the game, but he did have two touchdowns through the air and another touchdown on the ground. Though McCarthy did not exactly light up the stat sheet, there is no question about it that Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh continues to be impressed by the sophomore.

Jim Harbaugh J.J. McCarthy Michigan

What did Jim Harbaugh say about J.J. McCarthy?

Though McCarthy did miss on some deep throws, Jim Harbaugh praised him after the game, saying โ€œthat it-factorโ€ is J.J. McCarthy.

J.J. McCarthy, he just does not get rattled, at all,โ€ Harbaugh said. โ€œAnd he was getting hit and missed the ball by a couple inches and weโ€™re hitting those in practice, and weโ€™re really close on them in the games. And then pretty soon weโ€™re gonna be hitting those into games. But you know, I looked up after the game was it through 151 yards and it felt like 300 to me, itโ€™s because of the play he was making standing in there. I mean, just making some incredible throws andย  the touchdown throws he had that were great. Had a few drops and but was getting hit too โ€” standing there with a lot of courage. I watch it like series by series. I mean, the kid is just โ€” heโ€™s like Bjorn Borg out there. Heโ€™s an ice man. Not exactly like Bjorn Borg. You donโ€™t have to be heโ€™s got a lot of emotion but thereโ€™s a real quality about him. Doesnโ€™t matter if heโ€™s at home. Doesnโ€™t matter if heโ€™s on the road. Doesnโ€™t matter if theyโ€™re cheering his name, doesnโ€™t matter if theyโ€™re booing him, hitting him, ahead, behind. Just canโ€™t really โ€” that it-factor is J.J. McCarthy.

Via Isaiah Hole โ€“ Wolverines Wire

J.J. McCarthy has been impressive in 2022

J.J. McCarthy Michigan

On the season, McCarthy has completed 70.9% of his passes for 1,615 yards and 12 touchdowns to go along with just two interceptions. He has also carried the ball 39 times for 202 yards and a pair of touchdowns.

Harbaugh is right, it seems like just a matter of time before those deep balls that are missing by inches start being completed.

And when they do, look out.

W.G. Brady
W.G. Brady

W.G. Brady is a Detroit-based journalist who has been covering the Detroit sports scene for Detroit Sports Nation for several years. He is in his early 30s and has a wealth of experience in the industry. Throughout his career, W.G. has established himself as a respected and knowledgeable journalist known for his in-depth coverage of the teams and athletes in Detroit. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for sports, W.G. has become a go-to source for fans and readers looking for the latest news and analysis on the Detroit sports scene. He has a good reputation in the sports community and is respected for his unbiased coverage of sports events. W.G. is known for his ability to uncover hidden stories and provide unique perspectives on the teams and athletes he covers. He has a good understanding of the city of Detroit and its sports culture, which he uses to inform his reporting and analysis. He continues to be a respected journalist in the Detroit sports industry.