Michigan Football: 5 things we learned in win over Northwestern

J.J. McCarthy is closer to being ready

There was a lot of talk about J.J. McCarthy during the game and when he’s on the field, he makes some wow throws. He also ran two times for 36 yards and set up a field goal while the game was still competitive.

His role should continue to expand and at some point, in a big moment, he’s going to fake a handoff, and take a shot deep because so many expect him to run when he comes in for Cade.

People are asking why put him in just to hand the ball off?

A few reasons. One is that he’s usually executing a read-option, so he’s got the option to keep it and is a much bigger threat to run than McNamara so it makes it easier on Michigan and harder on the defense because they can’t forget about him.

And as I said, the play-action pass is going to be set up. I guarantee the staff is just waiting for the perfect moment to pull the trigger and on some third-and-short, he’s going to go deep.

As frustrating as the offense can be at times with Cade, he passed for 10 first downs yesterday — finding Cornelius Johnson and Erick All multiple times – and he’s 7-0 as a starter.

It might be McCarthy’s time soon, but as long as Cade is winning, and the offense keeps racking up 450 yards as it did yesterday, he’s going to keep starting.