Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from heart-wrenching loss to MSU

Cade McNamara played his paramount game besides one errant throw

Cade McNamara left no doubt that he is the No.1 guy on the depth chart today. He truly did everything that you can ask for. His criticism was worth it coming into the battle, but after this close loss, it’s clear that he gives Michigan football the best chance to win now no matter what anybody thinks or says about it.

McNamara was a yard shy of matching Shea Patterson’s output in 2019. He put the ball where it needed to be for his receivers to come down with it on several passes.

McNamara took what the defense gave him and was able to put his offense in scoring situations, but did make one mistake that ended the comeback chances of Michigan with a minute to play.

J.J. McCarthy was sprinkled in and out of the loss as usual. He made some splash plays, but he will be remembered for turning the ball over in crunch time when Michigan had the game in their hands.

He lost the rock on Michigan’s last scoring drive and fumbled on the next series that led to the go-ahead score for Michigan State.

Harbaugh later said it was due to an injury to McNamara on the last series.