Michigan Football: Breakdown of Harbaugh’s QB decision
It was recently announced by Michigan football head coach Jim Harbaugh that he’s taking a nontraditional approach to the QB dilemma that’s been brewing in Ann Arbor.
Saturday, it was announced by Jim Harbaugh that he intends to switch things up from the standard QB battle decision. Michigan football is going to start two quarterbacks, at least in the first two games.
"“Cade McNamara will start the opener against Colorado State ad J.J. McCarthy will start the second ball game against Hawaii, and then after week two we will make a decision going into week three on the starter and backup.” -Jim Harbaugh via official Michigan Instagram"
Obviously there is some conflict amongst the fanbase in regards to a plethora of different topics between the two QB’s and the methodology regarding Harbaugh’s decision.
If you don’t recall, J.J McCarthy missed some workouts with a shoulder injury which most likely set him behind Cade from the start which some people are pointing to being the reasoning for this decision to give J.J more time and reps.
Both Michigan football quarterbacks have their strengths and weaknesses and both can win you games. However, let’s discuss more about Harbaugh’s methods of deciding a QB and break down the situation both QB’s are going to be facing in their respective games.
Cade McNamara’s Start Week 1 – vs. Colorado State Rams
Cade McNamara is going to face most likely the lowest level of competition he’s faced in his entire career at Michigan against Colorado State. The Rams finished 3-9 last season with a loss in the season opener to FCS foe South Dakota State.
The Ram’s are not going to be much better than they were last year if at all. Cade McNamara is going to most likely and also needs to coast through this game. The focus point of his play is his accuracy, decision making and if he can start launching the deep ball like J.J can.
In reality, this is McNamara’s job, which is why he is starting week 1 instead of J.J McCarthy. We know that Cade can handle himself against tough opponents and on the road, we’re unsure about that with J.J which is what we’ll discuss later.
All Cade needs to do is manage the field, and remain hyper efficient like he was last year. He’s had all spring and summer to improve his game and elevate it to the next level. If Cade can present the wow factor that J.J has showcased it’ll be his job come week 3.
After all he’s a big ten winning Quarterback who put up average numbers but his composure and decision making coupled with his leadership helped elevate the Wolverines to the playoffs last year. This season he should be improved & will return WR1 Ronnie Bell, so if anything the floor for the 2023 Michigan Wolverines with Cade at QB is very high.