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5 reasons to be wildly optimistic about Michigan Football in 2022

By Chris Peterson

ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half of the game against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines won 31-10. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images)
ANN ARBOR, MICHIGAN - SEPTEMBER 11: Head coach Jim Harbaugh of the Michigan Wolverines reacts during the second half of the game against the Washington Huskies at Michigan Stadium on September 11, 2021 in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The Wolverines won 31-10. (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /
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Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara warms up as quarterback J.J. McCarthy looks on before the game against Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at Michigan Stadium.
Michigan quarterback Cade McNamara warms up as quarterback J.J. McCarthy looks on before the game against Indiana on Saturday, Nov. 6, 2021 at Michigan Stadium. /

It’s OK to be Team Cade and Team JJ

Speaking of the Jackhammer, Harbaugh made headlines last weekend when he announced that Cade McNamara would start against Colorado State and J.J. McCarthy against Hawaii.

Michigan fans have been wondering what it means and making their arguments about who should start. Many also believe Harbaugh is setting up things to go one way or the other.

I don’t. I take him at face value when he says he believes this team can win a championship with either because it can.

Harbaugh said it will become clear on the field to him and to the team. In fact, he said the players wil notice first. That separation hasn’t happened yet but it will. Hell, it did with Tom Brady and Drew Henson, the coaches just refused to see it.

Brady was better and Henson should have waited his turn. That decision likely cost Michigan a trip to the Rose Bowl. This one could hurt too, but it’s also a different dynamic. McCarthy and Cade have proven they can both play and be effective.

McCarthy made impactful plays in almost every Big Ten game including Wisconsin, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Iowa. Not everything was perfect but it’s clear he needs to play.

That being said, if Cade can hold him off and is more productive, he deserves to keep starting. We just have to see how it plays out but I’m not concerned and J.J. isn’t transferring.

It’s not like he’s going to leave this season and after the 2022 season, I believe Cade will move on and McCarthy will be the guy. If he was going to leave, he would have.

Harbaugh says Cade reminds him of himself. I think McCarthy does too and that’s why I think this program is in a perfect position to win big in the next few years.

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