Michigan Football: Gut reactions to J.J. McCarthy’s big night vs Hawaii

Michigan football started J.J. McCarthy at quarterback on Saturday night and it has now become clear that he should keep the job. 

We didn’t know exactly what Saturday night was going to bring for Michigan football, especially after the weather delay and some worry about the game being played.

In the end, the skies parted, and J.J. McCarthy proved to be everything we expected him to be in his first career starter, completing 11-of-12 passes for 229 yards and three touchdowns. He led the Wolverines to 42-first-half points and didn’t come close to a turnover.

McCarthy opened the game with a long touchdown pass to Roman Wilson and help set up another score with a 50-yard completion to Cornelius Johnson. McCarthy then got Ronnie Bell back in the end with an absolute dart and capped his night with a 17-yard score to Johnson.

It was as sharp as one could be. It was Hawaii after all and you can make that argument, but Cade McNamara still completed just 4-of-6 passes for 26 yards. He also had an interception.

As much as we all appreciate Cade McNamara for what he did, it’s time to name J.J McCarthy the starter. Here’s more on that and some other gut reactions.

Michigan football gut reactions: Hawaii

• J.J. McCarthy unlocks the offense. It’s just different when he’s in there.
• Cade was sluggish again. His confidence is shaky. It’s not bad to sit for a while sometimes.
• The running game looked better and it was good to have Ryan Hayes back.
• Five rushing touchdowns isn’t a bad night at all.
• What a great night for Roman Wilson, who is still not talked about enough.
• The throw to Ronnie Bell wasn’t one Cade could make in my opinion.
• Having a QB who can complete the 50/50 throw is next-level.
• The defense was as good as it needed to be.
• Michigan football played just about everyone.
• Jim needs to announce McCarthy as the starter. Let the team rally around him.
• Go Blue!