3 Keys for Michigan Football in Big Ten title game vs Purdue

J.J. McCarthy needs to keep rolling

Last week, we saw the J.J. McCarthy had all been waiting for. McCarthy threw for 263 yards and had three touchdown passes of 45 yards or more. He also completed a deep ball to Ronnie Bell and ran for some key first downs, as well as a touchdown.

McCarthy showed toughness and poise. He didn’t get off to a great start and he wasn’t perfect, but he was perfect when he needed to be. When Cornelius Johnson was wide open, McCarthy put it on him instead of leading him as Harbaugh said after the Rutgers game.

It was a sure touchdown as long as J.J. didn’t miss and he didn’t. McCarthy dropped a dime to Colston Loveland and his throw to Johnson on the first touchdown, with pressure bearing down on him, showed impressive arm strength. Few college QBs can complete that throw, bottom line.

Now, let’s see if McCarthy can do it again. He was clutch against Illinois and now that he has the confidence of beating Ohio State, one would think his play would reflect that.

Purdue’s pass defense isn’t great and it’s a prime opportunity for McCarthy to shine again. I doubt Purdue is going to play like Ohio State did last week with zero coverage, but if McCarthy can keep playing well, Michigan is going to win this game.