Michigan Football: 3 takeaways from a swell win over UNLV
By Nick Popio
1. J.J. McCarthy is off to the best statistical start in school history
The running game may not quite be what we expected yet, but J.J. McCarthy is surpassing all of our expectations. For the second consecutive week, he was in rhythm as he started the affair 13-13 before throwing an incompletion. He connected with Roman Wilson again for two more scores and out of Wilson’s 10 receptions in two wins, half of them are for touchdowns.
McCarthy’s completion percentage is in uncharted territories for a Michigan football quarterback. The competition is not on par with a national contender, but McCarthy is taking the next step forward in his maturation process. Michigan may have to win a game or two down the line without its potent rushing attack to lean on.
Highest completion percentage in Michigan history when attempting at least 25 passes in a game:
— Zach Shaw (@_ZachShaw) September 9, 2023
1) 88.0 percent — JJ McCarthy this week (22-25)
2) 86.7 percent — JJ McCarthy last week (26-30)
He’s fourth best on the list for completion percentage since 2000 with a minimum of 50 attempts. He has a 199 passer efficiency rating, without playing every snap at quarterback so far this year. He is proving that he is more than a game manager and a sure-fire first-round talent, but there’s still a long way to go this season.