5 things we learned from Michigan football’s third straight Big Ten title

J.J. McCarthy was up to the task

This isn’t a game that J.J. McCarthy will remember as one of his best. He didn’t have a touchdown pass and averaged just 4.9 yards per pass attempt. He was also sacked four times.

However, McCarthy still delivered a winning performance against one of the best defenses in college football. An early strike on fourth-and-seven was important and led to a field goal. He also kept the ball out of harm’s way.

That was the most important factor in winning on Saturday night. Iowa wasn’t going to win without getting multiple takeaways and McCarthy refused to give them the opportunity.

McCarthy could use some time to get healthy. The offensive line also needs to shore up its protection issues because whether it’s Florida State, Texas, Alabama, or Georgia, the pass protection will have to improve.

There were some decisions I’m sure he’d like back, but McCarthy was also hurt by a few uncharacteristic drops which would have greatly altered the numbers.

Yet, he played winning football and anytime J.J. feels like he didn’t have a great game, he comes back with a stellar performance, so keep that in mind heading into the national semifinal.