Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy previews The Game: The Michigan Wolverines vs. the Ohio State Buckeyes.
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan QB J.J. McCarthy will lead the Wolverines against one of the best defenses in college football on Saturday when the Big Ten East is decided at the Big House.
McCarthy went 12-for-24 for 263 yards and three passing touchdowns against Ohio State in the Horseshoe last November, also adding a rushing score and a gritty 19-yard scamper. His second start and third appearance in The Game will be a focal point come Saturday at noon.
Here is what J.J. McCarthy said Monday afternoon as he previewed Michigan vs. Ohio State, a showdown of two undefeated, top-three teams:
On how The Game became personal for him as he was growing up:
Growing up in the Midwest and being around Big Ten football, it’s always something that Thanksgiving weekend you always tuned into. It’s always the game of the week. Being a part of that as a youngin’ and then growing up being a fan of both teams. Always wanted to be a part of this. That’s probably the biggest thing.
On how he grew up as a fan of both teams:
I grew up first being an Ohio State fan. I won’t lie; I did. But God had different plans for me and showed me the way, and I’m very blessed and appreciative be here — that’s for damn sure.
On his memory of the atmosphere in 2021 and what he expects this weekend:
It’s kind of like the meme. It was cinema. It really was. It was just a movie with the snowfall and with the crowd. Felt like the crowd, it was really one heartbeat that was meshed with the team. Everything about it was just magical. And I don’t expect anything less this weekend.
On his health:
Really good. Yeah, last week was a little bit rough. But I’m doing fantastic right now. Treatment has been great. And yeah, we’ll be ready to go.
On his performances the last couple of weeks:
Getting more into rhythm. I feel like that’s gonna be great. With the touchdowns and all that, I feel like I’ve just been saving them up. We’re scoring, we’re winning. And that’s all I care about.
On having experience starting in The Game last year:
I think experience is one of the greatest edges you can have as a player. Going into last year, that first drive, all those emotions that were creeping in — it was something I’ve never felt before. So now it’s predictable, therefore manageable. I’ll know how to handle my emotions and get them down to where they need to be. And yeah, I’d say it does a lot for me. That’s for sure.
On what he sees from the Ohio State defense after Michigan got several chunk plays against them last year:
They definitely keep a lot more in front of them. They try to make you earn it each and every drive. And I love that, because that’s what our defense does too. So we’ve seen it all year and went against it all year. But they’re a great defense — athletes all over the board. And it’s gonna be a fun one.
On his numbers dipping when Sherrone Moore is the head coach:
I think each and every game is unique and different. And I feel like these past couple of games where Coach Harbaugh hasn’t been there have been extremely unique. So just getting on the same page with Coach Moore, making sure that there’s no confusion throughout the week with the game plan and what he expects of me. And just going out there and doing the best I can every single play no matter what’s called and doing my job at the end of the day.
On his history with Ohio State QB Kyle McCord:
Kyle is my guy. Ever since growing up and going all these satellite camps and all these Rivals, 247, all that, we were always there together and we just kind of meshed. Two alike personalities and it’s gonna be really cool. It’s gonna be really surreal to see him out there in this environment, this game. Going out there and wish him safety and make sure he stays healthy  He’s gonna give our defense a little bit some trouble at times and we’ve got to respond and be able to attack him in any way possible.
On how much his legs will be a factor against Ohio State:
Who knows what Coach Moore wants and expects out of me. I would just predict that we’re gonna do anything and everything to win this football game — whether it’s me running the ball or just throwing the ball. I feel like things will arise from scrambling and taking off. But no matter what he asks of me, I’m just gonna go out there and execute.
On his impressions of the Michigan offensive line cohesion:
Cohesive as all get out. Those guys are always on the same page. They love each other. They do whatever they can to just be one tight unit and go out there every single play to dominate the man in front of them, protect me, protect the backs. Doesn’t matter who’s in there. They’re always just one cohesive unit that plays really well.
On how much game days are different without Jim Harbaugh coaching him up:
I’d say it stays the same, honestly. Yeah, there’s not too many differences other than Coach Harbaugh give me a little piece of advice here and there. So yeah, it’s pretty normal.
