Michigan QB tracker: McNamara, McCarthy both shine in Week 1

Jim Harbaugh’s choice to not settle on a permanent starting quarterback generated a lot of attention, discussion and second-guessing.

Some observers see it as a smart move, a way to create competition between Michigan’s incumbent starter Cade McNamara and challenger JJ McCarthy. Others viewed it as a risk that could damage team chemistry and hinder the development of whoever ultimately ends up being the starter. 

[Jim Harbaugh taking a risk by delaying picking a starting QB]

Michigan’s QB competition

RJ Young discusses the decision by Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh to give both Cade McNamara and J.J. McCarthy a start in the first two weeks of the season.

Either way, Harbaugh created more intrigue around the defending Big Ten champions’ first two games. McNamara started in Week 1 Saturday against Colorado State, while McCarthy is scheduled to start Week 2 against Hawaii. 

After that, Harbaugh might pick a permanent starter for Week 3 against UConn — or perhaps he won’t. Either way, we’ll be tracking how the candidates do through these first weeks. This story will be updated after each game.

Week 1: No. 8 Michigan vs. Colorado State

After a three-and-out on his first drive, McNamara led the Wolverines on an 80-yard touchdown drive. Well, it wasn’t really a drive so much a two-play sprint. After running back Blake Corum dashed for a 19-yard gain, McNamara hit Roman Wilson on a short pass, and Wilson did the rest on a 61-yard touchdown.

McNamara led five scoring drives in the first half as Michigan ran out to a 23-0 lead. Then, after Michigan made it 30-0 with a defensive score to open the third period, he started a drive that brought Michigan to the Rams’ 20-yard line.

At that point, McCarthy came in for his first taste of action – and this is what he did on his first touch.

On his next drive, McCarthy led Michigan 58 yards on eight plays, with Donovan Edwards finishing things off with a touchdown run to put Michigan up 44-0.

After Colorado State got on the board with its first touchdown, McCarthy started another drive before being replaced by third-stringer Alan Bowman.

At the end of the day, here’s how things broke down:

— McNamara completed nine of his 18 pass attempts for 136 yards, one touchdown and no interceptions. His QBR was 131.8, and he left with a 30-0 lead.

— McCarthy completed all four of his pass attempts for 30 yards. He also had three rushes for 50 yards, including the 20-yard touchdown run.

— Bowman was 5-for-6 for 40 yards in mop-up duty.

— Final score: Michigan 51, Colorado State 7

What they’re saying

According to the Associated Press, McNamara “sounded surly” when asked about the starting situation: 

“I would definitely say it’s pretty unusual,” he told reporters Saturday. “It was kind of a thing that I wasn’t expecting. By the end of camp, I thought I had my best camp and put myself in a good position.”

When it was relayed to Harbaugh that McNamara was not happy, he didn’t seem to be concerned.

“I don’t think I have to manage anything,” Harbaugh said. “I just need to let them go out there and compete and do what they do.”

As far as McNamara’s play, Harbaugh said “I thought he had a really good game.”

On McCarthy’s performance, Harbaugh said: “He was electric when he got in. There’s no question about that. He also went through his reads very well. He was super cool, calm and collected.”

Colorado State head coach Jay Norvell, who made his debut with the Rams after spending five seasons at Nevada, was also asked about Michigan’s quarterback situation.

“I’ve known McNamara a long time,” he said. “He’s from Reno, [Nevada]. No. 9 [McCarthy] is athletic. He goes in there and runs the zone read and keeps the drive alive. He’s different. I’ll let Jimmy worry about that.”

Week 2: vs. Hawaii

McCarthy is scheduled to start.

Week 3: vs. Connecticut

Stay tuned!

The Associated Press contributed to this story.

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