J.J. McCarthy

ANALYSIS
McCarthy couldn't dig himself and the Wolverines out of their 21-6 halftime deficit despite throwing for a season-high 343 yards. The sophomore quarterback's first fatal mistake came on the opening play of Michigan's second offensive series, as he threw a late pass an out route that was intercepted for a touchdown by safety Bud Clark. McCarthy did go on to hit four passes of 30-plus yards, including a 50-yard bomb to wide receiver Roman Wilson that, upon review, was controversially called down at the TCU one-yard line. The signal-caller and fullback Kalel Mullings then fumbled an exchange on the ensuing play, costing the Wolverines a chance to pull the score to 14-10 early in the second quarter. McCarthy's second pick-six came in the third quarter on a short pass from his own 28-yard line that was intercepted by linebacker Dee Winters. This set Michigan back 34-16, allowing the Horned Frogs to keep things just out of reach and bring an end the Wolverines' playoff run. After guiding Michigan to a 12-1 record and its second Big Ten Championship in as many seasons, McCarthy should still be considered a lock for the starting job heading into the 2023 campaign.