Saturday Blitz
Fansided

College Football: Top 5 QB battles to watch during spring 2022

By Dante Pryor

SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Tyler Buchner #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball during the game against the Toledo Rockets at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images)
SOUTH BEND, IN - SEPTEMBER 11: Tyler Buchner #12 of the Notre Dame Fighting Irish runs the ball during the game against the Toledo Rockets at Notre Dame Stadium on September 11, 2021 in South Bend, Indiana. (Photo by Michael Hickey/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 6
Next
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) tries to pass against Georgia during the second half of the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday, December 31, 2021.
Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy (9) tries to pass against Georgia during the second half of the Orange Bowl at Hard Rock Stadium in Miami Gardens, Florida, on Friday, December 31, 2021. /

3. Michigan: JJ McCarthy vs. Cade McNamara

Expectations are at the heart of this quarterback battle. Cade McNamara was the starting quarterback last season; a season, they defeated Ohio State, won the Big Ten, and made it to the College Football Playoff. McNamara, however, was ineffective during their 34-11 loss to Georgia in the National Semifinal.

J.J. McCarthy, however, is the five-star with the upside. He was more effective against Georgia’s defense as well. There’s a risk in going with McCarthy because of his lack of experience, but there is also an upside because of his physical tools.

The case for McNamara

Cade McNamara is a solid college quarterback. Despite being undersized, McNamara sees the field very well and is sharp with his short to intermediate throws. This was Michigan’s best season in a long time, and he was QB1; that has to count for something.

The case for McCarthy

McCarthy is the quarterback that came to Ann Arbor with all of the hype. He has all of the tools and upside. Nick Saban pulled Jalen Hurts for Tua, Brian Kelly pulled Brandon Wimbush for Ian Book, and Dabo pulled Kelly Bryant for Trevor Lawrence. All three were correct in doing so as well. If Harbaugh doesn’t do it now, when will he?

What should Michigan do?

If Michigan was happy with just getting to the playoff, go back to McNamara. Keep in mind that Ohio State and Penn State will be better this season. McCarthy has to be the starter if Michigan wants to keep up with Ohio State and keep the Nittany Lions at bay.

Home/College Football News