Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy has had a productive season to this point, throwing for 2,630 yards with 19 touchdowns and just four interceptions. However, McCarthy injured his ankle on Nov. 11 against Penn State and attempted just eight passes in a 24-15 Michigan win. McCarthy passed for 141, 148, and 147 yards in the following three games. McCarthy had seven games of 200 yards passing before his injury at Penn State.
They say time heals all wounds, and that seems to be the case for McCarthy. A month without a game has allowed him time to get back to full strength before the Rose Bowl against Alabama.
“100 percent,” McCarthy said, “I’d say 110 percent.”
McCarthy noted that the offensive line is trending in the right direction on the injury front as well, mentioning center Drake Nugent and guard Trevor Keegan as players who benefitted from rest.
“Drake was going through a little something, Keegs was going through a little something. Everybody was kinda going through a little something,” McCarthy said. “So being able to get that time just to rest and let our bodies take its natural course has been tremendous for this game.”
The outcome of the game could largely coincide with McCarthy’s output and the fact he’s feeling good just days away from a College Football Playoff game in Pasadena is promising news for Michigan.
