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JJ McCarthy Reveals Possible Deciding Factor in Saturday's Ohio State vs. Michigan Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Nick Meyer | Last updated Nov 29, 2024 10:58 AM ET

The Michigan Wolverines won the National Champion in college football last season on the legs and arm of former quarterback and 2024 first round NFL draft pick JJ McCarthy, who suffered a torn meniscus this preseason with the Minnesota Vikings.

McCarthy has remained a fan of the Wolverines from afar, even as his former head coach Jim Harbaugh coaches the Los Angeles Chargers and Sherrone Moore has led his alma mater in Ann Arbor, Michigan.

The Wolverines have a tall task ahead of them this weekend with a trip to Ohio State on the docket for Saturday at noon ET.

Coach Ryan Day's No. 2 Buckeyes are 20.5-point favorites heading into 'The Game' against the Wolverines according to Sportsline.com.

The overwhelming odds have not been lost on McCarthy who joined former Michigan and Denver Broncos tight end Jake Butt to discuss the possibilities for Saturday's game.

McCarthy said he believes the Wolverines could have an edge as underdogs heading into the game.

"I would say, I'm like, super excited for this game coming up this Saturday because of the way it's set up like you said," McCarthy said.

"It's been a long time since the Buckeyes beat Big Blue, and just this year feeling like it's such a lopsided, underdog, they're going to blow us out, yada yada number two in the country, 'perfect,' it sets up perfectly for us," McCarthy said.

"Because like you said, playing great ball right now, all it is, NFL, college, how are you playing at the end of the year?"

"So them being able to come together at the right time, and it's going to be about, 'Do they play together as one?' Because every time that I've been a part of beating those guys, that's what it is, offensively, defensively, special teams, coaches, united as one, go in there, beat the individuals, that's it, that's the goal.

"So, if you know, they have the right scheme, players have the right juice, it should be an exciting day for Michigan nation," McCarthy concluded.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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