Michigan Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh has boldly asserted that J.J. McCarthy, the current standout quarterback of the team, holds the title of the greatest quarterback in the school's history.
This proclamation follows McCarthy's pivotal role in leading the team to a 27-20 victory in the Rose Bowl semifinal of the 2024 College Football Playoff Tournament against the Alabama Crimson Tide on New Year's Day.
"I've said it before, but right here, this is the greatest quarterback in University of Michigan football — college football history," the 60-year-old mentor said.
Harbaugh's opinion found support from a notable former Michigan quarterback: Tom Brady, often hailed as the greatest quarterback in NFL history.
Following the circulation of Harbaugh's remarks on social media the following day, Brady chimed in on one post with the comment, "Go Blue!!! No doubt!!!"
Currently in his third year with Michigan, McCarthy has showcased impressive stats, accumulating 2,851 passing yards and 22 touchdowns with a completion rate of 73.4%. Notably, he has only thrown four interceptions throughout the season.
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Tom Brady's Michigan Stats
Tom Brady, who played for Michigan from 1996 to 1999, showcased his talent over four seasons, participating in 40 games.
During his collegiate career, the New England Patriots legend accumulated 4,773 passing yards, completing 61.9% of his attempts. He threw for 30 touchdowns but also had 17 interceptions.
As a starter in his junior and senior years, Brady boasted a solid record of 20 wins against 5 losses.
J.J. McCarthy's Michigan Stats
On the other hand, JJ McCarthy's Michigan journey from 2021 to 2023 has spanned three seasons so far.
In this relatively shorter period, McCarthy showcased impressive numbers, throwing for 6,086 yards and 49 touchdowns, with just 11 interceptions. He completed 67.9 percent of his passing attempts.
Notably, McCarthy's dominance is further highlighted by his exceptional record as a starter for the past two seasons: an impressive 26-1, with only one loss marring an otherwise perfect streak. This sole defeat came at the hands of TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal last season.
Brady vs McCarthy: Who is better?
When examining the statistics between Tom Brady and JJ McCarthy, several distinctions emerge in favor of McCarthy.
The 20-year-old boasts superior passing yards and touchdowns compared to Brady's collegiate career. Furthermore, McCarthy's efficiency shines through in his completion percentage and interception ratio, both of which present more favorable figures than the seven-time Super Bowl winner.
Perhaps most impressively, McCarthy's dominance is proven by his exceptional record as a starter, having only experienced a single defeat.
McCarthy stands on the verge of securing a national championship for Michigan, a feat that has always remained out of reach for Brady during his time with the Wolverines.
Harbaugh's claim that McCarthy is the greatest quarterback in Michigan's history finds support in terms of statistics, but the debate remains open to personal interpretations and considerations beyond the numbers.
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