Michigans future at QB
This will require a significant amount of speculation so I’m not looking for answers, just opinions. But we all know the QB situation is vitally important to a programs success and Michigan has an interesting road ahead.
If we are to assume that JJ takes the reins full time, I think it would be unlikely that Cade returns next season. In that case we would have JJ/Orji/Denegal. It’s very conceivable that JJ could leave for the draft after his junior season. So 2024 would likely represent the first intrigue point for UMs QB situation.
Questions: Is Orji a guy that could potentially be a plus Big Ten starter? We know he is athletic, but I don’t know enough about his passing ability to know if he could be “the guy” down the line
What is the latest with the recruitment of Jayden Davis?
September 6th, 2022 at 2:02 PM ^
I find it interesting that Davis is visiting this weekend. The same weekend that JJ is starting. The same weekend we are playing Hawaii and a terrible Defense.
I know this is all tin foil hat stuff, but to me all these little things are adding up to a 'showcase' event. Will they go all 'Air Raid' on Hawaii? No. But I would certainly venture to guess that to start out with, they will be more aggressive in their play calling to:
A) Give JJ the opportunity to stake a claim for the starting job
B) Showcase for Davis for what can be if he comes here
Last night on the BIG Show, Nicole Auerbach noted that she believes that Jim has been laying the ground work for JJ to win the job. What she means by that is he is putting JJ in optimal positions to have data performances to allow Jim to state, "Yup, JJ is my starter." There is little question that Jim likes both of his QB, but he also knows as a former QB himself, there can only be one (real Highlander reference here).
All the little things seem to be adding up to that point:
> Last years starter is befuddled with what is going on, assuring himself that he has done enough to keep his job and deflecting that "its a coaches decision"
> The 'other QB - a 5 Star talent' gets talked up consistently throughout camp as being at least an equal
> The 'other QB - 5 star talent' is awarded a starting gig for a game even though the returning starter is 12-2 and has played well throughout training camp
> Furthermore, the 'other QB - 5 star talent' gets to start the 2nd game, against a weaker opponent, and provide the final data point before a decision is made
> They have set up a night game with the next 5 star QB in attendance to be on the sideline when the 'other 5 Star QB' is playing
> With the transfer Portal available, how difficult is it to convince a 5 Star QB to come and sit for 2 years (nearly impossible). 1 year max and some want the opportunity to play immediately
Does this ensure that JJ is awarded the starting gig for week 3? No, he has to still perform, but they have certainly did all they can without tipping their hand to lay it out for JJ to take the starting job.
Another way to think about this. IF Jim wanted to have Cade be the starter, he could have easily just stated that he won the job out of camp and they will continue to rotate JJ in for packages...
September 6th, 2022 at 10:32 AM ^
Two years is an entire generation in college football rosters. No one has a clue, particularly with regard to quarterback, who will even be here in 2024, let alone who will be the starter. I'm not trying to trash your post, just pointing that there is no answer to your questions. In the meantime enjoy the public humiliation of Hawaii on Saturday!
September 6th, 2022 at 10:37 AM ^
Since we are speculating, here is my speculation.
What does ND recruits do if they go 8-4 losing all big games?
What does Oregon commit do, if Oregon's QB play implodes during the season?
Jayden is already addressed above. Another if scenario there but per Sam we are in a good spot.
What if Cade sticks it out for five years and Harbaugh plays both until JJ leaves for the draft or Cade leaves for the draft?
Remember, we are still a running team. Harbaugh can run a road grader team and find a game manager. Excellent defense and we are off the races. Look at Georgia and what they did with their walk-on.
We don't know. Too early. Let us see what happens. I am sure they will find someone.
September 6th, 2022 at 11:13 AM ^
What does Dante Moore do with an 11-1 Michigan and a 6-6 Oregon season?
September 6th, 2022 at 11:36 AM ^
Two, my guess is - he does a lot of thinking. Dan Lanning, Oregon’s new head coach, is a defensive coach - that’s his pedigree and experience. Though Oregon’s OC has spent his career with QB’s and as an offensive coach. And the Ducks only face two more ranked teams this season - BYU and Utah - both are home games in Eugene.
Oregon might finish 9-3, I doubt 6-6 - but, what will their offense do?
September 6th, 2022 at 11:49 AM ^
Oregon more likely to finish 9-3 but their offense was not very good in the first game and so was their defense. That could be Georgia but I was surprised how bad they were even when Georgia called off the dogs (pun intended).
September 6th, 2022 at 11:15 AM ^
I feel like it hasn't been discussed enough that this past week was a potentially good week if we're trying to flip some guys. Notre Dame, Oregon, and LSU all lost
September 6th, 2022 at 10:42 AM ^
Can't believe we're even having this conversation, but if we are, what about Davis Warren? Of course Bowman is the 3rd stringer, but shouldn't we include him in next year's conversation along with the true freshman that you already mentioned? Everyone loved him in the spring. Could he be a viable replacement for Cade as the backup to JJ next year?
Again, there are about 1000 scenarios that could occur in the next few weeks let alone the remainder of this season, but let's not forget Davis is also an option this year and beyond.
September 6th, 2022 at 10:42 AM ^
We are ONE(!) game into the 2022 season. Expectations, rightfully so, remain sky-high for our offense regardless of who's the starting QB. Cade is a proven winner. JJ has off-the-charts potential. Our relatively inexperienced defense just exceeded expectations. Exciting times, indeed.
And here's an anxiety-driven thread about 2024's QB situation?!? Get a hold of yourself, OP.
Enjoy the ride. This is supposed to be fun. If this team has good player leadership, a playoff return will remain a real possibility.
September 6th, 2022 at 11:11 AM ^
The OP has Irritable Bowel Syndrome?
September 6th, 2022 at 11:02 AM ^
Looking WAY, WAY down the road: Does Harbaugh's son Jack play QB at Michigan? Or does he go to ND? Or does he pursue a career in the fine arts?
September 6th, 2022 at 11:07 AM ^
Just keep winning. In the almost words of Field of Dreams:
If you win it, they will come
If you win it, they will come
September 6th, 2022 at 11:09 AM ^
First three paragraphs are just a cover for what you are really getting at, right?
September 6th, 2022 at 11:11 AM ^
I was listening in on JJs discussion this morning with Harbaugh.
Harbaugh basically said if you play well on Saturday the job is yours but only if you pinky promise to come back and lead the team next year while we get Jadyn Davis ready.
NIL has him covered.
September 6th, 2022 at 11:15 AM ^
I read an article and it really put into light that JJ needs to be the starter. I had been wavering back and forth for a while, but Cade looked tight. Against Co State. That gaffed almost pick, the underthrows.
Let JJ put on a show this weekend, and maybe Davis sees himself in it.
Cade will go, and that sucks and he'll be a legend for FINALLY finishing the job after years of our QBs feebly stumbled to the finish - usually hurt. But, I think JJ has to come in and show that QBs can do great things at UM and 5 stars should come here to do it and go to the NFL. we may not run OSU's "27 pt" offense, but.. there are so many skilled receivers and OLman... just need a QB to let it rip a bit without looking over his shoulder
Cade was incredibly defensive after the game - and to be fair, with reason. But... that tells me this is JJ's to lose.
September 6th, 2022 at 11:48 AM ^
BTN is replaying the CSU game - they just finished the 3rd quarter - and, as much as I want this decision to be extremely challenging for the coaching staff (and, I do think it’s tough for several reasons) - JJ, and his mobility - RPO - just add a dimension to the offense.
JJ’s skill set adds to the versatility of the offense. And, the open question for me remains - can JJ effectively read the opposing D - specifically, for more complex opponents - and communicate the appropriate adjustments, etc.
And, as was noted. Cade will always have a space in the heart of many Michigan fans. That will never change. Cade has my respect, admiration, and appreciation.
Go Blue!
September 6th, 2022 at 2:05 PM ^
We're getting 2 years of JJ. This year and next. Cade will probably transfer, and I think he'll have plenty of Power 5 options - there just aren't that many proven starters in CFB right now.
Cade could start for the majority of the teams in the B1G, Pac 12 and even a bunch in the $EC. That said, can't keep talent like JJ on the bench.
Hopefully we pull in Jayden Davis as the heir apparent and things go smoothly. It's just the reality of today's college football - hard to hold on to 2 good to great QB's for long. Any competitor will want to start.
September 6th, 2022 at 4:43 PM ^
Dante Moore will be here in 2024. 😁
September 6th, 2022 at 5:30 PM ^
Worry, my fine wolverine fanatics, is pulling tomorrows clouds over todays sunshine. Enjoy the QB room.