Who will QB Michigan this season?
Nothing against Cade, all he’s done is win. However, I’m just wondering what peoples’ opinions are, regarding who will QB M throughout this season.
After the first game or two, I thought we might go to a two QB system. And when the run game looked unstoppable, I thought Cade was pretty safe. Now, I’m less certain.
I don’t think a change would happen soon, if it did happen, and I’m definitely not trying to say that a change should happen.
But I would like to know who people think WILL be the starter, not who deserves it or what M SHOULD do.
So, if you think Bowman wins the starting job the night before the OSU game, chime in. I like to hear peoples’ thoughts on how this will shake out.
September 29th, 2021 at 7:50 AM ^
Not getting the negbombing of the OP. The OP asks a legit question and in so doing creates some content for the board. The thread is now 3 pages long and so the reality seems to be an actual interest in the topic. I suppose my response will be negbombed as well and I face the horror of ending the week with only 600 points. Somehow I will carry on. That being said....
1. What was Bowman thinking in transferring to Michigan? Most QBs transfer to places where they are fairly assured of starting. Doesn't seem to be the case here. I don't think he has played enough to burn a year of eligibility - perhaps that is now the plan to allow him to transfer without losing a year.
2. Several posts in this thread have commented on Cade's folding under pressure. What evidence do we have of that? He has no sacks, fumbles (other than one he fell on) or interceptions.
3. And to answer the OP's speculative question - I think Cade will be the starter throughout the season barring injury but expect JJ to win the job next year.
September 29th, 2021 at 8:43 AM ^
could be that he legit thought he could compete for the 1spot
or maybe
he wanted a degree from U of M
September 29th, 2021 at 8:28 AM ^
is it only at Michigan, where people speculate on the benching of a QB that's 4-0 to start the season
September 29th, 2021 at 8:38 AM ^
I've had multiple quarters of great success where outside investors (and most internal folks) think "amazing profit! great EBITDA! everything is great!" but you have to look beyond that. There are serious issues I can see now that need addressed before they turn into major issues and we are not hitting numbers at the end of the quarter. There is one particular issue that I need to make some serious decisions on and to most it looks like all is good. It's not and it won't be down the road.
I need to think strategically and think 4-24 quarters ahead of schedule.
I think that is a fair analogy for the quarterback discussion.
September 29th, 2021 at 8:47 AM ^
i suppose you could frame it that way.
he has had 11, 15, 11 and 16 pass attempts and i don't think he's calling plays.
if we were losing everyone would be talking about benching the QB and firing coaches.
we're undefeated, yet the conversation doesn't sound a lot different.
September 29th, 2021 at 9:53 AM ^
I hear you and to be clear I'm no football coach and I'm not saying there is an issue with Cade. I'm just saying I'm hoping they are looking at it strategically on how we win now as well as forward thinking throughout the year.
September 29th, 2021 at 10:32 AM ^
Nope, happened at Clemson with Trevor Lawerence as a recent example.
September 29th, 2021 at 9:23 AM ^
After watching cade jump around and get happy feet, I think JJ will be starting sooner than later.
Simple eye test: on the long bomb to Baldwin, JJ evaded the rush, then SET HIS FEET, before throwing 50 yd bomb.
Dont see Cade doing that. JJ just has better mechanics. It's a matter of when, not If.
September 29th, 2021 at 10:26 AM ^
What a pointless question, since we are four games in and have the damn answer. "No offense to Cade" is like "I'm not a racist, but..." in which the whole premise of this post is to throw out opinions about something that is already factually moot.
How about you be a little more direct in your position and questions:
How many other people question whether Cade will remain starter? That's your real question.
Your answer does involve opinion, so your whole thing asking others not to conjecture with "who will" v. "who deserves" is redundant opinion. Why? Because anyone who thinks Cade does not deserve to start will form an opinion-based argument for how he will lose his job. Get it? There's nothing objective about a question that comes once there's already been an answer and your own justifications for asking include your argument for why you think Cade is not doing enough.
September 29th, 2021 at 11:26 AM ^
Harbaugh is too stubborn to change QBs by choice before losing at least one, and probably two, games.
He will ride and die with McNamara.
I think to a few years ago when Swinney transitioned to Lawrence while undefeated early in the season...no way do we see that from Harbaugh.
September 29th, 2021 at 12:01 PM ^
Cade was rattled either physically or mentally by the targeting hit. Common sense tells us that Harbaugh should have put in JJ for at least a series or two. He's not starting JJ until way after it becomes clear he should. That is, after we lose at least one game we shouldn't. Harbaugh has shown this stubborn resistance to change a number of times in the past.
September 29th, 2021 at 12:27 PM ^
We hear all the time how describing a QB as "managing the game" can be annoying (because it is). So far, as much as I deplore saying this, whether by design (play calling) or whatever (execution), Cade is "managing the game." I stand corrected on which game, but during the Western Michigan game I believe, Joel Klatt (who is not as cloying as Gus Johnson) said J.J. is the "more athletic" of the two (which is true). We have already seen, albeit in limited fashion, J.J. can make plays Cade cannot both in terms of his arm and legs. There may be a point whether on Saturday at Camp Randall or beyond where the offense needs a jump start and Harbaugh recognizes this and makes the change, as much as he may veer towards being stubborn and not.