Jim Harbaugh has his starting quarterback, naming JJ McCarthy the winner of Michigan’s extended QB battle after his Week 2 outing vs. Hawaii. It was a dramatic one with McCarthy achieving near-perfection with his PFF grade.

So, how did the Wolverines wind up with McCarthy as the starter? In an interview with Brad Galli of WXYZ in Detroit, Harbaugh explained how McCarthy “hit an inflection point” and has been playing really good. And if there was any doubt, Harbaugh confirmed McCarthy won the battle on merit (Via 247 Sports):

“He hit an inflection point and has been really playing good,” Harbaugh said. “By merit, he’s earned that. My advice to him is the exact same advice to Cade. It’s the same advice I’ve gotten since six years old, from one of the smartest people I know, who is my mother, Jackie Harbaugh. What she always said without fail, whether I was playing little league, high school, college or pro or coaching is, ‘One play at a time, one game at a time.’ It’s the most spot-on advice for any of us and all of us at any point in time.”

Harbaugh also said McCarthy’s performance “has been impressive” while simply playing his game. Harbaugh also reaffirmed McCarthy doesn’t have a big head as he strives to get better.