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Jim Harbaugh details plans for Hawaii, running ability of JJ McCarthy

Grant Bricker

By Grant Bricker

Published:

Jim Harbaugh will have a different starting quarterback against Hawaii. He brought up how he’ll be using McCarthy for the game, and what he would like him to improve at per Angelique Chengelis of The Detroit News.

As expected, McCarthy will be taking most of the 1st-team reps at practice ahead of Saturday’s game. McCarthy got some action against Colorado State, as he finished the game with 30 yards passing and 50 yards rushing with 1 touchdown on the ground. While McCarthy will be starting, McNamara will still see some playing time.

Harbaugh welcomes what McCarthy brings to the Michigan offense. However, he wishes that he would learn how to slide more often to avoid getting hit. As a former quarterback, Harbaugh understands his thought process.

“It’s to something to keep improving,” said Harbaugh. “Once he gets the first down, try to get down. But I also understand that as a quarterback, you like to get some kind of contact early when you’re out there.”

Another thing that is great about having McCarthy behind center is how the defense adjusts to him. He brings attention from defenders, which allows for the offense to operate in a much different way.

“He definitely pulls defenders,” said Harbaugh. “They have to know where he is. There needs to be a plan when a quarterback can run in the 4.5s, that gets to be faster than linebackers. You gotta have a plan to contain that.”

Grant Bricker

Grant Bricker covers the B1G for Saturday Tradition. His previous stops include the Williamson Homepage and Nashville Post.