All it took was one time. Michigan’s 42-27 victory over Ohio State last November has sparked a new wave of momentum in Ann Arbor. Quarterback JJ McCarthy is evidence of that.

McCarthy talked about Michigan finally getting over the hump this year, ending an eight-game losing streak to the Buckeyes. It was also only the fourth win the program has enjoyed over Ohio State since the start of the 2000 season.

Speaking with Sports Illustrated, McCarthy emphasized the importance of winning “The Game,” saying that the Michigan-Ohio State game is “very personal” for him and that it’s a game he wanted to win more than any other.

While Ohio State has still dominated the head-to-head series over the past two decades, McCarthy said that’s not the attitude in Ann Arbor. Right now, there’s an overwhelming amount of confidence.

“For us, the whole 10-year stretch of us not winning – that’s all we know is beating Ohio State right now,” McCarthy said. “So we’re going to keep that going.”

Michigan’s win over Ohio State was significant for more than just one reason. That win secured Jim Harbaugh’s first trip to the B1G Championship Game, which the Wolverines won, defeating Iowa 42-3. Michigan also clinched its first trip to the College Football Playoff.

Though Harbaugh danced with a potential return to the NFL, he’s back in Ann Arbor looking to build off the 12-2 campaign the team enjoyed in 2021. It sounds like the team is bought in as well, looking for consecutive wins over the Buckeyes.