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JJ McCarthy addresses ‘Free Harbaugh’ warm-up shirt
By Mark Kern
Published:
The No.2 Michigan Wolverines took care of business on Saturday, defeating the East Carolina Pirates, 30-3.
Quarterback J.J. McCarthy was spectacular on the day, going 26-of-30 for 280 yards and 3 touchdowns. His 86.7% completion percentage was the second highest ever for a Michigan quarterback (20 minimum attempts), trailing only Elvis Grbac’s 20-of-22 performance against Notre Dame in 1991.
While he sent a message on the field with his on-field play, he also sent a message before the game. During warmups of the game, he wore a t-shirt that said Free Harbaugh. Harbaugh was serving the 1st of a 3-game self-imposed penalty by Michigan.
After the game, McCarthy told reporters that he wants his coach back.
“I just want my coach back,” McCarthy said. “I personally felt like something was missing today, and it was definitely him.”
Superstar running back Blake Corum echoed his quarterback’s sentiment, saying “Free the Man, Free the man.”
Saturday was the first game that Harbaugh will be out, and he will miss the next two against UNLV and Bowling Green. The first game Harbaugh will be back on the sidelines will be for the B1G opener against Rutgers in Ann Arbor.
Next week against UNLV, Jay Harbaugh will coach the first half and Mike Hart will coach the second half. The following week, Sherrone Moore will coach the team against Bowling Green.
Main photo via Austin Meek (@byAustinMeek) on X, formerly Twitter.