Wolverine Digest

Michigan fans, media, former players react to J.J. McCarthy's comeback win for Vikings

It was a comeback for the ages for the first-year starter
Trent Knoop|
Matt Marton-Imagn Images

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Michigan WolverinesMinnesota Vikings

Michigan fans, media, coaches, and players were all tuned into the TV on Monday night to see former QB J.J. McCarthy make his first career start in the NFL for the Minnesota Vikings. It was a very rocky start for the former Wolverine signal caller. Through three quarters of action against the Chicago Bears, McCarthy threw for a total of 56 yards and had a crucial pick-six against him.

But following the pick-six, McCarthy let loose and shined. In the final 15 minutes, he went 6-for-8 for 87 yards, two passing touchdowns, and one carry for 14 yards and one rushing touchdown. For the game, McCarthy passed for 143 yards, two TDs, one INT, 25 yards on the ground, and one rushing touchdown. The Minnesota Vikings would go on to win the game 27-24.

While Ohio State fans and national pundits were putting way too much stock into McCarthy's first-half performance, Viking fans and Michigan fans knew what McCarthy was capable of. Michigan knows all too well. As the starting QB for the Wolverines, McCarthy went 27-1 as a starter and took Michigan to a national title -- and won it in 2023.

McCarthy helped beat Ohio State all three years he was in Ann Arbor, and he led the Wolverines to two straight Big Ten titles in 2022 and 2023 as the starting QB. Following the game, Michigan fans, media, and alumni all reacted to his performance.

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Published
Trent Knoop
TRENT KNOOP

Trent began writing and covering Michigan athletics back in 2020. He became a credentialed member of the media in 2021. Trent began writing with Sports Illustrated in 2023 and became the Managing Editor for Michigan Wolverines On SI during the 2025 football season. Trent also serves as the Publisher of Baylor Bears on SI. His other bylines have appeared on Maryland on SI, Wisconsin on SI, and across the USA TODAY Sports network. Trent’s love of sports and being able to tell stories to fans is what made him get into writing.

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