J.J. McCarthy threw five interceptions last season in his first year as Michigan football’s starter. A respectable number by almost any measure.
The problem was the last two. They came against TCU in the College Football Playoff semifinal. Both were returned for touchdowns.
U-M gave up 51 points that night in the Arizona desert. If McCarthy makes better throws, or different choices, maybe the Wolverines only give up 37 and win the game.
It’s never fair to lay the blame of a team sport at the feet of a single player, especially in a game where a coach uses at least 30 players — often more.