Michigan QB JJ McCarthy wears ‘FREE Harbaugh’ jersey in support of Wolverines coach Jim Harbaugh amid three-game suspension
Michigan Wolverines star quarterback JJ McCarthy wore a “FREE Harbaugh” jersey before and after the team’s 30-3 victory over East Carolina.
Wolverines head coach Jim Harbaugh is currently serving a three-game suspension imposed by the school for recruiting violations.
McCarthy wore a Harbaugh No 4 jersey with “FREE” written in marker on white tape over the coach’s name as he stepped off the bus, during the pre-game warm-up, and at the post-game press conference.
“That was definitely a tribute to Coach Harbaugh,” McCarthy said after throwing three touchdown passes to Roman Wilson to help the second-ranked Wolverines secure an easy win to start the season. “That was pretty cool to do.”
“I just want my coach back,” McCarthy continued. ‘It’s that simple.’
JJ McCarthy wore a ‘FREE Harbaugh’ jersey before and after the game against East Carolina
Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh is currently serving a three-game ban imposed by the school
McCarthy said he believed Harbaugh watched the game at Moore’s house. Harbaugh was able to coach the team during the week and help the staff with the game plan.
McCarthy completed 26 of 30 passes for 280 yards in the first meeting between the teams.
The quarterback said he felt very different from a year ago when he came off a shoulder injury and competed with Cade McNamara to become the team’s starting quarterback.
“This one felt effortless,” he said.
All-America running back Blake Corum, who had knee surgery, ran for 73 yards and a touchdown on 10 carries. He showed his speed is back on runs of 37 and 21 yards.
Fans also wore their own custom “Free Harbaugh” shirts in support of the head coach
“It felt great to be back there, doing some cuts and some long runs,” said Corum. “That was honestly the first time I got hit since the Ohio State game.”
The Pirates (0-1) were outscored as expected against a team with national championship aspirations that has won two straight Big Ten titles and trips to the College Football Playoff.
They avoided a shutout with Andrew Conrad’s 33-yard field goal as time expired.
Harbaugh’s role on game day was filled by defensive coordinator Jesse Minter. Offensive coordinator Sherrone Moore also missed the game, suspended by the school for one game for violating unspecified NCAA rules.
“When I saw him last night, it really struck me that it’s really going down,” said Minter.