Fox announcer Gus Johnson has watched a lot of college football this year and he seems to have a good idea of who he thinks should win the 2022 Heisman Trophy. His selection, however, has surprised a lot of people.
During an interview with Brad Galli of WXYZ Detroit, Johnson said Michigan quarterback J.J. McCarthy should be in the conversation to win the award following his performance in leading the Wolverines to victory over the Ohio State Buckeyes.
“I think this weekend, Joel [Klatt] and I are gonna start talking about JJ McCarthy as a Heisman candidate and potentially Heisman winner,” Johnson said.
The pick surprised a lot of people around the college football world, many of whom think McCarthy has a fine resume, but not the kind that qualifies you to win the Heisman Trophy.
Case in point, McCarthy has half of the touchdowns as USC’s Caleb Williams, who is considered by many to be the current frontrunner for the award. While McCarthy has put up 2,215 yards, 17 touchdowns, two interceptions, 240 rushing yards, and four rushing touchdowns on the season, Williams has 3,712 yards, 34 touchdowns, three interceptions, 351 rush yards, and 10 rushing touchdowns. It’s not even close.
JJ McCarthy: 2,215 yds, 17 TD, 2 INT, 240 rushing yds, 4 rushing TDs
Caleb Williams: 3,712 yds, 34 TD, 3 INT, 351 rushing yds, 10 rushing TDs https://t.co/wSybhy9q3r
— Denton Day (D-Day) (@TheDentonDay) December 1, 2022
https://twitter.com/bradlaplante/status/1598313289859186689
As much as I love JJ this is a convo for next year, his numbers aren’t anywhere near HEISMAN winner level. Idk if they ever will be with the offense we run tbh. https://t.co/bcEvgb7Eea
— Black Bill Nye (@CalebAllen9) December 1, 2022
If McCarthy can lead the Wolverines to victory this weekend in the Big Ten Championship Game, we’ll see if that changes anything in the Heisman discussion.