Michigan quarterback JJ McCarthy let superstitions get the best of him this week. But perhaps those superstitions helped him get the best of Alabama at the Rose Bowl in Pasadena, Calif.
McCarthy led the Wolverines to a 27-20 overtime win Monday over the Crimson Tide to advance to the national championship game.
During his postgame interview with ESPN’s Laura Rutledge, McCarthy shared that he didn’t touch a rose all week due to superstition. But the man had one in his mouth after the result went final.
“This game just means so much to me and I have superstition like back in hockey how they do with the Stanley Cup. I didn’t touch it all week, and I just was waiting for this moment to be able to put it in my mouth,” McCarthy told Rutledge.
Man of Roses pic.twitter.com/l7XdfbNX3u
— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) January 2, 2024
McCarthy was referencing the tradition of hockey players not touching trophies or the Stanley Cup until they have won it all. The superstition paid off for him.
McCarthy’s roseless feat was much harder than it sounds. Michigan was in arguably the rosiest place on earth and played just hours after the Rose Parade.
Tonight, roses are BLUE!@UMichFootball | #GoBlue pic.twitter.com/ZYnRUni56s
— Rose Bowl Game (@rosebowlgame) January 2, 2024
McCarthy overcame a shaky start to the game by finishing 17/27 for 221 yards with 3 touchdowns and no interceptions. The 20-year-old QB’s performance was enough to earn him Rose Bowl offensive MVP honors.
After a tumultuous season for head coach Jim Harbaugh and his squad, everything appears to be coming up roses for Michigan.
