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ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Game week is finally here and with it will come a new starting quarterback for Michigan.
After two years of Shea Patterson at the helm, the presumed starter for the Wolverines is Joe Milton, the strong-armed quarterback hailing from Orlando, Florida. Since he arrived in 2018, it’s been nearly a thing of legend with all the talk of what Milton can do as far as pressing downfield, and now — presumably — we’ll get to see him in action on Saturday against No. 21 Minnesota.
So what has Jim Harbaugh seen from his likely starting quarterback? He shared his thoughts on Monday, but was noncommittal when it came to discussing him ahead of second-year QB Cade McNamara.
“Showed a lot of great things,” Harbaugh said. “Joe’s been running with the ones and really — he’s made a lot of strides, getting a lot of reps, as well as Cade McNamara, who’s closed all gaps as well. He’s playing extremely well.
“Really good. Really good command of the offense. Showing a real savviness and also a lot of talent. Been really good between the receivers and Joe and Cade. It’s fun watching.”
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But why has Harbaugh not named Milton the starter outright? After all, Dylan McCaffrey opted to transfer — again, presumably — because of Milton. It seems to be nothing more than a formality at this point.
Harbaugh did reemphasize that Milton is the main guy, but given the uncertainty due to COVID-19, that’s reason for some restraint, the Wolverines head coach notes.
“Joe’s been running with the ones,” Harbaugh said. “Naming a starter at this point, it’s a daily thing. Right up (until) game time. So tough for me to say that definitely anybody’s going to be starting. They have to test on Friday before we leave for the trip and they have to test negative on game day to be able to play.”
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OK, now that our refrains are out of the way, what does Milton bring to the table?
We already know about his cannon arm, which has FOX Sports’ Urban Meyer and Matt Leinart making some incredible analogies. But it’s what Milton has learned to do outside of throwing 75-yard bombs that has Harbaugh swooning.
“The biggest one: Joe’s got an extremely strong arm, but he really took to heart to throw passes with touch,” Harbaugh said. “Necessary passes with appropriate (velocity). I think he made a lot of growth in that way. Putting appropriate elevation on the ball. Has really made it a catchable ball, if you can picture that. There’s been a great dialogue between the receivers, tight ends and backs and Joe’s done a great job in that regard. And a lot of others.
“He’s definitely done a great job of preparing mentally. Practicing extremely well in all phases of quarterback play. He’s ready to play a game.”
That game he’s ready to play in will come this Saturday, with Michigan heading to Minnesota to take on the Golden Gophers. Kickoff at TCF Bank Stadium will be at 7:30 p.m. EDT and will be nationally broadcast on ABC.
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