Michigan hoping to avoid 'regret' from last year's CFP loss

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J.J. McCarthy still remembers the deep pit of regret he felt after Michigan's 34-11 loss to Georgia in the College Football Playoff semifinals.

McCarthy said Tuesday that it was a shared experience. It was the start of the summer. We hit it hard immediately.

McCarthy said last year was a benchmark for Michigan, one they didn't just want to meet, but rather overcome. They did it again because they knew they could beat Ohio State and win the Big Ten.

McCarthy said that they wanted to get past it.

He is not the only one who thinks that the Michigan team is better prepared for the task at hand.

The preparation that goes into every game is better this year. There are a lot of times where players need the help of the coaches to figure out what's happening. The players are on it when we are off or missing.

McCarthy's improvement and growth can be seen with every snap he takes. The spotlight has fit him well since he entered that game against Georgia and threw for one touchdown in a loss.

He is more confident, according to his co-offensive coordinators. "He always had the same poison demeanor, but you can see him grow in his decision making and the way he takes care of the ball and the way he runs and does things that he helps us to win."

McCarthy must have done that. With Corum out, Michigan needs the offense to take on a slightly different approach. McCarthy doesn't think the offense has changed, but he does think he needs to bring more to the table.

He's stepped up and continued to play better. He's amazing to me almost every time.

Bell has a group of friends. After Michigan beat Ohio State, Tom Brady, a fellow Michigan alum, sent a message to McCarthy, wishing him well for the remainder of the season. The reply summed up McCarthy's journey so far, saying that he had first messaged Brady when he arrived in Ann arbor, and now the seven-time Super Bowl champion had reached out to him.