JJ McCarthy opting not to wear eyeblack in Giants win over Texans likely linked to his hatred for Ohio State

JJ McCarthy led the New York Giants to an overtime win over the Houston Texans on Sunday in what was his first start under center for his new team, and did so in a unique fashion, literally.

McCarthy took the field in Houston without wearing any eyeblack on his face. Typically, a player choosing not to wear eyeblack for a game wouldn’t be newsworthy, with most folks not even picking up on the change, but there is both history and quite the story involving McCarthy and the eyeblack in this scenario.

McCarthy has worn a hefty amount of eyeblack throughout his career, even dating back to his high school playing days at IMG Academy, and did the same throughout his three seasons playing at Michigan. There was a notable exception to the look during his time with the Wolverines, however, as he never wore the eyeblack when they were taking on Ohio State.

New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) looks on before playing against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Thomas Shea-Imagn Images (Thomas Shea-Imagn Images)

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As a football player at Michigan, McCarthy simply had to dislike Ohio State, but his hatred for the Wolverines’ biggest rival ran a lot deeper.

The former first-round pick was offered by the Buckeyes out of high school, but while reflecting on the recruiting process, he told The Athletic in 2019 that he felt like he was misled by Ohio State head coach Ryan Day about what his plans were for the quarterback room.

Quarterback Quinn Ewers, the top-ranked recruit of the 2021 class, ended up at Ohio State along with four-star signal caller Kyle McCord.

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New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) warms up before a game against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)

McCarthy chose to take his talents to Ann Arbor and went a perfect 3-0 against the Buckeyes during his time at Michigan, making sure Day “could see his face after he kicked his a – -,” according to his quarterback coach at Michigan.

McCarthy is on record stating that he used to “love” the Buckeyes, but wanted to “kill them” after his recruiting process and landing at Michigan.

New York Giants quarterback J.J. McCarthy (18) reacts after a play during the second quarter against the Houston Texans at Reliant Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images (Troy Taormina-Imagn Images)

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As for McCarthy ditching the eyeblack for Sunday’s matchup against the Texans, it’s safe to assume it had everything to do with the quarterback on the other sideline, CJ Stroud, who attended Ohio State. The no-eyeblack look could not have been just some coincidence.

Stroud never beat Michigan in his two starts against the Wolverines, and he’s still winless against a McCarthy-led squad after Sunday’s contest.