A championship trophy was on the line the last time J.J. McCarthy squared off against fellow quarterback Michael Penix Jr.
McCarthy won that round as his Michigan Wolverines defeated Penix’s Washington Huskies in the 2024 College Football National Championship Game.
Now comes the rematch.
The Minnesota Vikings (1-0) will try to build upon their promising start when they face the Atlanta Falcons (0-1) on Sunday night in Minneapolis.
The Vikings are coming off a 27-24 comeback win on the road against the Chicago Bears on Monday night. Minnesota trailed 17-6 after three quarters but outscored Chicago 21-7 in the fourth quarter to seize the victory.
Next up is the home opener for McCarthy, who is excited to make his home debut.
“I’m extremely excited just to get that ‘Skol’ chant,” McCarthy said of the famed chant of the fans in Minneapolis. “To feel that energy, that exuberant environment that U.S. Bank Stadium has. (It will be) definitely a lot quieter when we have the ball on offense. That’s something that’s going to be great.”
The Falcons feel equally as good about Penix, whom they selected eighth overall in the 20204 NFL Draft — two spots ahead of McCarthy.
Penix completed 27 of 42 passes for 298 yards and a touchdown in the Falcons’ season opener, which resulted in a 23-20 loss against the visiting Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Penix also rushed six times for 21 yards and a touchdown.
“I can’t say enough positive things about the young man and what he was able to do,” Falcons coach Raheem Morris said, “even up to his last throw, potentially giving us a chance to win it in regulation.”
The Falcons hope to bring back star receiver Drake London after he left the Buccaneers game early because of a shoulder injury. He finished with eight catches for 55 yards.
London told his coach that he would be ready to go against the Vikings.
“When you ask me, ‘Do I expect him to play?'” Morris said. “Of course. Drake is an ultimate tough guy, and when he says he’s going to practice, that tells you a lot.”
Minnesota also is dealing with injuries heading into the prime-time matchup. Linebacker Blake Cashman and running back Ty Chandler likely will be sidelined because of injuries, and linebacker Andrew Van Ginkel and cornerback Jeff Okudah spent the early part of the week in concussion protocol.
Vikings safety Harrison Smith also hopes to play after missing Week 1 because of a health issue.
“We’re kind of fluid with if I’m ready to go or not,” Smith said. “Am I going to help the team or not? That’s all that matters.”
The Vikings lead the all-time series 22-12 (including 1-1 in playoff games). The teams’ last meeting happened Dec. 8 of last season, when Minnesota pulled away for a 42-21 victory.
Kirk Cousins completed 23 of 37 passes for 344 yards and two interceptions in that game for Atlanta.
This time around, the offense belongs to Penix.
“He’s been excellent,” Morris said. “He’s been poised in great moments.”
