The Michigan Wolverines have announced that freshman quarterback Tommy Carr will start in their upcoming game against the Indiana Hoosiers on Saturday, a change prompted by Bryce Underwood’s recent performance. Underwood was benched after he threw two interceptions and completed just 5 of 11 passes for 43 yards in the team’s previous match against Penn State, which ended in a 21-18 victory for Michigan.
In Underwood’s absence, Carr took over during the game, although he only attempted two passes. His modest performance was enough for the coaching staff to decide on making a shift as the Wolverines look for renewed energy with just over a month remaining in the regular season.
According to Pete Nakos of On3, this will be Carr’s first career start. The decision follows coach Kyle Whittingham’s expressed uncertainty about Underwood’s performance ahead of the Indiana game. Whittingham noted that the team needed “to create a spark,” alluding to Underwood’s struggles and the necessity for change.
“He only had about 70 yards or thereabouts in the first half, and no points,” Whittingham said after the victory against Penn State. “We just needed to get something done.”
While Carr prepared hard for this opportunity, Whittingham is not ready to confirm whether Carr will be the starting quarterback beyond this week. In a Monday press conference, he emphasized the need to analyze game footage to better understand the team’s performance breakdowns, particularly during the first half of the last match.
Despite the shift under center, concerns remain regarding the overall trajectory of the Wolverines’ season. ESPN analyst Kirk Herbstreit suggested that Whittingham’s job security could be precarious if the team’s struggles persist. “If it doesn’t work out, you know, you probably get fired,” Herbstreit remarked on his podcast.
The pressing question is whether the move to Carr can help revitalize the Wolverines as they approach their game against Indiana. With kickoff set for noon ET, fans will soon see the impact of this pivotal decision.
