Tommy Carr’s breakout against Rutgers was enough to settle Michigan’s quarterback picture, at least for now.
After the freshman turned in one of the nation’s best weekly performances, Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham said Monday that Carr will remain the starter going forward. Carr’s numbers against Rutgers backed up the decision: he went 22-for-27 for 266 yards, threw a touchdown without an interception, and added 54 rushing yards and two more scores on 12 carries.
PFF graded Carr at 83.1 overall for Week 9, with an 82.1 passing grade, both good for 20th among quarterbacks in its rankings. ESPN’s QBR metric was even more flattering. Carr posted a 92.1 for the week, a figure Whittingham pointed to while praising the complete nature of the performance.
“I liked everything about what he did,” Whittingham said. “I know it's only one game; we know it's only one game, but if you project that one game out through the season, he's the best quarterback in the country statistically.
When you talk about QBR, which is the ESPN analytic QB rating, it takes into account not just throwing the ball, running the ball, taking sacks, the whole nine yards. He graded out, I think he was 91 or 92, and the top quarterback in the country right now is like 90 or 89.
“So, bottom line is, he played a complete game, did so many good things. Completion percentage was up over 80%.
Yards per attempt, 9.9 to 10 yards. If you can get 10 yards per attempt, you're having a monster game throwing the ball. 266 yards, no turnovers, key runs.
His running ability was as important in that game as anything else that went on. His ability to rip off those key runs for us.
He just really did a good job with his reads, his progression, his decision-making. And so, I can't say enough good things about how he played.
Again, it's one game, but that was a great game.”
Whittingham also clarified the quarterback job is Carr’s for Michigan State and beyond unless something changes.
“Yeah, Tommy will start this week and for the foreseeable future unless something changes,” Whittingham said. “He played so well.
I mean, it's pretty much a given. We haven't had a conversation with the team since the game because Sunday's their day off.
But we'll cover all that.”
Carr’s next chance comes Saturday against Michigan State. It will be his fourth game of the season and his third start.
Kickoff is set for 7:30 p.m. EST at The Big House, with the game airing on Peacock.
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