Michigan has gotten some good news on the offensive side of the ball before its matchup with Penn State, but the final injury report still leaves a few notable holes.
Two hours before kickoff, wide receiver Andrew Marsh and left guard Nate Efobi were nowhere to be found on the report after both had been listed as probable earlier in the week. That suggests they should be ready to go, and it also provides a reassuring update after a week in which their availability had to be monitored closely.
Offensive lineman Andrew Babalola also disappeared from the injury report for the first time in his career, which makes him an interesting name to watch as the Wolverines get set for the Nittany Lions.
The bad news comes further along the line. Right tackle Andrew Sprague remains out because of an undisclosed ailment, and right guard Brady Norton is also unavailable. Center Jake Guarnera is listed as a game-time decision, which would be another significant setback for the front if he cannot go.
Michigan also took a hit at tight end, with senior Zack Marshall ruled out for today’s game. He had not appeared on the injury report at all during the week, so his sudden absence stands out. Hopefully we learn more about why he wasn’t able to suit up today during Kyle Whittingham’s postgame press conference.
The injury report is lighter on the defensive side. Starting edge rushers Dom Nichols and John Henry Daley, along with linebacker Aisea Moa, had been listed as questionable all week, but none of them appear on the final report. That at least points to a healthier-looking defense heading into the game.
In Other News...
Michigans Quarterback Crisis Just Put A Freshman In A Massive Spot
Tommy Carr was already a name Michigan fans knew well before he ever took a college snap, but Week 7 could put the true freshman squarely in the middle of the spotlight. With the starting quarterback benched, Carr is expected to see significant snaps against Penn State, a daunting stage for any newcomer, especially one who is still early in his first season.
A Michigan native and four-star recruit, Carr flipped his commitment from Miami (OH) to the Wolverines and arrived with plenty of pedigree attached to his name. He is the grandson of former Michigan safety Tom Curtis and former head coach Lloyd Carr, both College Football Hall of Fame inductees, and now the program may need him sooner than planned as it tries to steady the position. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Just Reentered The Polls Conversation At A Brutal Time
Michigans win over Penn State was enough to get the Wolverines back into the conversation, even if not back into the rankings themselves. In the latest US LBM Coaches Poll, Michigan picked up 10 votes but remained on the outside looking in, a reminder that one solid result can at least reopen the door even when the season has already taken its share of bruises.
The timing, though, could hardly be more awkward. Ohio State surged to No. 2 after taking down Indiana, which slid to No. 6, while Miami stayed firmly at No. 1 at 6-0, leaving very little room for movement above Michigan. For the Wolverines, the Penn State win created momentum, but the path back into the poll still looks crowded and unforgiving. [Read more 🡒]
Michigans First Big Ten Win Just Sparked A Quarterback Debate
Michigans first Big Ten win under coach Kyle Whittingham came with a clear shift at halftime, when Tommy Carr took over at quarterback and the offense settled into a more reliable rhythm. The Wolverines leaned on the ground game from there, outrushing Penn State by a wide margin while three different backs reached the end zone on the ground and the defense kept setting the table with takeaways.
Bryce Underwoods rough afternoon, highlighted by two interceptions before the switch, turned the spotlight right back onto Michigans quarterback situation even after the win. The defense finished with three turnovers, including two from Chris Bracy, and the Wolverines turned those short fields into 21 points, but the larger question now is whether the change at quarterback becomes more than just a game-day adjustment. [Read more 🡒]