Michigan’s offense spent one half looking stuck in mud, and the other half finally showing some pulse.
That split is what turned a 21-18 win over Penn State into more than just another close finish. After a bye week, Bryce Underwood got the start again and the first two quarters were rough from the jump. He went 5/11 for 43 yards with 2 interceptions and no touchdowns, and Michigan’s offense never found a rhythm before halftime.
The drive chart told the story as plainly as anything: punt, punt, interception, punt, interception. Michigan was shut out in the first half, and that was coming against what has been a pretty poor Penn State defense. Nothing about the way the offense looked suggested a turnaround was around the corner.
Then at halftime Kyle Whittingham made the move that changed the game, benching his sophomore quarterback and turning to true freshman Tommy Carr.
The switch didn’t turn Michigan into an explosive machine, but it gave the Wolverines something they didn’t have before: functionality. After the break, the drive chart read punt, touchdown, touchdown, punt, punt, touchdown, end of game. The ball started moving, points followed, and Michigan suddenly looked capable of doing enough to win.
Carr finished 5/7 passing for 47 yards and added 4 carries for 36 yards and a rushing touchdown. He didn’t have to carry the whole offense; he just had to make the plays that were there, and he did.
That’s why the halftime decision stands out as the key call of the game. If Underwood stays in, Michigan probably doesn’t win. The first-half offense offered no real sign that it was about to flip a switch on its own.
Whether the quarterback change alters the rest of Michigan’s season is still to be determined, but for one week at least, the Wolverines finally looked like they had a competent offense. The next challenge comes against the defending National Champions in the Indiana Hoosiers, who have a terrific defense, so the move to Carr now has to hold up beyond one game if Michigan wants it to mean anything long term.
In Other News...
Michigan Fans Are Stuck Waiting On The Team's Biggest Indiana Decision
Michigan has already made its quarterback call for Indiana, but fans will have to wait a little longer to hear it from Kyle Whittingham. After Tommy Carr helped steady the offense in relief against Penn State, leading touchdown drives and protecting the ball, the conversation around the position has only gotten louder, especially with Bryce Underwood coming off a rough outing that included two interceptions.
Whittingham declined to reveal the starter, leaving the most important question for Saturday still hanging over the week. The decision could shape how Michigan approaches Indiana, and there is at least some intrigue around whether the Wolverines lean on the hot hand, try to get Underwood back on track, or use both in some capacity. For now, the plan is in place, even if the public part of it is still being kept under wraps. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Should Watch Utah's QB Decision Before Indiana Closely
Utah still has a quarterback decision hanging over its upcoming matchup with Indiana, and Kyle Whittingham didnt tip his hand when he met with reporters this week. He said a plan is in place, but he stopped short of naming a starter, leaving the Hoosiers to prepare without knowing exactly who will be under center.
Whittingham did sound encouraged by what he has seen elsewhere on offense, pointing to the Utes recent rushing production and the play of the offensive line. He also singled out the contributions and availability of several individual players, a reminder that the quarterback situation is only part of the picture as Utah works through the final stages of game prep. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Heads Into Indiana With One Huge QB Decision Unsettled
Michigan still has not formally announced its starting quarterback for the trip to Indiana, but the expectation is that freshman Tommy Carr will get the nod after Bryce Underwood was benched recently. The uncertainty gives this matchup a little extra edge for a team that otherwise comes in with some momentum, thanks in part to a defense that played well in the win over Penn State and forced three takeaways.
Indiana coach Curt Cignetti is already bracing for the possibility that Michigan may not go with just one quarterback, and has indicated the Wolverines could lean on both Carr and Underwood. Either way, the focus figures to stay on a Michigan defense that will try to make life difficult for Indiana quarterback Josh Hoover while the offense sorts out its direction on the fly. [Read more 🡒]