Michigan’s Quarterback Conundrum Persists
As the Wolverines prepare to face off against arch-rivals Michigan State, the question on everyone’s mind remains: who will start at quarterback? Coach Sherrone Moore has kept his cards close to his chest, stating that a decision will be made based on how practices unfold this week.
A Season of Ups and Downs
It’s been a rollercoaster ride for Michigan’s quarterbacks this season. Jack Tuttle, who took over from Alex Orji in the October 5 loss to Washington, became the third quarterback to start for the Wolverines (4-3, 2-2 Big Ten) this season. Despite struggling with accuracy early on, Tuttle finished with a season-high 209 passing yards in the 21-7 loss to Illinois.
Injury Woes and Quarterback Shuffle
The Wolverines have been plagued by injuries and inconsistent quarterback play. Davis Warren, a former walk-on, started the season at quarterback but was replaced by Orji after a three-interception performance against Arkansas State. Orji, primarily used as a running quarterback in 2023, struggled with accuracy and tallied only 118 total passing yards in wins against USC and Minnesota before being replaced against Washington.
Tuttle’s Return to Form
Sources indicated that Tuttle, who received a seventh year of eligibility from the NCAA in February, had been viewed as the team’s best option at quarterback. However, his return from an injury to his throwing elbow was delayed, and he didn’t receive full practice reps until the open week before Illinois. According to Moore, Tuttle’s arm strength is now back to around “95%.”
Prioritizing Ball Security
Moore emphasized the importance of taking care of the ball, stating that it’s the team’s top priority. “You want big plays, you want efficiency, but we have to take care of the football,” he said. With the offense struggling to find its rhythm, Moore’s words couldn’t be more timely.
Coaching Adjustments
In a bid to spark the offense, Moore confirmed that offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell will remain the team’s playcaller and might again call plays from the sideline, as he did against Illinois. The move is aimed at injecting some much-needed creativity into the Wolverines’ attack.
Injury Updates
Moore didn’t provide updates on the injury status of standout cornerback Will Johnson and tight end Marlin Klein. However, he did reveal that offensive tackle Myles Hinton is trending in a positive direction, offering a glimmer of hope for the beleaguered Michigan offense.
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