Michigan’s start to the season has been worse than expected. Michigan now sits at 3-2 after losing two games in a row. Michigan’s 20-14 loss to Minnesota on Saturday only heightened concerns about various issues the team needs to address. From the offensive line to offensive playcalling and in-game decision-making (or lacketherof) by the Michigan coaching staff have all been weaknesses for Michigan this season — as has the play of quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Underwood was 10-of-21 on Saturday for
101 yards with two interceptions. Underwood was under duress throughout the game and took three sacks, but he was below average even when he was being protected. Underwood’s third-quarter interception was a forced throw to JJ Buchanan when Andrew Marsh was open deep for a touchdown.
Underwood’s footwork and accuracy have been inconsistent through 18 games as Michigan’s starting quarterback. He’s had enough time on task for their to be substantial and clear improvement. However, Underwood still doesn’t read defenses well, he throws into coverage and he isn’t coming through when the game is on the line.
It was 4th & 5 at the 50-yard line with 37 seconds left and Michigan trailing by just six points — Michigan needed Underwood to at least give his receiver a shot at catching a pass, but instead throws it out of bounds by a wide margin over JJ Buchanan’s head.
There’s plenty of ownership to pass around about Michigan’s loss, but Underwood shares some of that burden. He had opportunities to be the hero and lead Michigan from behind.
With Michigan now at 3-2 and their chances of a Big Ten title or playoff berth rapidly fading, does Michigan start not only thinking about what’s best for the team now, but also what serves them well in the future? The question needs to be asked — is Bryce Underwood Michigan’s starting quarterback in 2027? If there’s any hesitation with that answer, it points to a second question being asked — why not give backup Tommy Carr more playing time?
No quarterback has done what Underwood just did against Minnesota since 1977 — lose at Minnesota.
“Statistically the numbers aren’t real good, but it’s not all numbers,” Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham said. “I mean we’ve got to figure out what the protection issues were, because we gave up way too many sacks today. Were they coverage sacks? Were they breakdowns in the protection? Was it holding on to the ball too long? I mean there’s different things it can be.”
Whittingham’s right, there are different things it can be that contributed to Underwood’s stastically not being “real good”, but most of his numbers and lack of numbers are a reflection of where he’s at as a quarterback right now. Underwood is athletically talented and can be a dangerous runner at times, but he also throws ball short, high and has too many passes getting tipped at the line.
Whittingham also discussed why Underwood remained in the game.
“We just felt that as the game was progressing that Bryce gave us the best chance to win this game,” Whittingham said. “So, that’s where we were.”
But once the coaching staff looks at the game film, will they second-guess that decision or start to ponder if Carr is who actually gives them the best chance to win moving forward?
If Michigan was to make a move to Carr they’d be opting for a true freshman with no starting experience. However, experience can be an overrated quality if the production is mediocre. Carr looked better than Underwood in Michigan’s spring game in terms of mechanics and footwork, and you only really know how a quarterback fares by throwing him into the fire. And that time may be nearing for Carr.
Former Michigan head coach Jim Harbaugh had no fear inserting then true freshman quarterback J.J. McCarthy as a change-of-pace and dual-threat option behind Cade McNamara. There’s no reason, at the very least, that Carr can’t receive snaps or at the very least a package in the near future.
Carr looked good in limited action, going 2-for-2 for 23 yards with a touchdown against UTEP along with 18 rushing yards.
Michigan has a bye-week before home matchups against Penn State and Indiana. While the Wolverines don’t have any momentum heading into the bye, they now have time to evaluate everything about the program — including the quarterback position. If there was a time to make a change to Carr, or at least consider it, now would be the time for 3-2 Michigan.
If Michigan ultimately feels that Underwood won’t improve much further, why not make a change? Because only more losses will follow. Underwood had 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions last season, a ratio that is around the same this year at five touchdowns and four interceptions. Underwood entered Saturday ranked No. 74 in the nation with a Total QBR of 57.9, a rating that will only get worse after his two interception showing against Minnesota.
If Michigan did move to Carr it comes with huge unknowns but potentially tremendous upside. If we take Kyle Whittingham at his word, then Carr will have a bright future for Michigan. Whittingham called Carr “poised” and “unflappable” last month and said he has the “it-factor” this offseason and is a leader.
Another thing going for Carr, his brother is Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr — who is one of the best quarterbacks in college football. Could Tommy be just as good? The only way to find out is if MIchigan makes a gutsy move and gives him playing time.
