Week 8 isn't just Michigan football's biggest test of the season; it's a chance to give the program a bit of a jump start after starting 4-2 on the season. With Tommy Carr expected to take over the starting quarterback role, the offense has some life, but with Indiana coming to town, it will be a bit of an uphill battle.
Still, if the Wolverines can get a win on Saturday, they'll be back in business, albeit with little room for error for the rest of the year. Lose, and it's all about rebuilding, as any postseason goals that the team had in the preseason will be off the table.
ESPN's David Hale had a preview of the game that might be a little snarky and relied fully upon what the maize and blue will be bringing to the matchup. While it might be a little terse,
it's also quite true what he had to say in his evaluation.
Michigan is considering a QB change after Tommy Carr rallied the Wolverines past Penn State last week. On the one hand, Bryce Underwood was a highly touted recruit regarded as the future of the program. On the other hand, Carr is capable of throwing a forward pass without Michigan fans feeling as if they just watched the answering machine scene in "Swingers." It might not matter either way. Since its national championship game win in 2023, Michigan is averaging 24.4 points (60th among Power 4 teams), with just a 10.6% explosive play rate (64th) and a 53.3 team QBR (60th) and just 29 touchdown passes to go with 27 picks.
Yes, Carr isn't nearly as ballyhooed as his predecessor, but Underwood has been a turnover machine all year. The Wolverines are 97th with seven interceptions given up (all on Underwood), while also being 106th in fumbles lost (which has been a group effort to this point).
Michigan will face Indiana at The Big House at noon EDT on Saturday, with the game set to be broadcast nationally on Fox.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: ESPN takes brutal shot at Michigan football's quarterback struggles
