Michigan football benches Bryce Underwood after brutal half vs Penn State

Michigan football benches Bryce Underwood after brutal half vs Penn State

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Michigan football benches Bryce Underwood after brutal half vs Penn State

The Michigan Wolverines are making a change at quarterback, and it’s completely justified based on Bryce Underwood‘s first-half showing against Penn State.

The two Big Ten schools combined for just three points before halftime during Saturday’s Week 7 showdown. However, the bigger story from the opening half was Underwood’s poor showing behind center. The former five-star college football recruit completed just five passes and had two passes intercepted.

Meanwhile, that’s led to head coach Kyle Whittingham benching Underwood for the second half of the game against the Nittany Lions. This season, Michigan’s starting QB has been underwhelming to say the least.

Underwood’s recorded a 59 percent completion percentage, while tossing just five touchdowns through the first seven weeks.

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Wolverines move to freshman QB Tommy Carr

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs up the tunnel after 20-19 loss to Iowa at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood (19) runs up the tunnel after 20-19 loss to Iowa at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 26, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Michigan’s offense has been stagnant for weeks now with the team currently holding a 3-2 record. That’s given Whittingham the tough decision to move away from Underwood for the second half.

There’s been significant discourse recently regarding Underwood’s future as the Michigan starter. Now, it appears that the team is comfortable trying anything to get competent QB play with their season on the line.

True freshman Tommy Carr is stepping in behind center for the second half. He has big shoes to follow with his family’s deep connections to the Big Ten university.

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Carr comes from college football royalty

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tommy Carr (14) laughs with tight end Jalen Hoffman (42) after defeating UTEP 52-17 at Michigan

Michigan Wolverines quarterback Tommy Carr (14) laughs with tight end Jalen Hoffman (42) after defeating UTEP 52-17 at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026. Credit: USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect (Reuters)

Both of Carr’s grandfathers were significant contributors for the Wolverines. Lloyd Carr was a former Wolverines head coach from 1995 to 2007. That includes a perfect 12-0 season in 1997 that resulted in a Rose Bowl title and No. 1 ranking in the final AP Top 25 poll.

His other grandfather, Tom Curtis, played in the NFL after becoming an All-American safety while playing with Michigan in the 1960s. Meanwhile, Carr’s older brother, CJ, is one of the best college QBs in the game at the moment while leading the Notre Dame Fighting Irish.

There’s certainly big expectations for the younger Carr, but Michigan’s season may already be gone if they lose their third game of the 2026 campaign against Penn State.

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