Monday Morning Quarterback: Michigan Has a New QB1 After Tommy Carr Sparks Win Over Penn State
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Michigan entered Saturday's matchup against Penn State desperately needing something positive offensively. Instead, the Wolverines produced one of their ugliest halves of football this season, and head coach Kyle Whittingham finally decided enough was enough.
Bryce Underwood was benched at halftime, true freshman Tommy Carr took over, and Michigan suddenly looked like a completely different football team.
The Wolverines rallied for a 21-18 victory, but the biggest story wasn't necessarily the win. It was the changing of the guard at quarterback.
Underwood's Struggles Finally Reach a Breaking Point
There really wasn't much left to defend about Underwood's performance.
Michigan managed just 80 yards of total offense in the first half and trailed Penn State 3-0 at halftime. Underwood completed just 5-of-11 passes for 43 yards with two interceptions, finishing with an abysmal 38.1 quarterback rating.
He also managed just 11 yards on three rushing attempts.
For a quarterback with Underwood's physical tools, the lack of production has been stunning. His decision-making, accuracy and inability to consistently move the offense have plagued Michigan throughout the season.
Saturday's first half was simply the breaking point.
Whittingham had previously emphasized the importance of eliminating turnovers, and Underwood's two interceptions made the decision to bench him considerably easier.
Carr Provides Exactly What Michigan Needed
Carr wasn't spectacular through the air, but he didn't need to be.
The freshman completed 5-of-7 passes for 47 yards without an interception, posting an impressive 90.2 quarterback rating.
More importantly, he gave Michigan something it had been missing: life.
Carr rushed four times for 36 yards and a touchdown, averaging nine yards per carry. His ability to make plays with his legs helped open things up for a rushing attack that finished with 211 yards and three touchdowns.
Savion Hiter led the way with 78 yards on 11 carries, while Jordan Marshall added 49 yards and a score.
With Carr directing the offense, Michigan scored all 21 of its points after halftime.
That's not a coincidence.
Carr Needs to Be QB1 Against Indiana — And Beyond
At this point, Michigan has to ride with Carr.
The Wolverines face Indiana next, and throwing Underwood back into the starting lineup after Saturday's turnaround would be extremely difficult to justify.
Carr certainly hasn't proven he's a long-term superstar. Seven passing attempts aren't nearly enough to make that determination.
But he's earned the opportunity to find out.
Michigan's offense looked more confident, more explosive and considerably more functional with Carr behind center.
Underwood may still have the higher ceiling, but potential doesn't win football games.
Right now, Carr gives Michigan its best chance to win, and until he proves otherwise, the quarterback job should be his.
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