Michigan Reopens Quarterback Competition After Rivalry Loss

Michigan is reconsidering its quarterback lineup with three games remaining, after a 15-6 home defeat by Michigan State on November 7. Coach Kyle Whittingham said the job is again up for grabs between freshman Tommy Carr and Bryce Underwood, who began the season as the starter.

Underwood started Michigan’s first six games, completing 58.1% of his passes for 924 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. He also ran for 222 yards and two scores before being replaced during the Penn State game. Carr took over and helped the Wolverines win that matchup, then started each game afterward.

Carr had a strong outing against Rutgers on October 31, throwing for 266 yards and three touchdowns and adding 54 rushing yards and two scores. Against Michigan State, however, he completed 14 of 26 passes for 138 yards, with no touchdowns and one interception. He finished with minus-19 rushing yards.

Michigan is 5-4, and all four losses have come against Big Ten opponents. The Wolverines need to improve their results to reach bowl eligibility, with only three regular-season games left. They last missed a bowl in 2014.

Underwood’s performance has also fallen short of expectations. He was a highly rated recruit whom Michigan brought in from LSU, and the report describes his deal as worth $12 million. Whittingham now faces a choice between returning to Underwood or continuing with Carr as the season enters its final stretch.