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Michigan's football season has not gone according to plan, with the Wolverines now holding a 3-2 record after consecutive defeats. The latest setback, a 20-14 loss to Minnesota on Saturday, has amplified worries about multiple facets of the team, from the offensive line to play-calling and game management by the coaching staff. Among the most pressing concerns is the performance of starting quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Underwood completed just 10 of 21 passes for 101 yards and threw two interceptions against the Golden Gophers. He faced constant pressure and was sacked three times, but even when given a clean pocket, his play was subpar. One particularly costly mistake came in the third quarter when he forced a throw to JJ Buchanan despite Andrew Marsh being wide open for a potential touchdown. A video clip circulated on social media showing Marsh uncovered, highlighting the poor decision.
Over his 18 games as Michigan's starter, Underwood's footwork and accuracy have been erratic. He has had ample time to develop, yet he still struggles to read defenses, frequently throws into coverage, and fails to deliver in clutch moments. A glaring example occurred late in the fourth quarter: facing 4th-and-5 at the 50-yard line with 37 seconds left and trailing by six, Underwood needed to give his receiver a chance but instead sailed the ball out of bounds over Buchanan's head.
While blame for the loss is shared across the team, Underwood bears a significant portion. He had opportunities to be the hero and rally Michigan from behind but could not capitalize. With the team's Big Ten and playoff hopes dimming, questions arise about whether Underwood should remain the starter in 2027. If there is any doubt, it may be time to give backup Tommy Carr more reps.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham addressed the offensive struggles, saying, "Statistically the numbers aren't real good, but it's not all numbers. 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? There are different things it can be." While Whittingham is correct that multiple factors contributed, Underwood's statistics largely reflect his current level of play. He is athletically gifted and can be a threat as a runner, but he often throws short or high and has too many passes batted down at the line.
Whittingham also explained why Underwood stayed in the game: "We just felt that as the game was progressing that Bryce gave us the best chance to win this game. So, that's where we were." However, after reviewing the film, the coaching staff might reconsider whether Carr actually provides the best chance to win moving forward.
Transitioning to Carr would mean turning to a true freshman with no starting experience. Yet experience can be overrated if production is mediocre. Carr outperformed Underwood in the spring game in terms of mechanics and footwork, and the only way to truly evaluate a quarterback is to give him game action. That time may be approaching for Carr.
Former Michigan coach Jim Harbaugh showed no hesitation in using then-true freshman J.J. McCarthy as a change-of-pace option behind Cade McNamara. There is no reason Carr cannot at least receive some snaps or a specialized package in the near future. In limited action against UTEP, Carr impressed, completing both of his passes for 23 yards and a touchdown while adding 18 rushing yards.
Michigan has a bye week before home games against Penn State and Indiana. While the Wolverines lack momentum, they now have time to evaluate all aspects of the program, including the quarterback position. If ever there was a moment to make a change to Carr or at least consider it, it is now for the 3-2 Wolverines.
If the coaching staff ultimately believes Underwood won't improve significantly, why not make a switch? Otherwise, more losses may follow. Underwood had 11 touchdowns and 9 interceptions last season, and his ratio this year is similar at five touchdowns and four interceptions. Entering Saturday, he ranked No. 74 nationally with a Total QBR of 57.9, a figure that will only drop after his two-interception outing against Minnesota.
A move to Carr carries huge unknowns but potentially tremendous upside. If Whittingham's words hold true, Carr has a bright future. The coach described Carr as poised and unflappable last month, praising his it-factor and leadership this offseason. Additionally, Carr's brother, CJ Carr, is a standout quarterback at Notre Dame. Could Tommy be just as good? The only way to find out is for Michigan to make a bold move and give him playing time.
Key Analysis
Michigan's quarterback situation is at a crossroads. Underwood's inconsistent play has hindered the offense, and with the season slipping away, the coaching staff must weigh immediate competitiveness against future development. Carr's limited but impressive showing, combined with his pedigree, makes him an intriguing option. The bye week provides a perfect opportunity to reassess and potentially make a change that could ignite the team.
Originally reported by yahoo.