Michigan Wolverines Face Quarterback Uncertainty Ahead of Rivalry Game Against Michigan State

The Michigan Wolverines are gearing up for a crucial rivalry game against the Michigan State Spartans, but the team is still undecided on who will start at quarterback. Coach Sherrone Moore has indicated that the decision will be made based on how practices go this week.

This season has seen the Wolverines use three different quarterbacks. Redshirt junior Davis Warren started the year but was replaced by Alex Orji after a three-interception performance against Arkansas State. Orji, who was primarily used as a running quarterback in 2023, struggled with his accuracy and was eventually replaced by Jack Tuttle in the October 5 loss to Washington.

Tuttle, who received a seventh year of eligibility from the NCAA in February, had been viewed as the team’s best option but had been recovering from an injury to his throwing elbow. He made his first start of the season against Illinois, finishing with 209 passing yards, a season-high total for U-M quarterbacks, despite struggling with accuracy early in the game. The Wolverines lost 21-7 to Illinois, marking the first time they failed to score 10 points in 131 consecutive games.

Coach Moore emphasized the importance of taking care of the ball, stating that it is the “No. 1 priority” and that the team needs to balance big plays with efficiency and ball security. Offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell will continue to call plays, possibly from the sideline as he did against Illinois.

The upcoming game against Michigan State is critical for the Wolverines, who are currently 4-3 on the season and 2-2 in the Big Ten. The rivalry game will be a test of the team’s ability to stabilize their quarterback position and improve their overall performance.