With Bryce Underwood struggling against Penn State, Michigan made a quarterback change at halftime. Starting quarterback Bryce Underwood was 5-of-11 for 43 yards in the first half with two interceptions, and the offense had just 80 total yards. A spark was needed, Underwood was benched, and true freshman backup Tommy Carr was inserted.
Michigan’s offense generated three touchdowns during Carr’s half of action. In all, Carr was 5-of-7 for 47 yards, along with 36 rushing yards and a clutch 12-yard rushing score to put Michigan up at the time 21-11.
“He responded very well,” Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham told the media. “It wasn’t perfect. There’s some things he obviously needs to get better at. But he had some key runs for us. That option there for that final touchdown. That was a great run.”
Whittingham noted how Carr took care of the football and had no turnovers.
“He did a nice job. He’s always prepared. I walk by that quarterback room 12 times, 15 times a day. He’s in there pretty much every second he doesn’t have class, Whittingham said, “He’s in there watching film. He’s very prepared when his number was called. And like I said, he responded very well. And going forward, we’ll take a good hard look at the tape and see why things bogged down in the first half and why we were better in the second half because there really wasn’t a lot of scheme change.”
While Whittingham wouldn’t announce whether Carr would be Michigan’s QB1 versus Indiana, it would be a surprise if he wasn’t after a strong showing in Michigan’s come-from-behind win.
Carr, who stands 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, may be a true freshman but was ready when his number was called. In fact, Carr’s been ready for his time to shine for a while.
“I was prepared for this since week one,” Carr said. “I prepared every day like I was the starter — got the call. There were a little bit of nerves, but I knew I was prepared and ready for this moment.”
Michigan’s offense needed a spark, Michigan’s fanbase needed a spark, Michigan needed a change at quarterback for a fighting chance to turn the season around. If Carr is named Michigan’s starting quarterback moving forward he’ll have to deal with stiffer tests moving forward, including No. 6 Indiana next Saturday. The good news for Carr is Michigan’s win over Penn State and his emergence as a potential difference-maker will have the fans rowdy when the Hoosiers come to town for a Big Noon kickoff on Fox.