Michigan Football gutted out a much-needed win on Saturday against Penn State (3-4, 0-4). Now, the Wolverines (4-2, 1-2) turn their attention to No. 6 Indiana (6-1, 3-1) with a chance to rewrite the 2026 campaign’s script.
On the latest edition of the Inside Michigan Football radio show, head coach Kyle Whittingham praised both of his quarterbacks: freshman Tommy Carr’s preparation and ability to handle QB1 duties in the second half, and sophomore Bryce Underwood’s support for his replacement.
“He’s a guy that has spent as much time in the film room and preparing as any quarterback I’ve ever been around, even though he’s the backup,” Whittingham told host Jon Jansen of Carr, who completed 5-of-7 pass attempts for 47 yards and took four carries for 36 yards and the eventual game-winning touchdown.
“Just helping Tommy in between series, talking him through things, and he was as excited as Tommy was when Tommy scored on that option play,” Whittingham said of Underwood, who was pulled after completing 5-of-11 passes for 43 yards and two interceptions in the first half vs Penn State.
Meanwhile, offensive coordinator Jason Beck noted the double-edged sword nature of switching quarterbacks.
“You’re just in that situation of, ‘What’s best for the team right now? What do we need to do?’” Beck said. “It’s really hard news for one guy. It’s an opportunity for another guy that knows he’s always a snap away from being ready to play.”
Carr made the most of that opportunity, and his calmness under center stood out to Beck.
“I was really impressed with just how composed he was when he got in there,” Beck said. “That’s the big question mark. You do not know when somebody’s stepping into real meaningful minutes for the very first time in a Big Ten game. … He just looked like practice.”
Whittingham was also particularly pleased with the offensive line, which got “movement off the ball” and played their strongest, most physical ball of the season in the second half.
Meanwhile, Michigan’s defense once again proved why it is one of the top units in the nation. Senior defensive end John Henry Daley and junior defensive end Dom Nichols receive much of the attention; however, that defensive line includes, “Probably 10 guys that we have confidence in up front that we can put in the game at any point in time,” according to Whittingham.
The defense also rallied in the turnover battle, overcoming a 2-0 deficit by forcing three in the second half — something the coaching staff desperately wanted to improve.
Senior running back Bryson Kuzdzal joined the show as well, coming off his crucial 43-yard touchdown run to put the Wolverines on the board in the third quarter. That was the team’s longest run of the year, even with a banged up offensive line and first-time starter sophomore guard Avery Gach.
“Right off the snap, the sea kind of just parted on that right side, and then once I put my foot in the ground, I just saw one guy back there, had to make it,” Kuzdzal said.
Kuzdzal also talked about how junior wide receiver Channing Goodwin’s downfield block epitomizes Michigan football. Plus, it does not necessarily matter who is at quarterback — the running backs’ responsibilities remain the same.
“Just make sure you’re supporting them on every play. But I don’t know if there’s too big of a difference between either (Carr or Underwood),” Kuzdzal said.