Forget any quarterback drama because Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham made it official: true freshman Tommy Carr is the Wolverines’ starter for the Michigan State game this weekend AND for the “foreseeable future.” That’s a massive declaration, confirming the kid who punched in the game-winning score last week is the guy.
The Freshman Phenom Takes Over
Michigan kicked off the season with Bryce Underwood under center, but Carr, a true freshman, got his shot three weeks ago during the Penn State game. While Underwood has still popped in for a few plays here and there, Carr has been the one leading the offense since that switch. He’s already got two starts under his belt, taking over right after halftime against the Nittany Lions and hasn’t looked back. Carr’s numbers so far show he’s been super efficient, completing 47 of his 66 passes for 480 yards, snagging a touchdown, and only throwing one interception. But what really separates him? His legs. Carr has already stacked up 96 rushing yards and three touchdowns on the ground. Underwood, on the other hand, has played in seven games, throwing for 924 yards with five touchdowns and six interceptions, plus 222 rushing yards and two scores on 61 carries. It’s clear Whittingham saw something special in the freshman’s ability to run the ball and take charge.
Clutch Runs and a Complete Game
Last week, the Wolverines had a serious scare against Rutgers, pulling out a tight 28-21 victory. Who sealed it? You guessed it: Tommy Carr, who hammered in a nine-yard rushing touchdown with just 4:24 left on the clock to snag the lead. This kid showed up big, finishing that win with 266 passing yards, one passing touchdown, 54 rushing yards, and two rushing touchdowns. Coach Whittingham wasn’t holding back with his praise, saying he “loved everything he saw from Carr last Saturday” and that the young quarterback “played a complete game.” He even called Carr’s rushing ability “key to the win.” When your coach says that about a true freshman stepping into such a high-pressure role, you know you’ve got something special.
This Saturday, Carr gets his first taste of the intense Battle for the Paul Bunyan Trophy against Michigan State. Beyond that massive rivalry game, Michigan still has a brutal schedule ahead, wrapping up the season against Oregon, No. 5 UCLA, and No. 11 Ohio State. They need just one more win from these final four games to become bowl-eligible. With a true freshman leading the charge and the stakes so high, every snap is going to matter.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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