The University of Michigan’s quarterback situation just went from a mid-game adjustment to a full-blown declaration, with famed alum Rich Eisen throwing his weight behind Tommy Carr as the team’s permanent starter. This isn’t just a casual take, either. Eisen laid it all out on his show Monday, making it clear he’s seen enough to call for Carr to lead the Wolverines from here on out.
The Halftime Shock and Carr’s Immediate Impact
Talk about a gut punch. Against Penn State, offensive coordinator Jason Beck told Bryce Underwood, the ballyhooed starting quarterback, that Carr was taking over in the second half. Eisen recounted getting a text at halftime from a friend saying, “If Bryce comes out at halftime, I’m snapping the game off. I need to see Tommy Carr.” And honestly, you can see why the alumni base was buzzing. Underwood had thrown two interceptions, and his body language going into the locker room? Eisen said he looked “miserable.” You gotta wonder about your leader when that’s what you’re seeing.
But then Kyle Whittingham, the head coach, made the move. They “took the Carr for a spin,” as Eisen put it, and suddenly, everything clicked. The run game started working. “Everything else was working in a way that we hadn’t seen with consistency over the first couple of months,” Eisen noted. It was an instant jolt, a complete shift in offensive flow.
Eisen’s Unwavering Verdict and the Message to Underwood
Despite Coach Whittingham being “mum” on who starts next week against Indiana, Eisen isn’t holding back. “I do believe, barring injury, Tommy Carr is your new starter at the University of Michigan,” he declared. He’s “results-oriented,” and the results from Carr’s half against Penn State were undeniably better. This is his show now.
For Bryce Underwood, Eisen had a message through the camera: stay ready. This could still work out. He pointed to Bryce Young, a No. 1 overall pick who got benched and look at him now. Or Jalen Hurts, perhaps the most famous college football benching this century, who went on to sign a quarter of a billion-dollar professional contract. Eisen gets it if Underwood decides to transfer, like Hurts eventually did. But he also reminded everyone that Underwood could be under center again against Indiana, or even Ohio State, if circumstances change. It’s a tough spot, but the potential paths forward are clear.
So, what’s next? Michigan faces Indiana, and Eisen’s take is simple: “can’t make any mistakes there.” The spotlight is on Carr to prove Eisen right and on Coach Whittingham to make his decision. Everyone will be watching to see if this “new starter” era is truly here to stay.
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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