A quarterback change doesn't appear to be in the works for Michigan as it prepares to host Penn State on Saturday and seeks its first Big Ten victory of the season.
Head coach Kyle Whittingham confirmed Monday that offensive coordinator Jason Beck will remain the play-caller and Bryce Underwood the starting quarterback despite the Wolverines' offense ranking 120th nationally and the sophomore sitting 89th in passer efficiency.
Whittingham cited Underwood's physical tools and familiarity running the offense as reasons to stick with the signal-caller.
"Six-foot-four, 230 (pounds), runs like the wind," Whittingham said of Underwood, according to Clayton Sayfie of On3. "Cannon arm, can make every throw and then some. Has a whole year of experience under his belt last year and five games this year. So, that being the case and looking at the room as a whole, we feel that at this point he still gives us the best chance to win."
The Wolverines' offensive attack has been a mess in Whittingham's first season, as the unit has failed to top 20 points in four of five games. The main culprit has been a passing game that ranks last in the Big Ten at only 180 yards per game.
While Whittingham didn't sway from his commitment to Underwood, he didn't rule out the possibility that freshman quarterback Tommy Carr, whose grandfather is Michigan coaching legend Lloyd Carr, could see game action at some point this season.
"He sure looks good in practice, like he has all spring and fall camp," Whittingham said of Carr. "And his small, tiny sample size that he had in the game (versus UTEP) was positive. But right now, like I said, Bryce is our guy. If we think giving Tommy a series or two helps our chance to win, then we'll see that."
