Matt Eifert writes about Michigan football and men's basketball for Maize n Brew.
After throwing three interceptions against Arkansas State, Sherrone Moore and the Michigan Wolverines coaching staff had no choice but to bench Davis Warren. The switch to Alex Orji meant the Wolverines would have to lean heavily into the running game.
After two starts by Orji, we are left with more questions than answers. While Michigan has won both contests against USC and Minnesota, the passing game has essentially evaporated. On top of that, the threat of a quarterback run hasn't materialized either. Against Minnesota, Orji's final stat line was nine rushes for 12 yards; if the incentive to switch from Warren to Orji was to utilize Orji's legs, that has certainly not come to fruition.
At the end of the day, the Michigan offense does not appear tailored to Orji's strengths. It looks eerily similar to the 2023 Michigan offense, except without J.J. McCarthy at the helm. If the coaching staff doesn't implement more quarterback runs and options into the offense, would it benefit the Wolverines to go back to Warren? If not, should someone else get a shot?
Moore has repeatedly expressed a desire to not flip-flop at the position. However, at this juncture I'm not convinced the right move is remaining with Orji for the long haul. Jack Tuttle was not on the injury report last week. Could he be available? Jadyn Davis also remains in the wings, though he appears to be a year or two away.
There isn't a slam dunk answer here. What do you think Moore should do? Should Michigan ride it out as is and tailor the offense to Orji? Should the offensive game plan be left the same but with Warren back in? Should Tuttle be given his first opportunity, if he's healthy enough?