Charles Post has been a writer for Maize n Brew since 2024, covering in-person media availabilities for Michigan athletics.
With the annual rivalry game against the Michigan State Spartans approaching, the Michigan Wolverines' quarterback room remains in question as turnovers continue to prove costly. Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore didn't name a starting quarterback during his weekly press conference ahead of the MSU game, and said a decision will be made after observing how practice goes throughout this week.
"We'll see as we go through the week," Moore told the media on Monday.
The Wolverines entered the season with high expectations, but whether it's been Davis Warren, Alex Orji or Jack Tuttle, the quarterback position has been abysmal. Tuttle was hoping to lead the way to a win in his first start last week, but he committed two turnovers in a 21-7 loss to the Illinois Fighting Illini, something that cannot happen if you are the starting quarterback for the University of Michigan.
"Just taking care of the ball is the No. 1 priority. You want big plays and you want efficiency, but we have to take care of the football," Moore said. "I think it's just about putting an overemphasis on ball security. We can't turn the football over. That's really the end of the discussion. If you don't turn the football over, then you win the game."
All three quarterbacks have contributed to the alarming turnover rate, as Warren threw six interceptions in just three games before being replaced by Orji last month. Orji had only one turnover as the starter, but his inability to pass at a high level cost him the job. Tuttle was then given an opportunity to lead the offense for most of the Washington game and the entirety of the Illinois game.
Tuttle has four turnovers -- two fumbles and two interceptions -- in the last two games, and his struggles have reopened the door for the possibility of yet another quarterback change. The costly miscues have prevented any chance of creating an offensive rhythm and have continued to put the defense in difficult positions to overcome.
The offensive struggles have been exacerbated by a lack of consistency at quarterback, and it was glaring against Illinois as Michigan failed to score double digits for the first time since being shut out by Notre Dame in 2014.
The uncertainty surrounding the quarterback position is palpable, and there will be a spotlight on Moore to make a decision that results in a win over MSU this Saturday night. Michigan must find a way to increase confidence and restore stability in the quarterback room, or the current losing skid very well could continue.