Michigan will stage another quarterback battle heading into the final stretch of the season, with coach Kyle Whittingham announcing Monday that the competition is open again following the firing of offensive coordinator Jason Beck.
Freshman Tommy Carr had started the previous three games, most recently a 15-6 loss to Michigan State on Saturday that proved to be the breaking point for the coaching staff.
Carr originally took over the job from Bryce Underwood, the former No. 1 overall recruit, after weeks of inconsistent play at the position. The freshman made an immediate impression by leading Michigan to a win over Penn State in his first extended action.
As a starter, Carr went 1-2. His tenure included an overtime performance against Indiana and a victory over Rutgers in which he threw for 266 yards and accounted for three touchdowns.
Only a week earlier, Whittingham had said Carr would remain the starter for the "foreseeable future" on the strength of that Rutgers showing. The collapse against Michigan State changed the picture in a hurry.
The defeat was a historic low for the Wolverines. It was their first loss without allowing a touchdown since 1985, and it handed the Spartans their first Big Ten victory of the season after they entered the matchup at 2-6. Carr managed just 138 passing yards with two interceptions on 26 attempts, and Michigan did not score until the waning minutes of the fourth quarter.
Moving on from Beck came at a significant cost, with Michigan paying more than $7 million in buyout money. Whittingham elevated offensive line coach Jim Harding to interim offensive coordinator to guide the unit the rest of the way.
The shakeup gives Underwood an opening to reclaim the job he lost earlier this season. The sophomore completed 58 percent of his passes with five touchdowns and six interceptions before being benched.
Whoever wins the job will take over one of the least productive offenses in the country. Michigan ranks No. 132 nationally in total offense, ahead of only Michigan State among Power Four programs.
