Although it’s not yet October, the Michigan Wolverines have already made a switch at quarterback. Davis Warren, who started the first three games, was benched following a three-interception outing at home against Arkansas State in Week 3.
Enter Alex Orji. The mobile quarterback only managed 32 passing yards last week in a stunning comeback win over USC at the Big House. The team seemed to rediscover its offensive identity — running the ball hard and embracing the tough, physical football that head coach Sherrone Moore prefers.
However, passing the ball is essential to being one of the top teams in college football and contending for championships. Michigan, which takes pride in being the “leaders and best,” is struggling offensively. The Wolverines currently rank No. 109 in total offense, No. 99 in scoring (tied with Hawaii), and No. 128 out of 133 teams in passing offense.
Only a handful of teams, including Kent State, University of Louisiana Monroe, New Mexico State, Army, and Air Force, rank lower in passing offense. So far, Warren and Orji have combined for just 491 passing yards (about 123 per game), with four touchdowns and six interceptions — all thrown by Warren. Star tight end Colston Loveland is the only receiver with more than 100 yards, despite missing the USC game last week.
The Wolverines need to strike a better balance on offense, whether they stick with Orji, go back to Warren, or use both. Former Ohio State head coach and current FOX analyst Urban Meyer has suggested they play both quarterbacks to create more offensive balance.
“They can’t succeed with the current approach,” Meyer said on *The Triple Option* podcast. “There’s no chance with that kind of imbalance. They’ve got to play both quarterbacks. I’ve said that since we were at Big Noon Kickoff against Texas. Alex Orji is good enough to play. I think he’s a tremendous player…”
Meyer also noted that unless Michigan balances their offense, defenses will adjust, stacking the box and limiting offensive production. We saw this last week against USC and may see it again this weekend against Minnesota.
The bottom line: Orji needs to prove he can be a passing threat. While he’s had chances, the deep passes haven’t connected yet. He nearly hit Fred Moore for a touchdown against Arkansas State — although some blame falls on the receiver — showing the potential for explosive plays is there.
If Orji can unlock the passing game, Michigan’s offense could become more balanced without relying on a two-quarterback system. Until then, expectations for the passing game should remain modest.
