Kirk Herbstreit Backs Michigan's Risky Quarterback Change Ahead of Indiana Game

Herbstreit enters Michigan's quarterback debate

ESPN college football analyst Kirk Herbstreit has weighed in on Michigan's quarterback decision after freshman Tommy Carr replaced Bryce Underwood and helped the Wolverines rally past Penn State. Speaking on his NONSTOP podcast with Joey Galloway, Herbstreit described the change as a gamble that was worth taking because Michigan's offense needed a spark, according to a USA Today report republished by Yahoo Sports. ^[1]

Herbstreit's argument was not that one half established Carr as the long-term answer. He framed the decision around the risk facing first-year coach Kyle Whittingham: Underwood arrived as the nation's top-rated recruit and remains a gifted runner and passer, but turnovers and stalled drives have made the offense unreliable. Herbstreit said the financial and recruiting attention surrounding Underwood makes any benching unusually difficult for a coaching staff. ^{[1] [2]}

What changed against Penn State

Michigan trailed 3-0 at halftime on Oct. 17 after Underwood completed 5 of 11 passes for 43 yards and threw two interceptions. Carr started the second half and finished 5 of 7 for 47 yards. His 12-yard touchdown run with 2:58 remaining provided the decisive points in a 21-18 victory, Michigan's first Big Ten win of the season. ^{[3] [4]}

The turnaround was broader than the quarterback change. Michigan rushed for a season-high 211 yards, and its defense generated three second-half takeaways. Carr managed the offense without a turnover, but the official box score shows that the freshman did not carry the comeback by passing volume alone. That context matters when evaluating whether the second-half performance should permanently reorder the depth chart. ^{[3] [4]}

Indiana presents a harder test

Michigan next hosts No. 6 Indiana. Reports on Oct. 21 said Carr was expected to make his first collegiate start, though Whittingham had not publicly confirmed that decision. The coach praised Carr's preparation and poise while also noting Underwood's support for his teammate, leaving open how both quarterbacks might be used. ^{[2] [5]}

Underwood entered the week having completed 58.1% of his passes for 924 yards, five touchdowns and six interceptions. Carr's limited but efficient work against Penn State gave Michigan a credible alternative. Herbstreit's comments explain why the decision drew national attention, but the evidence remains a one-half sample and the coaching staff, not the analyst, controls the lineup. ^{[1] [5]}

The choice also changes how Indiana must prepare. Underwood has supplied a larger season sample and a stronger designed-run threat, while Carr showed that he could protect the football and operate a run-led plan under pressure. Michigan can preserve uncertainty before kickoff, but whichever quarterback starts will face a ranked opponent rather than the favorable field positions created by three Penn State turnovers. ^{[3] [4] [5]}