Joel Klatt: Michigan football has a 'higher ceiling with Jack Tuttle'

It was pretty clear last week that quarterback Jack Tuttle was the best option going forward for Michigan football despite an up-and-down performance against Washington.

Tuttle came on in relief of Alex Orji after Michigan football fell behind 14-0. The Wolverines offense immediately had a spark. Donovan Edwards ripped off a long touchdown run -- his second of the season -- and Michigan kicked a field goal before the half.

In thie third quarter, Tuttle connected with Colston Loveland on a touchdown pass and everything seemed to be right with the world. It didn't last though. Tuttle missed a wide-open Amorion Walker and was stripped of the ball.

Donovan Edwards slipped on what might have been a touchdown run and an interception by Tuttle essentially sealed Michigan's fate. But with two weeks to practice ahead of the Illinois game, the veteran should be ready. He will at least be more prepared than he was against Washington.

Tuttle wasn't cleared until last week, so, understandably, he was a little rusty. But if he can channel what made him successful, there's no doubt the ceiling is a little higher for Michigan football, something Joel Klatt said this week Via On3.com.

“It kind of fell apart down the stretch. So, no, it’s not a team that’s going to probably go to the playoff but now, all of a sudden, they’ve got a higher ceiling with Jack Tuttle,” Klatt said.

Tuttle needs to take care of the ball and get Loveland involved more. He's a first-round pick and hopefully he'll be 100 percent after the bye week. The defense needs to improve too and so does the offensive line. It's not all on Tuttle but better QB play wouldn't hurt over the last six games as Michigan football tries to fight back into playoff contention.