Even though it was just a spring game, the quarterbacks are the big topic of conversation among Michigan football fans.
Some fans were disappointed by the play of Bryce Underwood, who did get just a quarter of action, and didn't have the best protection.
Conversely, fans always love the backup quarterback. That will be no different with Tommy Carr, who looks like he's got a future as a starting quarterback, as in 2-3 years in the future after Underwood has moved on.
It's easy to overreact to a spring game. Whittingham didn't do that, pushing back on the idea that Underwood didn't take steps forward this spring.
Kyle Whittingham says Bryce Underwood is 'ahead'
“He progressed all through spring,” Whittingham said. “There are some things that may not be noticeable to just the general populace, but his footwork, his pocket presence, he’s improved in all areas. He still has work to do — he knows that; we know that — but I think he’s ahead of where he was certainly prior to or from last season. “We think he’s got a big upside. We’ve still got a lot of confidence in him. There’s no real different sentiment than what we had when we first got in here.”
The reality is that if Underwood connects on the out route to Hogan Hansen and hits one of the deep throws, then he is 5 of 9 with a long completion, and fans feel much differently.
That's the pressure of being a Michigan quarterback, as well as a five-star recruit. It's also important to note that Bryce didn't really run. Tommy Carr did, though, and he looked impressive in three quarters, including a game-winning drive that he engineered in the fourth quarter.
Carr doesn't have Underwood's talent. But he made quick decisions, is more athletic than people realize, and throws a very catchable ball. The grandson of Lloyd Carr completed 21 of 30 passes for 143 yards, in addition to running 10 times for 59 yards.
Whittinngham said that he "balled out." He also said that Carr has the "it factor." The four-star freshman looks good enough to be the No. 2, and also gives Michigan a promising option to develop for the future, post-Bryce.
Underwood is QB1, though. One lackluster quarter of spring football doesn't change that.
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