Michigan's offense against Indiana wasn't pretty; it was actually terrifying to watch, and not in a good way. Halloween apparently came early to Ann Arbor, with Tommy Carr's play making fans want to cover their eyes, and it wasn't because they were afraid of a jump scare. Well, buckle up Wolverines fans because Carr is expected to take the field against vs. Rutgers.
Even though head coach Kyle Whittingham said in his Monday press conference that the starting quarterback role was to be determined this week against Rutgers, Pete Nakos is giving us the inside scoop. It seems Carr is going to get another shot at leading the Wolverines' offense, which honestly makes a lot of sense.
NEW: Michigan is expected to start QB Tommy Carr against Rutgers on Saturday, @PeteNakos reports. https://t.co/Gu8Kuc2AT9 pic.twitter.com/w6PYn3uiDL
— On3 (@On3) October 28, 2026
If Tommy Carr can't get past Rutgers' defense, then the writing is on the wall for Michigan
Carr's first start was far from how he probably hoped it would go. Going just 20-for-32 with 167 passing yards, no touchdowns, and two turnovers is not what Carr had in mind for his first start, especially with his brother, CJ Carr, in the stands. Let's put this into a little perspective though.
Carr was making his first start of his career against a top defense in the country, the reigning National Champions, who have been brutal on opposing quarterbacks this season. Even seasoned veterans like Julian Sayin have had a hard time moving the ball. Sayin ended up leaving the Indiana game early due to injury and was struggling against the Hoosiers' defense, so maybe we should give Carr a little bit of slack.
It makes sense that Whittingham would give Carr another shot at the starting role, and this time it comes against the worst defense in the Big Ten. Rutgers is literally in the basement of the conference defensive rankings, allowing an average of 33.3 points per game, 416.7 total yards per game, 217.6 passing yards per game, and 199.1 rushing yards per game.
If Michigan's defense can't get going against Rutgers, then the Wolverines have even bigger problems than anyone really thought. Carr has to perform well against the Scarlet Knights if he wants to continue to be the starter for the Wolverines.
Everyone was clamoring for Carr to replace Underwood, but if he has another performance like the one against the Hoosiers, especially against a defense this bad, Underwood may get his chance again.
The biggest key for Carr against Rutgers will be allowing the run game to take off. Obviously, you want to see Carr throw the ball and at least get a passing touchdown for Michigan in the month of October, but allowing the run game to get going will open up the pass.
Michigan desperately needs a win and, even more, a good performance from the offense just to have the feeling that this team isn't completely lost this season.
Add us as a preferred source on Google