It shouldn't have come as a surprise to Michigan football fans, but Kyle Whittingham confirmed that Bryce Underwood will be the starting quarterback for the Penn State game.
Whittingham praised Underwood for being 6-foot-4, 230 pounds, and being able to run like the wind. He also said his experience is a factor. Whittingham said that Underwood needs to improve some of his reads in the running game and the passing game. Jason Beck is still calling the plays.
The Michigan Wolverines head coach also revealed that Tommy Carr has been getting half the reps in practice. That's telling. The leash is shorter, and if Underwood doesn't improve, it feels like Carr will get a chance against Penn State. Whittingham knows how important this game is.
The same narrative existed before the Oklahoma game, and Underwood put it to bed. There's a chance he does that on Saturday and Michigan wins, as it is favored to do.
Penn State has also been struggling. The Nittany Lions have lost three games in a row. Michigan football has lost consecutive games. Matt Cambpell is a first-year head coach in the Big Ten just like Whittingham.
Campbell won the last meeting between the two head coaches in 2024. Iowa beat a Utah team that ended up with just four wins. Hopefully, Saturday's game isn't a sign of things to come, unless it's Michigan getting a win.
The Rhino isn't going anywhere
One thing that fans won't love from Whittingham's press conference is that the Rhino package (6th offensive line) is here to stay. We'll see how much it works and how much it's employed against Penn State, but the Rhino was a disaster against Minnesota.
"It gives you an extra big-body blocker in the run game, which should yield dividends in that regard, and a better pass protector when you throw the ball. Those are the positives," Whittingham said.
Like or it not, the Wolverines are going to get away from it.
Michigan football injury updates aren't great
Andrew Sprague doesn't sound like he's going to play against Penn State, or anytime soon, based on Whittingham's latest update. The good news is that Andrew Babalola is back on the practice field.
Andrew Marsh is also dealing with an injury. Whittingham said there will be a new punt returner this week. It also feels like there is a question about whether Marsh will be available, just like Minnesota.
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