Big Ten Network calls Michigan football QB competition a 'two-horse race'

Although we have continued to hear positive reports about Alex Orji in his efforts to win the Michigan football starting quarterback job, the Big Ten Network talked about the competition being a "two-horse race" on Tuesday between Orji and Davis Warren.

“I think we can tell you it’s not gonna be Jack Tuttle, at least initially,” Big Ten Network’s Dave Revsine said during the network’s training camp tour stop at Michigan. “He’s working his way back from an injury. So it’s a two-man race at quarterback. A lot of interest, obviously, in how this plays out.”

It's clear that Orji and Warren are different types of quarterbacks. Warren stood out in the spring game and is the more accurate passer. However, Orji has worked hard on that part of his game too and that's why he's been the first QB in the first two scrimmages, according to reports.

“I saw two quarterbacks that have different skill sets, and I think that’s the major problem,” Former Indiana head coach Gerry DiNardo said. “If you build an offense around Warren, if you build one around Orji, if you try to mix them in. The other problem, unusual for Michigan, is two of the first four games are Texas and USC, so there’s some sense of urgency to get the quarterback situation resolved.”

Howard Griffith, another long-time analyst for the Big Ten Network and a Super Bowl champion with the Broncos also weighed in and he likes what Orji can bring to the Michigan football offense.

“I like what Orji brings to the table,” Griffith said. “I think if you want to be a more run-dominant team, you look at this offensive line, I think they’re going to be right back where they should be as a dominant O-line. So I think a quarterback that gives you the ability to have that mobility is going to give you an opportunity against teams like that. Does he have to continue to grow as a passer? No doubt about it. But I want him on the field so he can continue to gain experience.”

I find myself in agreement with Griffith. Orji allows this team to have more a run-first identity which is what Michigan football is all about anyway. He does have to be able to move the chains on third downs and get the ball to Michigan's playmakers.

But, if you can grow on the job like Jalen Milroe did for Alabama, that's the best way for Michigan football to reach its ceiling in the 2024 season.