At Utah Kyle Whittingham and Jason Beck used a two quarterback system to their advantage. Now they can do the same at Michigan to confuse defenses and make their offense more dangerous.
Big 12 opponents were more susceptible to the attack, meaning it will be more difficult to scheme in the Big Ten. Nonetheless, Bryce Underwood is still a threat with the ball in his hands, especially with his legs, and that's something that the coaching staff has to have a plan for if they use him and Carr at the same time.
Videos surfaced of how Utah used Devon Dampier and Byrd Ficklin last year with both of them being on the field at the same time. The duo ran for over 800 yards in 2025. Both Carr and Underwood are capable enough runners who could do something at least half as good as that.
Strategizing ways to get Underwood and Carr both involved
First off, would be using Underwood as the running back. Putting him and Carr in the same backfield can open up the option game that Michigan ran fairly well in the second half of the Penn State win. Having to defend Carr and Underwood in the same backfield makes defenders decide which one will keep the ball or pitch it to the other one.
Including Jordan Marshall, Savion Hiter or Bryson Kuzdal with both quarterbacks in the backfield is also a formation that could be deadly. Depending on down and distance, it would make the defense guess who is going to get the ball.
Lining Underwood up at receiver to run routes or be a decoy is also plausible. Trick plays become more realistic and make defenders look bad if they bite on a fake or the play fools them to where there is open space to run for a big chunk of yardage for the ball carrier.
Even special teams can be a way to get Underwood onto the field too. When kicking field goals, he can be the holder and tease the defense into thinking of a fake attempt is coming. Chances are that won't happen, but if it's a close game late, then it's something that should be considered.
Therefore, not utilizing Underwood at all would be completely foolish, unless Carr is in full command of the offense. I would expect the offense to dabble with something that gets both quarterbacks on the field at the same time. After all, Michigan has nothing to lose at this point.
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