It's way too easy to blame the quarterback when things are going bad or give them credit when things are going good.
In both instances, it usually is a little more complicated.
When it comes to the Michigan football quarterback situation, complicated is the exact word that comes to mind.
Bryce Underwood is the five-star phenom. He was the highly paid quarterback who was supposed to keep the Wolverines on par with the Ohio State's of the world. There have been brief moments when he looks like that transcendent player.
There have also been times where it looks like he doesn't know how to play quarterback.
To be fair, every quarterback can have issues when they are getting hit. Bryce Underwood doesn't always struggle when he's getting blitzed. He can get rattled, though, and since the midway point of last season, he has had a penchant for turning the ball over.
After throwing just two interceptions in his first eight games last season, Undrewood has 11 interceptions in his last 10. He has lost a few fumbles during that time, too.
Flat out, Underwood has been turning the ball over too much. It's why Michgan lost on Saturday, and if he continues to turn it over, the Wolverines will have a hard time winning football games.
How Tommy Carr gets on the field for Michigan football
That's what Whittingham said during his press conference this week. He said there were no massive changes coming, but that the offense needs to hold onto the ball.
The quarterback has a lot to do with that. Underwood was responsible for two of the three turnovers against Minnesota, although the pass protection surely didn't help on the second interception. You also have to know when to protect the ball, although it's not always possible.
"We continue to stress with everybody the importance of taking care of the ball," Whittingham said. "With him touching the ball on every single snap, he's a big part of that. If we don't get this turnover thing fixed rapidly, then something's gotta give."
That something will be Underwood coming out of the game for Tommy Carr. That was Whittingham outlining what it will take.
Maybe Underwood gets away with one turnover on Saturday, but if there are multiple, unless one of them is late and the Wolverines are way ahead, you can almost predict that Underwood will get pulled.
Carr, the son of legendary Michigan football head coach Lloyd Carr, who coached Michigan to the national title in 1997, has looked good every time he's been on the field. Whittingham said he looks good in practice, but he says that about Underwood, too.
Carr does seem like the next starting quarterback. Michigan fans just didn't think that would be in 2026, and if all goes according to plan, it won't be.
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