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Michigan quarterback Alex Orji will start the Week 4 matchup against No. 11 USC (3:30 p.m. ET on CBS), Wolverines coach Sherrone Moore announced on Monday. Orji replaces Davis Warren, who started the first three matchups for Michigan, leading the Wolverines to a 2-1 record.
The reigning national champions had one of the highest-profile quarterback battles of the offseason to replace national champion J.J. McCarthy. Orji was considered the favorite to win the job after playing as the primary backup last season, but the former walk-on Warren came out of nowhere to win the job entering the season.
Warren has struggled through three games, however. He completed 66.7% of his passes in three starts but threw for 200 yards just once. On the season, Warren has thrown two touchdowns and six interceptions. Against Arkansas State, Warren completed 11 of 14 passes, but all three incompletions were intercepted by the Red Wolves in a tight 28-18 victory.
Orji has thrown just seven total pass attempts in a Michigan uniform and was primarily used as a runner behind McCarthy. He has completed 3 of 6 passes in 2024, but two of his completions went for touchdowns. Additionally, Orji has averaged 5.8 yards per carry in his Michigan career and gives the Wolverines something to build around.
Michigan has won 22 consecutive Big Ten regular season games dating back to the 2021 season. On Saturday, the Wolverines welcome No. 11 USC in the latter’s debut as a Big Ten program. The Trojans have historically struggled on defense under coach Lincoln Riley, but USC is allowing just 10 points per game through three games.
Major offensive struggles
The Wolverines lost the core of their national championship team to the NFL Draft, especially on offense. Any…
Source link : https://www.cbssports.com/college-football/news/michigan-names-alex-orji-starting-qb-wolverines-make-significant-change-on-offense-ahead-of-usc-showdown/
Author : Shehan Jeyarajah
Publish date : 2024-09-16 16:53:42
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