What we learned about Michigan football QB battle at Big Ten Media Days

No Michigan football fan should have expected to learn who the starting quarterback was going to be from Sherrone Moore on Thursday at Big Ten Media Days and we didn’t.

Moore said that the decision would be made when it becomes clear to Moore and the staff who the No. 1 guy will be. That could happen in fall camp and it might not happen until after the season starts (my words).

There has been plenty of chatter about a platoon of sorts at quarterback with Alex Orji and Jack Tuttle. I’m not a huge fan of it, but I’m willing to see how it works. I love the idea of using Orji as a runner but if that’s all he can do, it makes it really tough on the offense.

Orji has to be able to keep teams honest. Moore also stressed the importance of protecting the ball. He did say that Michigan football quarterback needs to be a playmaker, but protecting the ball is paramount.

J.J. McCarthy was elite at taking care of the ball. So was Cade McNamara. McCarthy had four interceptions last season. He had five in 2022. Cade McNamara had six in 2021. That’s the kind of play you need.

Orji has always felt like the best option to me. He offers explosive plays in the running game and with play-action, the ability to stretch the field. He has to hit the throws though. Tuttle is a former four-star recruit and has a lot of experience but attempted fewer than 20 passes last season.

Tuttle has never been a full-time starter. But he’s still the veteran presence and I wouldn’t be shocked to see him start the season opener.

The backup last season for Michigan football has been back for summer workouts, and according to Moore, Tuttle has been “Great … accurate, throwing the ball with great velocity.”

The QB competition starts July 31 and right now, it feels wide open.

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