Michigan benches Bryce Underwood for Tommy Carr against Penn State
The Wolverines changed quarterbacks at halftime after Underwood threw two interceptions. Michigan then took a 7-3 lead on a Bryson Kuzdzal touchdown run following a defensive interception.
Michigan benched quarterback Bryce Underwood at halftime of its home game against Penn State on October 17, bringing in freshman Tommy Carr to start the third quarter after the Wolverines gained just 80 yards and trailed 3-0. The change gave Michigan a new quarterback after a first half in which Underwood threw two interceptions.
Underwood's first-half numbers against Penn State
Underwood completed five of 11 passes for 43 yards before the change. ClickOnDetroit reported that Michigan added only 37 rushing yards in the half. Bleacher Report said the Wolverines' five possessions ended with three punts and the two interceptions, leaving Penn State ahead by a field goal at the break.
Michigan's defense kept that deficit to three points. ClickOnDetroit reported that Penn State gained 154 yards in the first half but scored only once. Head coach Kyle Whittingham told CBS Sports' Jenny Dell at halftime that Michigan needed to improve offensively, according to Bleacher Report. The reports establish the quarterback change but do not give a fuller explanation of the coaches' decision.
How Michigan moved ahead with Carr in the game
Carr received a loud ovation when he entered, ClickOnDetroit reported. His first completion went to JJ Buchanan for five yards, though that possession stalled. Michigan's next scoring chance followed a Rod Moore interception: Bryson Kuzdzal broke away for a 43-yard touchdown run on a two-play drive, putting the Wolverines ahead 7-3. The touchdown came on Kuzdzal's run after the defensive takeaway, rather than on a Carr pass.
Carr is a true freshman from Saline, Michigan, and the grandson of former Wolverines coach Lloyd Carr, according to Bleacher Report. The SB Nation report republished by Yahoo Sports described this as Underwood's first benching after 19 starts for Michigan. The reports put the teams' records entering the game at 3-2 for Michigan and 3-3 for Penn State.
The 7-3 score was an early third-quarter development, not a final result. It was not immediately clear whether the halftime change would affect Underwood's role beyond this game.
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Sources and context
- Michigan QB Bryce Underwood benched: Tommy Carr in vs. Penn StateSB Nation (republished by Yahoo Sports; canonical article at Maize n Brew)
- Bryce Underwood Benched by Michigan, Replaced by Lloyd Carr's Grandson Tommy vs. Penn StateBleacher Report
- Michigan football benches Bryce Underwood to start second half vs. Penn StateClickOnDetroit (WDIV)
AI-assisted article checked against the listed sources. NewsJaws did not conduct interviews or attend the reported events.