In a move that has sparked a mix of excitement and uncertainty among Michigan fans, head coach Sherrone Moore announced on Monday that junior quarterback Alex Orji will take over as the starting quarterback, replacing Davis Warren. The decision comes on the heels of Michigan’s sluggish start to the season, which includes a double-digit loss to Texas in Week 2, leaving the Wolverines in need of a spark as they head into Big Ten play.
Orji is well-known for his athleticism and ability to run the ball, and many believed throughout the offseason that he would be Michigan’s starting quarterback heading into 2024. Reports out of camp supported this notion early on, as Orji started strong in fall camp. However, Davis Warren finished camp on a high note, showing more consistency in his performance, which ultimately earned him the starting job at the beginning of the season.
Now, with Warren struggling to establish consistency and Michigan looking for answers on offense, Moore is turning to Orji in hopes that the dynamic junior quarterback can provide the spark the team needs. While Orji’s athleticism is unquestioned—he has a proven ability to evade defenders and make plays with his legs—there is still one major question looming: can he consistently throw the ball accurately downfield?
INTERVIEW: Sherrone Moore explained the decision to make Alex Orji Michigan's starting quarterback for the game against USC.
— Brad Galli (@BradGalli) September 16, 2024
"People have their opinions on him, but he can definitely throw. He'll make some big throws this week," Moore said. pic.twitter.com/EwGmE8Q9hb
So far, Michigan fans haven’t had many opportunities to see Orji in action through the air. He has only attempted six passes this season, completing three of them, with two going for touchdowns. However, both touchdown passes came in short-yardage situations on rollouts or screen passes, leaving many to wonder whether Orji can handle more complex passing situations, especially when it comes to pushing the ball downfield.
Michigan fans are hopeful that Orji’s strong arm and mobility will be the key to correcting the course of the season. His ability to escape pressure and create plays with his feet could open up the offense and give the Wolverines a much-needed edge heading into their Big Ten opener against USC. But for Michigan to truly turn things around, Orji will need to prove he can be more than just a running quarterback. His ability to stretch the field and make accurate throws downfield will be crucial in keeping defenses honest and giving Michigan’s offense the balance it has lacked.
With USC coming to Ann Arbor this Saturday, all eyes will be on Orji as he takes the reins of the offense. Michigan Nation is hopeful that this change will provide the spark needed to right the ship and get the Wolverines back on track as they begin their conference slate. Whether Orji can handle the pressure and deliver remains to be seen, but one thing is for certain: this is a pivotal moment for Michigan’s season, and Alex Orji now holds the keys to the Wolverines’ offense.
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