Alex Orji named Michigan's new starting quarterback against USC Trojans, per head coach Sherrone Moore
Making the expected change at quarterback, Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore named Alex Orji the new starting quarterback on Monday. Orji takes over for Davis Warren, who threw multiple interceptions against Arkansas State on Saturday and was pulled shortly after halftime. Michigan now has to shift their offensive approach to incorporate Orji's ability as […]
Making the expected change at quarterback, Michigan Wolverines head coach Sherrone Moore named Alex Orji the new starting quarterback on Monday.
Orji takes over for Davis Warren, who threw multiple interceptions against Arkansas State on Saturday and was pulled shortly after halftime.
Michigan now has to shift their offensive approach to incorporate Orji's ability as a rusher, moving away from running a more traditional (read: boring) offense they operated under Warren.
Davis Warren finally and mercifully benched, setting Michigan free to make critical changes to their offense
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Orji has thrown just seven passes in his Wolverines' career, completing four of them for 20 yards and two touchdowns.
In three games this year, Orji is three-for-six passing for 15 yards and two touchdowns. Meanwhile, he has 10 carries for 58 yards.
Orji took over against Arkansas State and led perhaps the best scoring drive the Wolverines have had all season, marching 80 yards in nine plays and controlling over five minutes of game clock.
His performance against the Red Wolves prompted some praise from Moore, who said Orji was "had control of" of the offense
Now Michigan's approach will largely focus on dominating teams with the ground game, incorporating Orji's talent as a rusher to complement a talented backfield of running backs.
Orji rushed for 27 yards on just three carries for the Wolverines in Week 3. While he almost assuredly won't be the same passer as Warren, he adds a different element to their offense than Warren's inefficiency as a passer. His ability as a runner creates a +1 in the run game that defenses have to account for, opening up runs for Kalel Mullings and Donovan Edwards.
It's time for the Wolverines to truly embrace the option with Alex Orji starting. They don't have to transform into a service academy fully, but if this move is going to work, they have to evolve the scheme and fully embrace that change.
The Michigan Wolverines will welcome the USC Trojans to Ann Arbor in Week 4.
