5 reasons why Davis Warren is not the right choice for Michigan's starting QB job
Following a humbling 31-12 home loss to Texas, Michigan has some difficult facts to face. Possibly the biggest moment of truth comes in regard to the starting QB position.
The loss of JJ McCarthy to the NFL was almost guaranteed to be difficult. While Michigan doesn't have a clear successor to the position, former walk-on Davis Warren got the job. Here are five reasons for a change.
Five reasons why Davis Warren is not the right choice for Michigan's starting QB job
#1 Warren lacks explosive play ability
It wasn't exactly shocking, but Warren isn't a big-play QB. After two games, the Wolverines have just one 30+ yard passing play. That play was a 31 yard catch by Semaj Morgan in the final two minutes of a three-score loss to Texas.
That's even more important that usual because Michigan has just 1 20+ yard rushing play (a 0 30 yard rushes) in 2024. A year ago, Michigan had 22 20+ yard rushes. Without a big-play ground attack, the lack of passing plays is even bigger.
#2 Warren's not a scrambler
In the absence of any great pocket passers, Michigan might do well to opt for a mobile QB.
Alex Orji is the obvious choice and has seen a few snaps as a goal-line/short yardage QB. But in light of the struggles of the Michigan offense, the easiest fix might be going for a mobile QB, which is definitely not Warren.
#3 Warren's yard-per-attempt numbers are way too low.
In terms of quarterbacking, whether it's a safe high-percentage attack that values completions over bombs or a downfield passing game, there's a common factor. The passing game - to account for the risk of negative plays and turnovers - needs to account for a high yards per attempt rate.
A year ago, Michigan's 8.9 yards per attempt led the conference. In the two years before that, Michigan managed 8.1 and 8.3 yards per throw. In 2024, Warren is averaging 5.6 yards per attempt.
#4 Too many turnovers
If Warren and the Michigan offense can't offer more positive plays, they can at least avoid negative plays.
Warren has thrown three interceptions in his 58 passes. A season ago, JJ McCarthy threw four interceptions all season, in 332 passes. If Warren can't make positive plays, he has got to avoid altering the offense adversely.
#5 In a transitional season, Michigan should play a younger player
It's probably still too early to start thinking this way, but barring some sudden shift in Michigan's production and effectiveness, this isn't a season that's going to end back in the College Football Playoff.
If Michigan indeed has further stumbles, it's wiser to start getting meaningful snaps for younger players down the season's stretch.
What do you think about the Michigan QB situation? Share your thoughts below in the comments section: