Michigan starting QB for Week 4: Sherrone Moore announces his QB1 pick for USC face-off and its not Davis Warren
Alex Orji will be the Michigan Wolverines starting quarterback for Week 4. Sherrone Moore made it official on Monday but a lot of their fans already expected it. The Wolverines have a tough game lined up against the USC Trojans on Saturday in Ann Arbor.
The announcement comes as Davis Warren has started the season on a shaky note including a three-interception performance against Arkansas State in Week 3. Moore went on by saying he looks forward to seeing his team improve as the season progresses.
“I wouldn’t call them an issue. We’re just gonna go to work. So, we’ll improve as we did in last week's running game. We’ll get better in the passing game and we’ll continue to strive forward.”
Orji has seen limited action so far. However, the dual-threat QB has shown flashes of his potential as he has thrown two touchdowns and rushed for 58 yards across three games.
“Davis was playing good, but you can’t have those turnovers. Orji went in there and did a good job, missed the one throw, but thought he controlled the offense pretty well. We’ll go from there.”
According to Moore, Orji has the opportunity to add some much-needed firepower to the Wolverines’ stagnant offense, which ranks 121st in passing yards per game.
Michigan starting QB: Alex Orji vs. Davis Warren
The Michigan starting QB battle heated up long before Moore’s announcement on Monday. Warren didn’t help himself much since being named the starter after preseason camp. He has struggled with turnovers and it was on full display again against the Red Wolves. Six interceptions in just three games and three costly picks against Arkansas has resulted in Moore going with Orji in Week 4.
Consequently, Orji was razor-sharp and stabilized the offense. The new Michigan starting QB does have a knack for running rather than trusting his arm as he has recorded 181 yards and three touchdowns in 12 career appearances for Michigan.
His passing numbers are limited (4-of-7), but the mobility option that he can provide would be welcomed by the Wolverines offense, something Warren couldn’t quite deliver so far this season. It wasn't all bad for Warren against the Red Wolves as he was 11-of-14 for 122 yards, but his turnovers have been his Achilles heel.
Both Orji and Warren are expected to take first-team reps in practice this week. However, the Michigan starting QB debate for Week 4 has now been settled.