Why was Davis Warren benched against Arkansas? Exploring potential reasons behind Alex Orji’s takeover in 3rd quarter
On Saturday afternoon, the 17th-ranked Michigan Wolverines made a quarterback switch during their Week 3 home game against the Arkansas State Red Wolves. Alex Orji replaced Davis Warren in the fourth quarter.
This is big news, as Michigan isn't used to quarterback uncertainty. With the season's significant games approaching, this situation is noteworthy.
The sports world wants to know why coach Sherrone Moore replaced Warren with Orji. Let's investigate the decision and determine why the early-season switch occurred.
Why was Davis Warren benched?
Opposite lightly-regarded opponents, Michigan's passing game under Davis Warren generated several turnovers. He completed 11-of-14 passes for 122 yards and 8.7 yards per pass, which sounds great on paper. However, the Arkansas State Red Wolves intercepted his three incompletions.
Turnovers are a recurring issue for Warren. He has thrown six interceptions in his 72 pass attempts this season - or one interception for every 12 attempts. Those numbers aren't sustainable for Michigan's upcoming Big Ten Conference action.
Despite those turnovers, Saturday's game leaned in Michigan's favor. The Wolverines ultimately defeated the Red Wolves after coach Sherrone Moore put backup quarterback Alex Orji into the game.
We do not know what next week will look like for the Wolverines under center, as they can decide to give Warren the start or completely switch roles and make Orji the starting quarterback.
To put things in perspective for the quarterback play this season, last year's starting quarterback JJ McCarthy threw four interceptions on the year. He never had six interceptions in a season. The goal for the Wolverines is to protect the football and it is clear that early on, Davis Warren is struggling to do just that.
Who will be the starting quarterback going forward?
The Michigan Wolverines need to have better quarterback play if they want to be one of the teams in the 12-team College Football Playoff. With no real option that is better than the other, expect Alex Orji to become the starting quarterback for the program going forward.
The Wolverines are going to rely on the running game if they want to have an opportunity at defending the national championship as the options at quarterback have been less than ideal.