Kyle Whittingham evaluates the ‘spark’ QB Tommy Carr brings to Michigan Football

With Bryce Underwood struggling against Penn State, Michigan made a quarterback change at halftime. Starting quarterback Bryce Underwood was 5-of-11 for 43 yards in the first half with two interceptions, and the offense had just 80 total yards. A spark was needed, Underwood was benched, and true freshman backup Tommy Carr was inserted.

Michigan's offense generated three touchdowns during Carr's half of action. In all, Carr was 5-of-7 for 47 yards, along with 36 rushing yards and a clutch 12-yard rushing score to put Michigan up at the time 21-11.

"He responded very well," Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham told the media . "It wasn't perfect. There's some things he obviously needs to get better at. But he had some key runs for us. That option there for that final touchdown. That was a great run."

Whittingham noted how Carr took care of the football and had no turnovers.

"He did a nice job. He's always prepared. I walk by that quarterback room 12 times, 15 times a day. He's in there pretty much every second he doesn't have class, Whittingham said, "He's in there watching film. He's very prepared when his number was called. And like I said, he responded very well. And going forward, we'll take a good hard look at the tape and see why things bogged down in the first half and why we were better in the second half because there really wasn't a lot of scheme change."

While Whittingham wouldn't announce whether Carr would be Michigan's QB1 versus Indiana, it would be a surprise if he wasn't after a strong showing in Michigan's come-from-behind win.

Carr, who stands 6-foot-4 and 195 pounds, may be a true freshman but was ready when his number was called. In fact, Carr's been ready for his time to shine for a while.

"I was prepared for this since week one," Carr said. "I prepared every day like I was the starter — got the call. There were a little bit of nerves, but I knew I was prepared and ready for this moment."

Michigan's offense needed a spark, Michigan's fanbase needed a spark, Michigan needed a change at quarterback for a fighting chance to turn the season around. If Carr is named Michigan's starting quarterback moving forward he'll have to deal with stiffer tests moving forward, including No. 6 Indiana next Saturday. The good news for Carr is Michigan's win over Penn State and his emergence as a potential difference-maker will have the fans rowdy when the Hoosiers come to town for a Big Noon kickoff on Fox.