Michigan coach Sherrone Moore announced Monday that Alex Orji will start at quarterback for the Wolverines against USC in Week 4. It was a foregone conclusion given struggles from Davis Warren against Arkansas State. Warren’s three interceptions against the Red Wolves led to his benching in the second half, after which Orji led a touchdown drive for Michigan.
For the third-straight game, Michigan underwhelmed in the passing game, throwing for just 134 yards and a touchdown in the win, that one coming from Orji in the fourth quarter. Orji, a redshirt sophomore, threw only four passes against Arkansas State and has been utilized the last two seasons as a change-of-pace, run-first option in Ann Arbor. He served as J.J. McCarthy’s primary backup last fall before Warren overtook the job in a training camp battle.
“The biggest thing Orji gives Michigan is another potentially strong running threat out of the quarterback position,” The Michigan Insider’s Steve Lorenz said Monday. “Michigan needs to design some short to intermediate routes to get him comfortable early and then use his running ability to open up some deep shots in the play-action game. That feels like their best shot to find success with him at quarterback.”
Now, after Warren’s inconsistencies, this is Orji’s opportunity to shine in a big spot against No. 11 USC.
“Just can’t have ’em,” Moore said after the game of Warren’s three interceptions, via The Michigan Insider. “Put the ball in harm’s way too many times. So, made the change and we’ll continue practicing and go from there. … Just not great stuff to put on film. Yeah, I was surprised. That’s football, though, so that stuff is going to happen and we had to make a change.”
Orji threw a touchdown pass in the season opener against Fresno State, but did not attempt a throw during his lone possession during Michigan’s Week 2 loss to Texas. The third-year player appeared in six games during the 2023 season, averaging just under 6 yards per carry. Michigan was reluctant to throw with Orji in there, however, and much of his play was in mop-up duty during Michigan’s 15-0 run to a national championship.
Orji faces a noticeably-improved USC defense under first-year coordinator D’Anton Lynn. In his career, Orji has 31 carries for 183 yards, and is only 4-for-7 passing for 20 yards. His mobility is a strength, but even Arkansa State was comfortable stacking the box and daring him to pass.
“He played well,” Moore said of Orji. “Had the overthrow but wanted him to just let it rip and get some confidence out there. Did a good job of managing it and taking care of the football which is the number one thing I want our program to do. We’ll see where we go from there.”
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Michigan’s home bout with USC, the Big Ten opener for both teams, is one of college football’s most important games left in September.
The Michigan Insider’s Zach Shaw contributed to this report.
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