Quarterback Move: Tommy Carr Secures First Guaranteed Start

Kyle Whittingham ended the speculation before kickoff. The Michigan head coach confirmed on Monday that freshman Tommy Carr will take the first snap against Michigan State. This marks the first time Whittingham has named a starting quarterback in advance of a game at his weekly news conference.

Carr has earned the role through recent performance. He passed for 266 yards on 22 of 27 attempts and added 54 rushing yards during last Saturday's 28-21 victory at Rutgers. He accounted for three total touchdowns in that contest.

The move follows Carr's strong showing in the previous week. Whittingham benched Bryce Underwood at halftime against Penn State. Carr led the Wolverines to a win over the Nittany Lions after the switch.

Carr's first career start came against Indiana, then ranked No. 6. The Wolverines lost that contest 13-6 in overtime. Carr threw one interception and lost a fumble in that game.

The 5-3 Wolverines (2-3 in the Big Ten) host the 2-5 Spartans (0-4 in the Big Ten) on Saturday night. Carr is the grandson of College Football Hall of Famers Lloyd Carr and Tom Curtis. He is also the brother of Notre Dame quarterback CJ Carr.

Whittingham cited Carr's play as the reason for the announcement. The coach said Carr will take the first snap, a decision that puts the team's offensive leader on the field from the opening play.