Tommy Carr Needs to Show Deep-Pass Accuracy in Michigan’s Rivalry Game Against Michigan State
Carr’s recent progress
Carr entered the Penn State game at halftime and showed promise, then had what the article describes as freshman moments in Michigan’s 13-6 loss to Indiana. Against Rutgers last weekend, he played a key role in the Wolverines’ win and earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week.
Whittingham named Carr the starting quarterback for the foreseeable future. The Michigan State matchup will be his third consecutive start.
Deep passes remain a focus
Carr said he wants to improve his connection on deep throws against the Spartans. Speaking to Jon Jansen on “Inside Michigan Football,” he said hitting those passes could help open space for Michigan’s run game, and emphasized taking care of the ball.
Against Rutgers, Carr threw for 266 yards and rushed for 54, but missed Andrew Marsh on two deep attempts. This season, he has completed two of six passes traveling more than 20 yards.
Whittingham points to timing
Whittingham said Carr can make throws of about 55 yards, though he is not a quarterback who can throw the ball 70 yards. He attributed the missed connections with Marsh to timing and the ball arriving slightly short, rather than insufficient arm strength.
Whittingham also said coaches need to better time and practice the deep shots. Carr has grown up a Michigan fan, and his grandfather, Lloyd Carr, coached in the rivalry for many years. Whittingham said about 55 players on the roster have never played in the in-state matchup; former players, including Jansen, have been brought in to discuss its significance.
Key points
- Carr is set for his third consecutive start against Michigan State.
- He earned Big Ten Freshman of the Week after Michigan’s win over Rutgers.
- Carr completed two of six passes longer than 20 yards this season.
- Whittingham said the missed deep passes reflected timing, not a lack of arm strength.