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Michigan’s Rushing Revival: How a Quarterback Switch Sparked a Turnaround Against Penn State
By Drooid · · How we work
Run Game Turnaround vs. Penn State
In Week 7, Michigan entered the second half against Penn State with just 30 rushing yards. After senior quarterback Tommy Carr replaced starter Bryce Underwood, the Wolverines exploded for 174 ground yards, reviving a run-heavy identity that had lagged early in the 2026 season.
Season Context and Quarterback Change
Michigan entered the season averaging 147.67 rushing yards per game (10th in the Big Ten). Underwood’s 58.1 % completion rate and limited mobility had allowed defenses to stack the box. Carr, a former four-star recruit and grandson of former coach Lloyd Carr, was given his first start, bringing a credible passing threat that forced opponents to respect the aerial attack. Analysts noted that this shift could open lanes for running backs Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter.
Official Statements & Responses
Running backs coach Tony Alford credited multiple factors for the second-half surge: improved first- and second-down efficiency, fewer penalties, and a strategic move to attack between the tackles rather than relying on perimeter runs.
Data & Statistics
- First-half rushing vs. Penn State: 30 yards; second half: 174 yards.
- Indiana’s run defense: just over 75 yards allowed per game, ranked fourth nationally (Alford).
- Michigan’s season average rushing output: 147.67 yards per game, 10th in the conference.
What’s Next
Michigan will face the Indiana Hoosiers, the nation’s fourth-ranked run-defense, at 12:10 p.m. EDT in the Big House. The matchup will test whether Carr’s dual-threat capability can sustain the revived ground attack against a top-tier front seven.