Orji in the Big House: Michigan Plans to Start Alex Orji vs USC
In a classic Rose Bowl matchup, new Big10 powerhouse- USC- travels to Ann Arbor with the hopes of continuing their undefeated season. Lincoln Riley and company will be in for a different opponent than we’ve seen in the first two lackluster weeks of Michigan’s season.
The Wolverines had significant turnover, both in the coaching and locker room, following their undefeated season. One of the most interesting and challenging decisions for new head coach, Sherrone Moore, was selecting a play caller. Moore held a QB battle between Davis Warren and Alex Orji in the offseason that extended until nearly the first week of college football season. Moore was quoted by the Detroit Free Press saying that the battle was quoted in August that he felt both Warren and Orji were legitimate options and both had positive attributes that could win the job.
Warren eventually won the job over Orji but has struggled to begin the season. According to TeamRankings.com, Michigan ranks 110th in passing yards per game, 90th in passer rating, and 75th in points per game. Despite playing at home in all 3 of their games this year and playing against unranked competition like Fresno State and Arkansas State, Michigan’s passing offense has been stale and unsuccessful.
Ahead of their game on Saturday against USC, Moore has decided to sit Warren down and call up the junior: Alex Orji. Like Moore said in the above quote, Orji has a different skillset from Warren. Where Warren is a more traditional pocket passer with a live arm but little mobility, Orji is an athletically gifted quarterback who is known for being dynamic on the ground but unproven with his arm. Even opposing coach and famed quarterback whisper, Lincoln Riley, recognizes the unique playstyle of Orji. Riley told Wolverines Wire that he recognizes Orji’s dangerous skillset in the running game, but fully expects Orji to be tested in the passing game as well.
While many pundits expect Orji to offer Michigan a unique rushing dynamic that even the 1st round pick, JJ McCarthy didn’t possess, Riley recognizes that Orji is a quarterback who is fully capable of winning through the air if a defense underestimates his arm.
Orji, making his debut in The Big House, will have his work cut out for him as he enters as a 5-point underdog against the Trojans. Orji will look to breathe life into a comatose Wolverine offense and give the stout defense an opportunity to play with a lead and trounce the Trojans.
