The Michigan Wolverines are playing for pride the rest of this season.
Sitting at 5-2, they’ve been eliminated from College Football Playoff contention, and are on the outside looking in for a chance in the Big Ten. Another loss this season would be disastrous.
Head coach Jim Harbaugh isn’t taking any chances, and after his starting quarterback John O’Korn got off to a slow start, he was quick with the hook. O’Korn was 3-for-6 for 13 yards before Harbaugh pulled him in favor of sophomore Brandon Peters. The difference was immediately noticeable.
The score was 7-7 when O’Korn was pulled; midway through the third quarter the Wolverines lead, 28-14.
Brandon Peters is in the game at quarterback for Michigan. Gets some helmet slaps from his teammates.
— Tom VanHaaren (@TomVH) October 28, 2017
The Rutgers Scarlett Knights are doing what they need to do to hang around the game. That’s a recipe for disaster against a team like Rutgers; underestimated and playing with nothing to loss.
But Peters is doing well in his first taste of college football action. He’s completed 70 percent of his passes since entering the game, and threw for his first career touchdown.
You could say that @UMichFootball QB @_B_P_18 is off to a good start. pic.twitter.com/Vw2S5OVZDx
— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) October 28, 2017
Running back Karan Higdon is doing the heavy lifting, amassing 95 yards on 15 carries and chipping a touchdown of his own.
The Wolverines will be looking for a knockout blow early in the fourth quarter. If Peters can deliver it, he might just lock up the starting job the rest of the way. Michigan has struggled to find a viable replacement for Wilton Speight who was injured in the fourth game of the season.
Can’t get enough of Campus Sports? Follow us on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram to stay updated with the latest news and exclusive giveaways!