Ann Arbor, Mich. — Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham said Monday that Bryce Underwood remains the starting quarterback and Jason Beck will keep calling plays as the Wolverines come off a bye week to host Penn State on Saturday.
Whittingham made the announcement at his weekly news conference on Oct. 12. Michigan is 3-2 overall and 0-2 in Big Ten play, the first time since 2014 the Wolverines have opened conference play with two losses.
Ball security is the main issue. Underwood has lost three fumbles this season and thrown four interceptions with just five passing touchdowns, including two interceptions on back-to-back throws against Minnesota. Michigan is minus-4 in turnover margin, which ranks No. 122 out of 138 teams in the Football Bowl Subdivision. Whittingham warned that a change could come if the turnovers are not fixed quickly.
Backup quarterback Tommy Carr took half the snaps with the first team during the bye, which Whittingham said was planned. He did not rule out giving Carr a series as a changeup.
Andrew Marsh will no longer return punts after two muffed returns, and the offense, which averages 23 points a game, will keep using its Rhino package with an extra lineman.
Penn State arrives at 3-3 and 0-3 in the Big Ten, setting up a meeting of two struggling programs led by first-year coaches.
