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Michigan benches quarterback Alex Orji, puts in Jack Tuttle

Wade-Peeryby:Wade Peery•10/05/24
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Michigan QB Jack Tuttle gets his first start with the program against Illinois. (Photo by Dale Young-USA TODAY Sports)

The Michigan Wolverines have struggled mightily trying to figure out their quarterback situation in Ann Arbor this year. And on Saturday against the Washington Huskies, they once again tried another option. Michigan decided to bench quarterback Alex Orji and put Jack Tuttle in the game in the second quarter.

Washington currently leads Michigan 14-10 at halftime. Before being benched, Orji completed 3 of 7 passes for 15 yards. Michigan was trailing Washington 14-0 in the second quarter, but they finished the half with some impressive plays from their defense. Defensive lineman Mason Graham blocked a field goal attempt at the end of the first half, keeping the Wolverines within striking distance, 14-10 at the break.

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In his limited action he saw in the first half, Tuttle completed 3 of 4 passes for 26 yards. As a runner, he had two carries for 14 yards. The Michigan offensive attack seemed to move much more effectively with Tuttle in the game in the first half.

Orji handled the benching well, giving Jack Tuttle a hug before he came into the game, according to Jason Avant. Tuttle has seen limited reps over the years for Michigan, so Saturday isn’t his first taste of action for the maize and blue. In 2023, he completed 15 of 17 passes for 130 passing yards, while tossing in one touchdown. As a runner, he had four carries for 35 yards.

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Tuttle has a career stat line of 1,031 yards, six touchdowns, six interceptions and a 59.8% completion percentage across 21 game appearances. He spent four years at Indiana before transferring to Michigan prior to the 2023 season. Tuttle also started his career at Utah prior to the Hoosiers.

As a member of the Class of 2018, Tuttle was a four-star recruit out of San Marcos (Calif.) Mission Hills, according to the On3 Industry Ranking, a weighted average that utilizes all four major recruiting media companies. He was the No. 25 overall prospect in the state, the No. 14 quarterback in the class and the No. 163 overall prospect in the class.

On3’s Nick Kosko also contributed to this article.