Pete Thamel explains why Michigan is starting Alex Orji vs. USC

On Monday, No. 18 Michigan announced Alex Orji will start at quarterback against No. 11 USC instead of Davis Warren, who started in the Wolverines’ first three games of the season. On Friday, ESPN’s Pete Thamel pulled back the curtain on Michigan’s decision.

“When they picked Davis Warren, it was a pretty big surprise, and they said, ‘We want to be a balanced team’ Michigan has a lot of NFL bona fides, right? They want a balanced offense,” Thamel said. “They are now saying, ‘Balance isn’t going to work. Let’s get imbalanced. Let’s run the quarterback. Let’s lean on this young offensive line that’s talented and has new starters.'”

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In Warren’s three starts this season, he only threw two touchdowns compared to six interceptions, the second-most in the FBS. Despite Warren’s sluggish showings, Michigan is 2-1, with plenty of time left in the season to prove itself to the College Football Playoff selection committee.

Nonetheless, barring a significant improvement from Warren, Michigan can no longer rely on the senior QB. Instead, the Wolverines will turn to Alex Orji, who will provide the team with a much greater rushing threat in the backfield.

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Standing at 6-foot-3, 235 pounds, Orji boasts rare athleticism. On 10 rushing attempts this season, the junior QB is averaging 5.8 yards per carry. On Saturday, Orji will have more opportunities than ever to show off his wheels.

Michigan’s decision may be about more than the QBs

Although Michigan’s decision is partially due to Warren’s underwhelming start to the season, Thamel believes it may also be due to tight end Colston Loveland‘s injury status.

“Also maybe weighing into effect is the status of Colston Loveland,” Thamel said. “He left the Arkansas State game with a shoulder injury. He’s by far Michigan’s leading receiver and best skill player, in terms of catching the ball.

“He’s questionable for the USC game, and that is a huge game-day status for Michigan. Without him, they don’t have a whole lot of threats in the pass game.”

Loveland left the Week 3 win with an apparent arm or shoulder injury. If Loveland is unavailable against the Trojans, Michigan will have even more motivation to play Orji, who doesn’t solely rely on his passing game.

Michigan fans won’t have to wait much longer to see Orji make his debut start. On Saturday, the Wolverines will square against USC at 3:30 p.m. ET. The game will air live on CBS.