At today’s press conference, Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore spoke on the QB situation, the injury status of Will Johnson and others, insight on the Michigan State Spartans, and more:
The Michigan Wolverines are coming off yet another road loss, a 21-7 clunker in Champaign over the weekend. Head coach Sherrone Moore spoke to the local media in his weekly Monday afternoon press conference to discuss the loss over the weekend, looking ahead to the Michigan State Spartans , and more.
- We all know the quarterback situation is in a horrible place following Jack Tuttle’s two-turnover performance against Illinois. Moore said the plan at quarterback is to be determined and will be sorted out in practice this week. He did not name a starter today.
- As far as injuries go, there is no update on cornerback Will Johnson. However, left tackle Myles Hinton is trending in a good direction and seems to have a chance to play against MSU. The hope is for tight end Marlin Klein to practice this week after picking up an injury over the weekend.
- Moore said execution on offense and turning the ball over were things that stood out in Saturday’s game against Illinois. “We have to take care of the football at all costs.”
- As far as the state of the program goes, Moore said he’s not happy with the record or the losses. “We’re 4-3, but our job now is to get better to be 5-3 this week.” He reiterated that in the next question when asked what’s been the most disappointing thing this year — the amount of losses.
- “Timing + spacing = completion,” Moore said as far as the issues in the pass game.
- Tommy Doman has struggled in the punt game this year. Moore said the snap, catch and protection have been good, but “we have to get the ball down farther so we can change the field position for our defense.”
- Offensive coordinator Kirk Campbell will continue calling the plays, Moore said. Campbell may also stay on the sidelines after being there for the first time this season a week ago.
- Moore mainly wants to see taking care of the ball out of the quarterbacks in practice this week. “That would be the No. 1 priority.”
- As far as areas of growth this year, Moore believes the defense has been better. He was also happy with two blocked field goals in two straight weeks. Finally, he pointed out cornerback Jyaire Hill as playing “a lot better” this week, “he got challenged a lot and made some really good plays.”
- Moore said his team is “excited” to play against MSU and do what they can to keep the Paul Bunyan Trophy in Ann Arbor.
- Regarding MSU quarterback Aidan Chiles, Moore noted stressing rush lanes and how Chiles can do things to hurt you outside the pocket. “If he gets out (of the pocket), he can make things happen with his feet and make things happen with his arm.”
- A pair of true freshmen — safety Mason Curtis and cornerback Jo’Ziah Edmond — have seen the field more often the last few weeks, including last week against Illinois. Regarding those two, Moore said they have a “bright, bright future.” Sounds like we should expect more of them as the season goes on.
- There were “a lot of different factors” why the Wolverines didn’t get a quarterback in the transfer portal last offseason. “Ultimately, for us right now, we’ve gotta focus on today and focus on who we have on the roster and making sure we can do everything we can to win.”
- Moore admitted Jack Tuttle’s arm strength is “probably 95 percent” as of today and that it’s “where it needs to be.”
- True freshman quarterback Jadyn Davis continues to learn the system and the playbook, which he “has done a good job of.” “He’s definitely continued to progress.”
- Andrew Gentry will continue to be the starting right tackle after playing “pretty well” against Illinois. He took over for a struggling Evan Link against Illinois last weekend. Greg Crippen will also continue to be the team’s starting center.