Week 2 with Alex Orji under center saw Michigan taking a cautious yet deliberate approach to expanding their passing game. After all, when you’ve got a QB who just pulled off a win with only 32 passing yards, it's clear there’s room to grow. And while Michigan managed to nearly double their passing output in a nail-biting 27-24 win over Minnesota, that progress came at the cost of a turnover, reminding everyone that the road to developing a well-rounded quarterback is full of bumps.
Alex Orji finished Saturday’s game completing 10 of 18 passes for 86 yards and a touchdown — all noticeable improvements from the previous week’s upset victory over USC. That kind of stat line might sound modest, but for Orji and Michigan, it’s progress. Yet, the third-quarter interception was a stark reminder of how fragile momentum can be. An underthrown pass down the middle intended for Colston Loveland fell right into the hands of a Minnesota defender, gifting the Golden Gophers a much-needed possession. To make matters worse, Donovan Edwards was wide open in the flat, with nothing but green grass in front of him.
“Donovan was open,” Orji admitted post-game. “I just gotta be better in that situation. As a quarterback, I definitely owe him one.” It’s that kind of accountability that shows Orji’s mindset, which, while not perfect yet, is focused on growth and improvement. He also acknowledged that a more accurate pass to Colston could’ve easily changed the play’s outcome. “A better ball would have been a completion to Colston,” he added.
Now, let’s not lose sight of the bigger picture. Michigan’s ability to beat a ranked USC team last week while putting up just 32 passing yards was nothing short of miraculous in today’s pass-happy world of college football. These days, teams air it out more than ever, and fast. The Wolverines, though, are finding their balance, trying to bring Orji along at a pace that works for both him and the team. At 6-foot-3 and 235 pounds, Orji is a physical presence who can be a weapon in the running game. But the team is still working on building his confidence and consistency in the passing game.
Coach Sherrone Moore sees the potential and the room for growth. “The offense we have is wide open for him,” Moore said after the game. “We’re just trying to get him easy completions, plays he’s comfortable with. It’s all about progression. If he continues to work through that, he’s going to keep getting better.” Moore's strategy is clear: play to Orji’s strengths while minimizing risky situations. Right now, a lot of Michigan’s passing plays are designed to hit the outside of the field — quick out-routes to tight ends and play-action screens — avoiding too many throws down the middle where things can get chaotic.
By leaning heavily on the run game, Michigan isn’t just protecting Orji from mistakes — they’re giving him time to develop without putting too much on his plate. And it’s working. Before this season, Orji had attempted just one pass. On Saturday, he completed three passes of more than 10 yards, including an 11-yard touchdown to Tyler Morris. That particular score was a thing of beauty, with Morris streaking down the sideline to cap a 21-0 lead. “It’s going to take time for him to grow as the season goes on,” Morris said, expressing confidence in his quarterback. “Honestly, the interception — in my eyes, it’s not the worst thing in the world. He gave Colston a chance, and as receivers, that’s what we want. It’s not always going to be perfect, but if you trust us and give us a shot, good things can happen.”
Now, turnovers are something Michigan’s coaching staff is acutely aware of. After all, they’re what led to Warren being benched in favor of Orji in the first place. Warren, who had a solid completion percentage of nearly 67%, threw for 444 yards and two touchdowns, but his six interceptions were too much for the coaching staff to overlook. They had to make a change, and Orji, for now, is their guy.
It’s worth noting that Orji’s interception was his first as Michigan’s starter, and the team is still undefeated with him leading the offense. So, while turnovers are a concern, there’s no indication that the Wolverines are looking to make another change at quarterback anytime soon. But if Michigan has serious aspirations for a Big Ten title, continued growth from Orji will be essential.
“We all have to get better,” said Moore, reflecting on the team’s overall performance. “He thinks he has to get better; we all do as a group. And that’s how we’ll continue to progress.” Moore’s comment underscores that Michigan’s success isn’t solely resting on Orji’s shoulders. Football, after all, is a team sport, and the Wolverines are committed to improving together.
That being said, the margin for error will get slimmer as the season progresses. Michigan’s defense and run game have done a tremendous job supporting Orji, but as the competition stiffens, more will be required from the quarterback position. For now, though, the Wolverines seem comfortable with the pace of Orji’s development, even if it means taking some lumps along the way.
There’s a palpable sense of excitement surrounding Orji. Yes, he’s young and raw, but the potential is undeniable. He’s shown flashes of brilliance, like the touchdown pass to Morris, and even in the face of adversity, he’s remained level-headed, learning from his mistakes. That’s the kind of mentality that wins over locker rooms and fan bases alike.
Michigan may not have the most polished passing attack in college football, but with Orji at the helm, they’re building something. It’s not just about this week or next week; it’s about setting the stage for future success. The Wolverines are still in the driver’s seat, undefeated with a quarterback who’s just getting started. If Orji continues to develop at this rate, who knows how far this team can go?
In the end, patience is key. Orji’s journey is just beginning, and Michigan, with its storied tradition and fan base, understands that sometimes, the best things take time.
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