The Michigan Wolverines have had an iffy start to the 2024 season. We’ll have to wait to truly evaluate whether Sherrone Moore’s head coaching will be an ‘era’ or just a ‘blip’ in the Wolverines’ glorious history. His task wasn’t eased when they lost to Texas in Week 2. Despite a Week 3 victory, Moore still doesn’t have much to smile, chiefly because of his choices at the QB position. In the first three games, Michigan started with Davis Warren. Such was his performance that Moore chose to replace him midgame with Alex Orji. Moore’s hand was forced, and now that he has announced Orji as the starting QB, some analysts are wondering whether the QB change makes him the “smartest” head coach.

A podcast hosted from the official account called ‘Karterkast’ shared their take on Moore’s recent decision to make Alex Orji a starting quarterback. According to one analyst, Moore’s decision, if seen in the light of what happened to FSU last year, makes the smartest head coach. “Sherrone Moore is the smartest, best college football head coach in college football, because listen, last year Florida State, Jordan Travis goes out. They don’t make the playoffs. They go undefeated; they win the ACC, what’s the argument? The analyst raised the question about FSU’s exit from the playoffs last season when their Jordan Travis got injured right before the playoffs.

The analyst highlighted why the playoff committee snubbed FSU and what reason they gave. “They’re a different team without Jordan Travis, right? Guys, Michigan starting? Oh, this is brilliant. This is if Alex Orji goes out here and lights it up, the college football playoff committee has absolutely no option but to adhere to the status that they gave last year.”

The host expressed his concern, stating that if Orji faces such a situation, Michigan, too, will be called out of the playoffs. But here comes Sherrone Moore’s genius because he has made both his options open so he can call Davis Warren anytime in the game. Besides, let’s uncover the buzz surrounding the USC vs. Michigan game.

 Sherrone Moore’s decision to make Alex Orji the starting QB

No. 18 Michigan Wolverines will face No. 11 USC Trojans on Saturday, September 21st, in Ann Arbor, and fans can wait no more to watch this game. The Trojans are coming to Michigan’s arena with high spirits and a 2-0 record, compared to Wolverines’ 2-1 start to the season. Moreover, Lincoln Riley’s boys will be fresh after a bye week. The same can’t be said about Sherrone Moore’s team, which almost made a game out of what seemed like an easy win against Arkansas State.

Amidst that, why did Sherrone Moore choose Orji for the starting position? The answer is Warren’s struggles in the last two games. Orji can really relieve Moore of some stress if he validates the latter’s decision against the Trojans.

Sherrone Moore, who has always showcased faith in Alex, gave him this chance by saying, “It was an important thing for us to do as a program. We’re going to do everything we can to optimize Alex’s strengths along with the guys around him. We have a plan developed that we have had in place for Alex, so we’re excited.” As fans, we are also excited to see what changes Alex Orji brings to improve Michigan’s current scenario.

For you college football fans out there, we have a treat! Check out our ES Think Tank episode with Doug Sanders, where he discusses college football, NIL deals and athletes’ branding.