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  Debate

Debate

Did Moore's QB switch cost Michigan the game, or was it a necessary gamble?

One more defeat for Michigan! and the person having to face all the harsh criticism is the man leading the pack, the HC. Following Michigan’s devastating 27-17 defeat to Washington on Saturday, many fans took to social media to criticize head coach Sherrone Moore for,, everything. Moore’s decisions as head coach, including recruiting coaches and managing the team’s roster, are currently being questioned. Do you believe Moore is completely to blame for this defeat?

Let’s start by looking at the game on Saturday. The Wolverines appeared to be the underdog throughout the whole of the first half. Before Michigan traded quarterbacks, Washington led 14-0. Sherrone Moore substituted Jack Tuttle for Alex Orji, who was starting for the third time in his career. Michigan scored on each of Tuttle’s next three drives after trailing 14-0, and the score was 17–14 entering the fourth quarter. What took place next? Why does Michigan not win? QB switch up?

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Following a Tuttle fumble, Hausmann’s interception gave Michigan the ball back to the Huskies. After a touchdown, the Huskies would kick a field goal to tie the score once more and take a 24–17 advantage. The rest is history. Now, you might wonder? Why Tuttle? Who has missed the whole season!? Suddenly he entered the game on the permission of Moore to try to turn things around when the Wolverines were behind 14-0. Fans were undoubtedly incensed by Moore’s abrupt swap to quarterback after three drives with Alex Orji in the pocket. Though there are legitimate grievances, it is false to imply that Moore did not look for a quarterback via the transfer site. Let’s explore it in detail.

Is Sherrone Moore responsible for Michigan’s current QB issues?

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For a large portion of January, Michigan waited for Harbaugh to make a decision on his coaching career. Harbaugh announced his hiring as Los Angeles’ on January 24. Just two days later, on January 26, Michigan announced Sherrone Moore’s hiring. All the top quarterbacks on the site had committed to other teams by then. The quarterbacks that were available at the time were, at most, Moore projected for Michigan. So, this is, without a doubt, Jim Harbaugh’s quarterback room. Though it wasn’t a wise decision of Moore to make such a quick adjustment.

The question still stands; will Moore be dismissed if the team loses consecutive games against upcoming powerhouses? Michigan is presently 4-2 overall after losing to Texas and Washington thus far this season. Following a much-needed bye week, the Wolverines need to win each and every week from now on in order to be competitive for the playoffs. This coming week, Michigan’s main opponent will be Illinois, and Moore will have a hectic week. Let’s see what Moore and Co. can do for fans.