Monday Morning Quarterback: Tommy Carr Shows Promise, But Michigan's Offensive Struggles Continue Against Indiana

There probably aren't many tougher situations for a true freshman quarterback than making his first career start against one of the best defenses in college football. That's exactly what Tommy Carr faced on Saturday afternoon against Indiana, and while the results weren't necessarily pretty, there were some encouraging signs.

Michigan ultimately fell to Indiana, 13-6, in overtime, but placing much of the blame on Carr would be unfair considering the circumstances surrounding him.

Carr finished the afternoon completing 20 of his 32 pass attempts for 167 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. He also carried the football 15 times for just six yards, although those rushing numbers were heavily impacted by Indiana's sack total. Carr also lost a fumble on a very questionable decision to pitch the ball during an option play.

For a freshman making his first start against an elite defensive unit, completing 63 percent of his passes isn't terrible. In fact, there were moments when Carr looked comfortable operating the offense, particularly when he had enough time to go through his progressions and find receivers downfield.

The problem? Those opportunities were few and far between.

Indiana recorded four sacks for 36 yards, consistently disrupting Michigan's offensive rhythm and making Carr uncomfortable in the pocket. Michigan's offensive line has struggled throughout the season, and those issues were magnified against a Hoosiers defense that thrives on creating negative plays.

The running game certainly didn't provide much assistance, either.

Michigan finished with an embarrassing 57 rushing yards on 42 attempts, averaging just 1.4 yards per carry. Jordan Marshall managed 26 yards on 12 carries, while Savion Hiter contributed only 15 yards on 10 attempts.

Without any legitimate rushing threat, Indiana could focus its attention on pressuring Carr and forcing the freshman to make difficult throws.

Despite those circumstances, Carr still managed to distribute the football reasonably well. JJ Buchanan led Michigan with six receptions for 57 yards, while Hogan Hansen added four catches for 34 yards. Channing Goodwin also contributed two receptions for 32 yards.

Unfortunately, none of that translated into touchdowns.

Michigan finished with 224 total yards, converted just six of its 20 third-down opportunities and failed to score a touchdown in regulation or overtime. Carr's final possession ended with an incomplete pass on fourth down, sealing another frustrating defeat.

There are certainly areas where Carr needs to improve, particularly his decision-making, pocket awareness and ability to avoid negative plays. But expecting a true freshman to overcome an ineffective offensive line, nonexistent rushing attack and elite opposing defense in his first start simply isn't realistic.

The biggest takeaway from Saturday isn't that Carr failed. It's that Michigan's offensive problems extend far beyond the quarterback position.

Carr showed enough to suggest there's something worth developing. Now it's up to Jason Beck and the offensive staff to put him in a better position to succeed.

Because regardless of who's playing quarterback, this offense simply isn't good enough right now.