Matchup To Watch: Indiana Defense vs. Tommy Carr’s Debut Start

The reigning National Champion Indiana Hoosiers continue their title defense this Saturday against the Michigan Wolverines as the Hoosiers look to rebound after their tough loss against the Ohio State Buckeyes last weekend. The Hoosiers will travel to Ann Arbor and will look to win two straight games against the Wolverines for the first time since 1958/1959.

The lifetime series between these two programs is heavily in Michigan’s favor, as one might expect. The Wolverines own a record of 62-11 over the Hoosiers in this matchup’s history, but this isn’t the Hoosiers of old, of course. And, one may argue, this isn’t the Michigan of old either. Since winning the National Championship in 2024, Michigan has been thoroughly unimpressive and has yet to find an answer at quarterback. The Wolverines thought that top recruit Bryce Underwood would be that answer, but he hasn’t been able to find the magic that Michigan is looking for. He’s posted subpar completion percentages and has thrown more interceptions than one would like, and it seems the coaching staff has had enough for now.

As a result, they are turning to true freshman quarterback Tommy Carr, who is the grandson of legendary Michigan head coach Lloyd Carr. Tommy Carr has played sparingly so far this season, appearing in two games and throwing 9 passes, but will make his debut start on Saturday against the Hoosiers. Carr arrived in Ann Arbor as a 4-star recruit per 247 Sports Composite Rankings and was the 22nd highest ranked quarterback of his class, ranking 318th overall among all positions. Hudson Standish, a 247Sports National Analyst, evaluated Carr during his senior year of high school and listed the following takeaways:

– Physically gifted signal-caller estimated to hover around 6-foot-3.5, 190 pounds, who exits high school football with an 18-5 record as a starter.
– Immense football pedigree is reflected on game tape. Operates with ideal timing and efficiency working through his progressions and will quickly find answers when pressured.
– Above average arm talent, but made strides throwing with velocity over the middle of the field as a senior. Will routinely rip seams and digs into tight windows.
– Functional athleticism and dynamic movement patterns translate from the hardwood. Crafty runner with plenty of short-area quickness who can make rushers whiff as he is extending plays or evading defenders in the open field.
– Best element of his game is making high degree of difficulty anticipatory touch throws look effortless. Seasoned back-shoulder thrower with no shortage of confidence challenging man coverage. Displayed positive flashes layering the football into zone coverage.
– Profiles as an eventual P4 caliber starter in a pro-spread system who can run an offense with efficiency and create explosives.
– Possesses the physical traits, between-the-ears intangibles, and off-script playmaking prowess to potentially merit NFL Draft consideration.

This certainly throws a wrench into Indiana’s plans on defense, as it’s much harder to game plan for someone you don’t have tape on, compared to Bryce Underwood, for example, who has enough tape for Defensive Coordinator Bryant Haines to run specifically tailored schemes. Instead, Indiana will have to rely on Carr’s high school tape, Michigan’s offensive goals overall, and also play a bit of guesswork with bringing creative schemes that Carr has never seen before. Even if there’s no tape on Carr, he is still a true freshman, and there are ways to confuse and rattle younger players who simply don’t have the reps of a veteran.

Nonetheless, quarterbacks on their debut – especially at home for a team his grandfather had so much success at – bring potential for a spark. Carr has the talent to succeed, and he certainly has the weapons around him to aid in that success as well. As of this writing, Indiana has an 82.2% chance to win this game per ESPN Analytics. If Michigan pulls off the upset, it will be because Tommy Carr brought the spark the Wolverines have been looking for as he remained composed under pressure and made smart decisions. It will be up to the Indiana defense to ensure that doesn’t happen.

As always, thanks for reading! Stay locked in with Hoosier Huddle for all things Indiana football – and Indiana sports in general – all season long. Go Hoosiers!