No. 18 Michigan is making a change at quarterback ahead of its Big Ten opener against No. 11 USC. UM is switching to junior Alex Orji for its game on Saturday. Lincoln Riley talked about Orji as relayed by Wolverines Wire:
I mean, I understand it. I mean, I can understand where they’re coming from on it. There’s two trains of thought. They both have relevance. But I’m not going to sit here and guess why they did, or why they made that choice. That’s their decision. We got to be ready for everybody that they have. (It’s a) very multiple offense, very good on offensive line, backs are good, tight ends elite. A lot of really gifted coaches over there. So, big challenge, regardless of who’s under center.
We got a couple of guys that we’re trying to use a little bit (on defense), but he’s a really good athlete. I told people last night I was familiar with him. We recruited him a little bit coming out of high school. Remember him, have a lot of respect for him as a player and an athlete, so we’ll do the best we can with the bodies that we have.
Across 12 total appearances for the Wolverines, Orji has run the ball 31 times for 181 yards and three touchdowns. The Texas native has recorded seven pass attempts, completing four of them for 20 yards and two scores.
Michigan has won 22 consecutive Big Ten regular season games dating back to the 2021 season. The Trojans struggled on defense the past two years under coach Lincoln Riley, but USC is allowing just 10 points per game in 2024 with its retooled defensive coaching staff.
“I’m excited to see him get in there and chop it up a bit,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said about Orji, per Tony Garcia of the Detroit Free Press. “We’ll move on from there.”
Michigan coach Sherrone Moore has announced a QB change before the USC game. Alex Orji will start for the Wolverines.
— Pete Thamel (@PeteThamel) September 16, 2024
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