Michigan football started off slow against UTEP at Michigan Stadium before 28 unanswered third quarter points led to a 52-17 win, two weeks after a controversial win against Western Michigan caught the College Football Playoff's attention. Coach Kyle Whittingham's Wolverines rode 223 passing yards from starting, Oklahoma-beating QB Bryce Underwood to the win over UTEP, while also playing prized freshman QB Tommy Carr late.

Carr showed off his running and passing abilities against the Miners, throwing his first-ever passing touchdown to fellow freshman wide receiver Salesi Moa in the fourth quarter. Moa's touchdown brought the crowd to its feet, including Carr's family in the Big House press box.

What a moment 🤗

Come for @UMichFootball QB Tommy Carr tossing his first career TD, and stay for the Carr family celebrating.

Watch on BTN pic.twitter.com/J7QbNxeNyD

— Big Ten Network (@BigTenNetwork) September 19, 2026

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Carr is the grandson of former national championship winning head coach Lloyd Carr and brother of Notre Dame Heisman Trophy candidate CJ Carr.

Some Wolverines fans stumped for Tommy Carr to replace Underwood after Michigan's controversial extra-second win over Western Michigan, but Underwood has pressed on. Underwood improved his efficiency against the Miners, completing 19-of-25 passes, while Tommy Carr completed both of his passes for 23 yards and a touchdown and ran twice for 18 yards.

Both quarterbacks have high-level skillsets, now it's up to offensive coordinator Jason Beck and quarterback coach Koy Detmer to develop them. Big Ten play starts on September 26 against No. 18 Iowa, a team Michigan would likely be ranked ahead of if not for needing a miracle against the Broncos.

The Wolverines passing game is finally catching up to the running game, which could come in handy against coach Kirk Ferentz's Hawkeyes. If something should happen to Underwood, Whittingham knows he has a talented young player to pick up the slack in Carr, whose championship pedigree is just one thing to like about the four-star freshman.