Michigan Football: Giant mystery lingers following win over Alabama

Chris Breiler | Jan 1, 2025

Nathan Ray Seebeck-Imagn Images

The Michigan Wolverines reached their eighth win of the season by defeating No. 11 Alabama in the ReliaQuest Bowl on New Years eve, but it didn't come without some adversity. After jumping out to a 16-0 lead over the Crimson Tide, the Wolverines found themselves in a dogfight in the second half with the offense sputtering. Then, in the third quarter, Michigan's starting QB Davis Warren rolled out to the right and suffered an injury that would sideline him for the remainder of the game.

With Warren out, the biggest question became who Michigan would turn to as a replacement. Would it be junior QB Alex Orji, a guy who had entered the transfer portal just days before the matchup with Alabama? Or would we finally get a look at true freshman Jadyn Davis, the former four-star QB who was once believed to be Michigan's next QB1?

The answer: Alex Orji.

With Orji leading the offense, Michigan's offense would lean exclusively on the rushing attack, hoping to turn the game into a fistfight and burn as much clock as possible. Although the strategy ended up working in the end, Michigan fans couldn't help but wonder why the true freshman QB wasn't being given the opportunity to operate the offense, particularly with Orji's limitations in the passing game.

This is the question. https://t.co/X7NBjNYjHN

— John U. Bacon (@Johnubacon) December 31, 2024

To his credit, Orji did make three starts during the 2024 season and helped guide the Wolverines to wins over USC and Minnesota. Given his experience, Orji was most likely the safest option as the Wolverines looked to protect their lead, drain the clock, and play field position. But as Michigan failed to reach the endzone time and time again, fans continued to call for Davis to get his shot.

Not sure what Michigan’s plan for Jadyn Davis is if you won’t play him in this situation.

— Steve Lorenz (@TremendousUM) December 31, 2024

As far as the game goes, #Michigan had gotta have some early down passing if they're going to hold on. That said, I still hold that getting jadyn Davis some reps in this game could be one of the most beneficial takeaways if they give him some burn. Still hoping to see him.

— Sam Webb (@SamWebb77) December 31, 2024

Like, at this point, let Jadyn Davis play…

It’s a meaningless football game. The kid you believed gave you the best chance to win is hurt. Let’s see what the freshman can do. It legit can’t get any worse. It’s not possible. Literally. Let the kid play. Let’s find out together.

— Jordan Strack (@JordanStrack) December 31, 2024

In the end, Davis would never make an appearance in the ReliaQuest Bowl, and Michigan would hold on to a 19-13 win over Alabama. And while finishing the season with a massive win over the Crimson Tide was obviously the top priority, you can't help but wonder where Michigan's prized QB in the 2024 recruiting class fits in the picture moving forward.

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More Michigan News:

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• Social media clowns Alabama, praises Michigan after Wolverines take down Bama

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