How did Tommy Carr play in first road start for Michigan? Our grade

PISCATAWAY, NJ − Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia grades the performance of freshman quarterback Tommy Carr in Michigan football's 28-21-win over Rutgers on Saturday, Oct. 31, in Week 9 of the 2026 season at SHI Stadium.

Tommy Carr stats at Rutgers

22-for-27 passing.266 passing yards.12 carries.54 rushing yards.0 turnovers3 touchdowns (one passing, two rushing).

Tommy Carr grade vs Rutgers

The true freshman was everything the Wolverines could have asked for and more, especially considering he was making his first career road start – even if it was against a bad defense. Carr was sensational, completing 17 of his first 20 passes, and then his final four on a game-winning drive.

Michigan went 11 plays and 75 yards over 7:19 after Rutgers tied the game in the fourth quarter while Carr made three massive third-down plays. First, he rolled right and found Hogan Hansen for a gain of 16. Then, on third-and-10, he rolled right, then came back left before he connected with JJ Buchanan for a pickup of 14. Then, on third-and-7 from the 9, he kept it himself and outran the defense up the middle for the winning score.

Overall, he threw downfield, protected the ball, extended plays and took check-downs when needed. Carr was the best player on the field and helped the Wolverines convert 12 of 16 third downs. He is the reason Michigan is still in line to make a bowl game.

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Tony Garcia is the Michigan beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.