Fansided

Why Michigan’s Alex Malzone deserves a shot at QB against Ohio State

By Brandon Knapp

STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 21: John O'Korn #8 hands off to Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images)
STATE COLLEGE, PA - OCTOBER 21: John O'Korn #8 hands off to Karan Higdon #22 of the Michigan Wolverines against the Penn State Nittany Lions on October 21, 2017 at Beaver Stadium in State College, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin K. Aller/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

Who should the Michigan Wolverines start at quarterback on Saturday as they prepare for their rival Ohio State? The answer is not O’Korn.

The revolving door of starting quarterbacks for Michigan continues to spin this week with redshirt freshman Brandon Peters in concussion protocol after a brutal hit suffered against Wisconsin last week. Head coach Jim Harbaugh told reporters on Monday that Peters was in concussion protocol and they will find out Wednesday or Thursday if he is ready to go.

The original starting quarterback this year, Wilton Speight, is in the mix to possibly start this week as he returned to practice in a non-contact way last week, giving himself a shot to return this season.

That said, both Peters and Speight will most likely miss the game against Ohio State this week, meaning the odds are good the starting quarterback will be John O’Korn, the guy who replaced Speight and was eventually benched for Brandon Peters later in the season.

Thing is, O’Korn doesn’t deserve the nod against Ohio State as his performance has been putrid this season, going 66/124 for 761 yards, one touchdown and five interceptions this year.

So if Peters and Speight aren’t cleared to play, and O’Korn isn’t the guy, then who does Harbaugh pick? Does he burn the redshirt on freshman Dylan McCaffrey? No.

He starts Alex Malzone.

Malzone is a redshirt sophomore who has yet to throw a pass at Michigan. He made his debut back in 2016 against Hawaii but again never threw a pass. He even appeared against Minnesota this season, but only handed the football to the running back.

Harbaugh has nothing to lose for the rest of the season. Michigan isn’t going to the College Football Playoffs. Michigan isn’t going to the Big Ten Championship game. Michigan isn’t going to a New Year’s Six bowl game. After this, Michigan is only going to a bowl game and that is it.

Sure, this week is against Ohio State and nothing would be sweeter than taking down and ruining the Buckeyes chances of making the playoffs. If Harbaugh wants to do that though, he can’t start O’Korn. Malzone won’t be the savior of the program or the team, but like Peters, he might as well get a shot.

Malzone could be the spark the offense needs as we all know that the offense falls flat when O’Korn is under center. You can just see the difference in play in the offense when O’Korn is out there. It’s night and day.

Losing another rivalry game for Harbaugh will be tough, but if you are going down, go down with a fight. Playing O’Korn over Malzone is throwing in the towel.

Next: 30 bucket list items for college football fans

No matter who starts at the helm, either player will have to be ready to take on the Ohio State Buckeyes on Saturday, Nov. 25 at noon to maybe play spoiler for the Buckeyes chances at the playoffs.

Home/College Football