The Wolverine: Covering University of Michigan Football and Sports
Issue link: https://comanpub.uberflip.com/i/1547256
NOVEMBER 2026 ❱ THE WOLVERINE 31 ❱ MICHIGAN FOOTBALL we were better in the second half, be- cause there really wasn't a lot of scheme change," Whittingham said. "I'm not prepared to say right now at this desk or this table what we're going to do going forward. … "We really need to evaluate it again and take a look at both bodies of work. They each had a complete half of work tonight. Of course, Bryce had five games prior. So, it's not a big sample size for Tommy, but enough of one where we can get a pretty good read on what we think the best thing going forward will be." It seems clear, though, that Carr has a bright future. Many believe the future is now for the 6-foot-4, 195-pounder with a rich Michigan pedigree. "Our team really respects his work ethic, how he carries himself," Whit- tingham acknowledged. "And again, I don't want to make any of this sound like Bryce doesn't do that. But Tommy, for a true freshman, has really come in and just made exceptional strides. He should have been in high school and he's out there in spring ball making plays. "Players really like him. He's a very likable young man. He's a team guy. When he got his chance, he made the most of it." — Chris Balas STARTING RT ANDREW SPRAGUE REMAINS OUT INDEFINITELY M i c h i ga n r i g h t ta c k l e A n d rew Sprague was expected to be a staple on the offensive line this year, one of two players that head coach Kyle Whitting- ham listed as cornerstones of the U-M line heading into the season. After two games in which he didn't overwhelm with his play, the senior was scratched from the lineup the night before the sea- son's third game, a victory over UTEP. Whittingham was caught off guard by Sprague's injury development and admitted as much. On Oct. 12, the week of the Penn State game, he said Sprague was "way out there" when it came to a potential return and indicated the line- man would be out at least several more weeks. "I am perplexed, and so is he, I think," Whittingham said. "Because there's a lot that goes into it, several opinions, differing opinions. I guess now the opinions have maybe dovetailed a lit- tle bit and kind of settled up in a place where everyone's in agreement. "It doesn't change the fact he's not available or won't be available for sev- eral weeks. But at least we feel now that maybe they've got a handle on it … not a handle on it but have got some agree- ment. "We sure miss him. I believe he's a good player." Michigan junior Blake Frazier slid to right guard against UTEP and has played there since, with senior left guard Evan Link moving back to left tackle. Veteran right guard Nathan Efobi moved over to left guard, while Brady Norton stayed at right guard before his injury forced sophomore Avery Gach into action there for the Oct. 17 Penn State game. Social media backlash and specu- lation from fans was prevalent in the weeks after Sprague's injury. His team- mates, though, came to his defense. "He's really upset that he can't be with the team," starting center Jake Guarnera said. "I see all this stuff on- line, people saying all kinds of things. He's got stuff going on, and he can explain it if he wants to, but he's still with the team. He's still doing great and helping us out. "He's never quit on us, so I think just helping him out and keeping him in high spirits in what he's doing … that's kind of what I've been trying to do." He admitted it was disappointing seeing negative feedback about his friend and teammate. "I try not to look at a lot of that stuff, 2026 MICHIGAN SCHEDULE Date Opponent Time/Result Sept. 5 vs. Western Michigan W, 13-12 Sept. 12 vs. Oklahoma W, 17-10 Sept. 19 vs. UTEP W, 52-17 Sept. 26 vs. Iowa* L, 20-19 Oct. 3 at Minnesota* L, 20-14 Oct. 17 vs. Penn State* W, 21-18 Oct. 24 vs. Indiana* Noon Oct. 31 at Rutgers* 12:30 p.m. Nov. 7 vs. Michigan State* TBA Nov. 14 at Oregon* TBA Nov. 21 vs. UCLA* TBA Nov. 28 at Ohio State* Noon * Big Ten game All times Eastern Right tackle Andrew Sprague's absence has left the Wolverines offensive line shuffling personnel throughout the 2026 season. PHOTO BY LON HORWEDEL