Ad Disclosure
Jim Harbaugh praises QB Brandon Peters: He’s playing the kind of football we like
Published:
Due to an injury to Wilton Speight and some inconsistent play from John O’Korn, freshman quarterback Brandon Peters has been pushed into the spotlight at Michigan.
Taking on that kind of responsibility in a program with such tremendous pride and tradition is no easy task, especially for a newcomer. But Peters has stepped in and provided a spark for the Wolverines offense that just wasn’t there through the first half of the season. And head coach Jim Harbaugh likes what he sees.
Peters made his second-straight start on Saturday against Maryland and is beginning to get a little more comfortable under center. Though it wasn’t his best performance — 9-of-18 for 145 yards and two touchdowns — it was another mistake-free outing for the young quarterback, a key for the Wolverines.
It helped push Michigan to a 35-10 win over Maryland.
“The way he’s going through progressions, he’s really going through the progressions well –calmly, coolly, collected,” Harbaugh said after the game. “He’s got the arm talent to make all the throws. Just got a real good game demeanor. Real bright guy, has the ability to execute under any kind of situation.
“He’s playing the kind of football we like. He’s doing a heck of a job.”
For the season, Peters has completed 28-of-46 passes, nearly a 61 percent rate. He’s totaled 329 yards and four touchdowns through the air, but most importantly, he’s still not thrown a single interception.
“No turnovers since he’s in the game, in all of his play,” Harbaugh said.
Michigan’s offense has moved much more efficiently since Peters has taken over under center and the Wolverines are 2-0 in games when he’s started, beating Minnesota 33-10 last weekend. If this play continues, the maize and blue could have a real shot to knock off Wisconsin and Ohio State in the final two weeks of the season.
Dustin grew up in the heart of Big Ten country and has been in sports media since 2010. He has been covering Big Ten football since 2014. You can follow him on Twitter: @SchutteCFB