U-M true frosh Mallett struggles in relief but likely to face Irish's Clausen
Next Saturday's Michigan-Notre Dame game could turn into a battle of true freshman quarterbacks.
Michigan true freshman Ryan Mallett was forced to make his regular-season debut on Saturday against Oregon after Chad Henne suffered a lower leg injury in the second quarter.
Now Ryan Mallett might start against the Fighting Irish and their freshman quarterback Jimmy Clausen.
Henne is listed as doubtful for next week. Jimmy Clausen and Ryan Mallett were ranked 1-2 among quarterback prospects according to rivals.com. Jimmy Clausen finished 17-of-32 passing for 144 yards and an interception in a 31-10 loss at No. 14 Penn State.
As Ryan Mallett ran onto the field, the Michigan Stadium crowd gave a standing ovation. Henne -- the fourth-year starter who hadn't missed a meaningful snap in the team's last 38 games -- had struggled in the first two games. He was just 12-of-23 for 172 yards, with one touchdown and one interception against Oregon.
Ryan Mallett finished just 6-for-17 for 49 yards with two fumbles (one lost) and an interception. Not exactly what everyone was hoping for.
Michigan coach Lloyd Carr said Ryan Mallett "did some good things" and "some things that a freshman is going to do."
"I think he made some really good throws," said Carr. "He had some misreads. ... There was one pass there when we had a big play down the middle, but he didn't see the receiver or didn't read his progression."
Ryan Mallett came in under difficult circumstances -- Michigan trailed 32-7 -- and teammates still had faith he could start a comeback for the Wolverines.
"He had to come into a tough situation," tight end Carson Butler said. "But he wasn't coming in just for experience or to fill Chad's spot. It was for him to make throws and make reads so we could score and get back into the game."
Ryan Mallett was unavailable for comment after the game, but receiver Adrian Arrington praised his arm strength and said his poise in the huddle was a plus. And U-M offensive coordinator Mike DeBord said: "There were a lot of things he didn't get done, but he'll prove himself and get better."
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