It appeared Michigan had finally found an answer to its quarterback conundrum when seventh-grader Jack Tuttle replaced Alex Orji in the second quarter at Washington.

Trailing 14-0, Tuttle led the No. 10 Wolverines to 17 straight points on three consecutive possessions – touchdown, field goal, touchdown – to secure the road lead in a hostile environment. However, Michigan failed to score on the final five drives of the game, two of which ended due to turnovers by Tuttle, and the Wolverines suffered their second loss of the season, 27-17, to the Huskies.

With the game tied with just over 10 minutes left, Tuttle fumbled to give Washington the ball at the Michigan 34-yard line, and the Huskies took the lead four plays later. On the very next drive, Tuttle threw just behind tight end Colston Loveland and Husky defender Kamren Fabiculanan did an excellent job of intercepting the ball. Washington added a field goal to put the game out of reach.

“I think the first three drives are really who we are. That’s who we are,” Tuttle said after the game. “I think in the back half we just missed some chances. Personally, I need to be able to protect the ball better. Put the team and the defense in this situation. During the last attack I can no longer put the ball in danger.

In just under two and a half quarters, Tuttle threw for 98 yards and a touchdown for Loveland while completing 10 of 18 pass attempts. Despite the game-ending turnovers, Tuttle was praised by Loveland for getting into the Wolverines’ offense and giving them a spark.

“High praise,” Loveland said. “I called his name at the last minute, went out and executed. “Obviously we have a lot of things to clean up on both sides, but we’re proud of what he’s done.” “I didn’t flinch at all, I just accepted the challenge.”

Those sentiments were echoed by running back Donovan Edwards.

“Yeah, he just gave us a spark, especially the play where he threw the touchdown to Colston,” Edwards said. “Before he came into the game he said to everyone, ‘Listen to me. Look at me.’ And everyone gave him their full attention, so he has great leadership skills. I’m grateful he was out there and was able to show what he can do.”

It was Tuttle’s first game action in almost a year. Head coach Sherrone Moore said the graduate senior was cleared by the medical staff for full contact last week before the Minnesota game while Tuttle recovered from an injury that limited him during spring practice and fall camp.

“It was definitely tough,” Tuttle said of dealing with the injury. “Really, being able to throw a football again is just a blessing from God. Regardless of whether you win or lose, just thank Him for being able to throw a football again. It’s been a tough nine, ten months, but that’s not the case. I still have to manage to finish it and get better.

Before he was replaced by Tuttle, starting quarterback Alex Orji completed just three of seven pass attempts for 15 yards and was sacked once. Tuttle said Orji supported him when he came into the game for the Wolverines.

“I think no matter what happens with the quarterback situation, we just want what’s best for the team,” Tuttle said. “That’s why we all support each other. We just want to win. We really don’t care (who plays), we just want the best for the team and that’s what will happen. We’re going to stick together as a team next week and keep fighting.”

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