Reports: Michigan QB Wilton Speight Will Miss Rest Of Regular Season
Multiple reports state Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight suffered a broken collarbone in Saturday's loss to Iowa and will miss the final two games of the regular season.
Multiple reports state Michigan quarterback Wilton Speight suffered a broken collarbone in Saturday’s loss to Iowa and will miss the final two games of the regular season.
Michigan’s loss to Iowa on Saturday certainly put a damper on its College Football Playoff hopes, although a strong finish to the season still could result in an invitation from the committee.
That might be more difficult without its starting quarterback, though.
Multiple reports are stating that Wilton Speight suffered a broken collarbone on Michigan’s final offensive play of the 14-13 loss to the Hawkeyes. When interviewed after the game, he simply said that it still hurt. Further tests apparently revealed the break that will keep him out Saturday against Indiana and Nov. 26 against Ohio State in Columbus.
Coach Jim Harbaugh said during his Monday press conference that Speight could be a game-time decision against Indiana and that it “depends on how he feels.” That comment likely came before X-rays showed the collarbone injury.
Speight has thrown 15 touchdown passes and only four interceptions, but one of those picks came on Saturday as he struggled under the lights at Kinnick Stadium. He finished just 11-of-26 for 103 yards in an uncharacteristic performance during an otherwise solid season.
The Wolverines’ season is now in the hands of redshirt junior John O’Korn with Shane Morris serving as the backup. O’Korn, a transfer from Houston, is 13 for 18 with two touchdown passes while appearing in seven games this season.
Speight’s injury also isn’t the only one Michigan is worrying about, though. Defensive back Channing Stribling intercepted a pass with 1:54 to go against the Hawkeyes, one that gave the Wolverines a chance to close out the game. Stribling fell hard on his right shoulder after the catch and noticeably was in pain. His status for Saturday is unclear.
Michigan is in must-win mode and will have to fight through the injuries if they want a chance to win a national championship. The matchup against Ohio State could decide the Big Ten East and give either the Wolverines or Buckeyes a leg up in the chase for a College Football Playoff bid.
Michigan is holding out hope that Speight might be able to return for its bowl game.
UPDATE – 11/14, 7:20 p.m. ET – Harbaugh refuted earlier reports that Speight is done for the year on Monday evening. “The report you’re referring to that he’s out for the season, I have not heard that from the doctors, so that’s incorrect,” he stated.
