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

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

With the score tied at 17 with just over 10 minutes remaining, Tuttle tried to give Washington the ball at the Michigan 34-yard line, and the Huskies took the lead four plays later. On the next drive, Tuttle threw slightly behind Colston Loveland and Husky defenseman Kamren Fabiculanan made an excellent play on the ball for an interception. 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 us,” Tuttle said after the game. “I think we just missed some opportunities in the second half. Personally, I have to be better at protecting the ball. For example, I can’t fumble. That’s not possible. That’s entirely up to me. That’s not possible.” Get the team and the defense in that situation. Then I can’t endanger the ball on the last drive.”

In just under two and a half quarters, Tuttle threw for 98 yards and a touchdown to Loveland while completing 10 of 18 pass attempts. Despite the turnover to end the game, Tuttle earned praise from Loveland for coming in and giving the Wolverines a spark offensively.

“Big shout out,” Loveland said. “His name was called at the last minute, went there and was executed. Obviously we have a lot of things to clear up, between all of us, on both sides of the ball, but we’re proud of what he did.” I didn’t back down at all, I just took up the challenge.”

Those sentiments were echoed by running back Donovan Edwards.

“Yeah, he just brought a spark to us, especially the play where he threw the touchdown to Colston,” Edwards said. “Before he competed, he told everyone, ‘Listen to me. Watch me.’ And everyone turned their attention to him, so he has great leadership qualities. I’m grateful that he came out and showed what he could do.”

It was Tuttle’s first game action in almost a year. Head coach Sherrone Moore said the graduating senior was cleared by the medical staff for full contact last week ahead of the Minnesota game as Tuttle worked his way back from an injury that limited him through spring training and fall camp.

“It was definitely tough,” Tuttle said of dealing with the injury. “Really, just being able to throw a football again is just a blessing from God. Regardless of whether you win or lose, just thank Him regardless of being able to throw a football again. It’s been a tough nine, 10 months, but that doesn’t matter. ” I can’t excuse any play. I have to finish it and get better no matter what.”

Before being replaced by Tuttle, starting quarterback Alex Orji completed just 3 of 7 pass attempts for 15 yards, and was sacked once. Tuttle said Orji supported him when he entered the game for the Wolverines.

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

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