Dan Dierdorf Believes In O'Korn, Expected Him To Start Over Speight

By: Will Burchfield
@burchie_kid

If John O'Korn does indeed start at quarterback for Michigan on Saturday, Dan Dierdorf expects the transfer from Houston to grab the bull by the horns.

"I don't have any doubt about that. O'Korn has a skillset that is good enough to win," Dierdorf told the Jamie and Stoney Show on 97.1 The Ticket on Thursday morning.

Dierdorf is the color analyst on Michigan radio broadcasts and a former All-American offensive lineman for the Wolverines (1969, 1970). Heading into this season, he believed that O'Korn was going to be Michigan's primary play-caller under center.

"I think all of us – I was one of them – assumed that he was going to be the starting quarterback on opening day this year," Dierdorf said. "I assumed this last year when we knew Jake Rudock was leaving and O'Korn was sitting there. He was being groomed, he was the guy you kept hearing about, how great he looked working against the Michigan defense. And then Wilton Speight won the job."

O'Korn played for two seasons at Houston (2013, 2014). As a freshman, he threw for 28 touchdowns and over 3,000 yards. But he lost the starting job midway through his sophomore season, prompting his decision to transfer.

"So what that means is we have a guy who has NCAA experience," Dierdorf said. "What he doesn't have is any experience at Michigan and there's a giant question mark there. But I don't think this is some scenario where you throw your hands in the air and go, 'Oh my god, we have no chance.' John O'Korn is better than that."

O'Korn does, in fact, have some experience at Michigan. He's relieved Speight in seven of Michigan's blowout wins this season, completing 13 of 18 passes for 114 yards and two touchdowns.

Throughout his time at Michigan, teammates say O'Korn has been nothing but hard-working and studious, often staying late after practice to break down film. With Speight likely unable to play on Saturday due to a left shoulder injury, it appears O'Korn's preparation will finally pay off.

Michigan was ranked No. 3 in the latest College Football Playoff poll, which was released on Tuesday night. Even after a loss to Iowa last Saturday, Dierdorf believes the outlook for the Wolverines remains the same.

"The reality for this football team is very, very simple and it hasn't changed. Nothing happens unless you go to Columbus and beat Ohio State," he said.

Michigan and Ohio State play on Nov. 26.