The Michigan Wolverines are not handing freshman Bryce Underwood the starting quarterback job, but he is the favorite to start the season opener against New Mexico. The five-star first-year signal-caller has a lot of talent, but there could still be some growing pains in his first collegiate season. So what would a good first year […]
The Michigan Wolverines are not handing freshman Bryce Underwood the starting quarterback job, but he is the favorite to start the season opener against New Mexico. The five-star first-year signal-caller has a lot of talent, but there could still be some growing pains in his first collegiate season.
So what would a good first year be for Underwood in a Michigan uniform? On3’s J.D. PicKell discussed the storyline this week, suggesting his presence alone is a major upgrade for the Wolverines from last season.
”The floor is already set extremely low based on what last year was,” PicKell said. “A good season is just better than what you had last year at quarterback. If Michigan’s going to be successful, I need a better overall average output, which is not saying a lot. That’s kind of the easy part.
“I would need a good season from Bryce Underwood to include the break glass in case of an emergency situation where his legs get you outta trouble. Because that’s the beautiful part about Bryce Underwood. He was able to do whatever he wanted at the high school level. He’s the best athlete on the field. His arm is a bazooka. He could fit into tight windows. There’s not a lot that Bryce Underwood had to stay away from doing at the high school level, I have to believe.
“So let’s just say that the worst-case scenario hits defenses are disguising themselves at a high level. The level of athlete he’s playing against is hard to acclimate to if he’s still able to just be better for you on the ground and give you another way to move the football offensively. I think that’s a good season. I really do. That’s a key ingredient to the good season.”
Underwood is considered one of the most college-ready passers of the last decade. But in order for Michigan to succeed and to consider it a good season, PicKell says the mistakes must be at a minimum.
I would also say a good season for me would have a minimum amount, amount of freshman moments, if you will,” PicKell said. “You go to Oklahoma in week two and for your first road start. Is that a game where he takes care of the football and is the reason why Michigan has success on offense? Or are there some moments where it’s like, ‘dang, those two picks in the second half, those were the freshman moments that kept us from winning that game.’
“I’m not saying I have the answers, but I am saying, relative to a good season for Bryce Underwood, I need the minimum amount of freshman moments from him.”
Analyst wants to see Michigan ‘advance’ offense
Michigan’s offense is getting an overhaul heading into 2025, thanks to new coordinator and quarterbacks coach Chip Lindsey. U-M wants to retain its ground-and-pound mentality, but Lindsey’s offenses typically involve more balance and shots down the field.
The Ringer’s Todd McShay likes the pieces in place, but wants to see Michigan take a more modern approach offensively.
“Running back Justice Haynes, Alabama [transfer], I don’t think he’s like… he’s not special, special, but he’s got a chance to be a really good player, and I think he fits that offense,” McShay said. “Chip Lindsey comes in from UNC. He’s bounced around. He’s been with some really bright minds over his career. He did some really good things at UNC and they’re kind of entrusting him to maintain the integrity of Michigan football, offensive line play, run the ball.
“But, let’s maybe not have five tight ends on the field at once. Let’s advance things a little bit. We got [Bryce] Underwood under center right coming in, who’s going to have some bumps in the road. First-year starter, but very talented.”
Michigan’s run game will likely lead the way with Haynes and sophomore Jordan Marshall. McShay is buying the Alabama transfer as a potential impact piece for the Wolverines.
“No matter how hard the first year stuff is for Underwood is, it’s going to be better than what they had at quarterback last year,” McShay said. “… I’m interested to see, but you got to remember, they lost Donovan Edwards and, much more importantly, Kalel Mullings… [Haynes] better be ready to step in. It’s going to be a rotation but I think Haynes has got a chance to be a big impact player.”
Category: General Sports
