Michigan pulled off a wild 13-12 win over Western Michigan in Week 1, thanks to Bryce Underwood uncorking a 47-yard Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan with one second left. You’d think a clutch play like that would solidify his starting spot, right? Well, coach Kyle Wittingham just dropped a bomb, saying Underwood’s grasp on the starting role is “not infinite” after the shaky performance.
A Miracle Finish Can’t Hide the Mess
That incredible Hail Mary might have saved the game, but it couldn’t fully salvage Underwood’s afternoon. Before that final, game-winning drive, he had just 95 passing yards and had turned the ball over twice, tossing an interception and losing a fumble. That’s why Western Michigan was even still in the game. He finished 12 of 22 for 170 yards and a touchdown, which isn’t exactly numbers you brag about, even with a W. Wittingham’s comments make total sense when you look at how rough it truly was. He later tried to soften the blow a bit, saying everyone, coaches included, needs to improve, but the message was clear: this ain’t just on the kid, but he’s got to step up.
A Pattern Emerging From a Top Recruit
This Week 1 struggle isn’t a one-off for Underwood, and that’s the real problem. Saturday marked his third straight mediocre game. He closed out last season on a super down note, only completing 44 percent of his passes in a 27-9 blowout loss to Ohio State, and then throwing three interceptions in a 41-27 loss to Texas in the Citrus Bowl. Remember, big things were expected from Underwood. He joined Michigan in 2025 as the top-ranked player in his class, projected to be a star. His freshman year showed flashes, with 11 passing touchdowns and nine interceptions in 13 games, but it was obvious he needed to grow. Now, going into his second season, that growth needs to happen fast.
Week 2 Is Huge, And It’s Not Getting Easier
Here’s the kicker: Wittingham confirmed that Underwood was “very sharp” during fall camp, getting “rave reviews” for his performance. The coach wants to see that “same level of performance in live action” and is hoping for major improvement in Week 2. He’s going to need it. Michigan faces Oklahoma next, a higher-rated squad that just shut out UTEP in Week 1. That’s a massive challenge for a QB already under the microscope. Underwood better bring that fall camp sharpness to the field this Saturday, because his job is on the line.
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Yahoo Sports.
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