Michigan took another loss of the season against USC on the road. Having a home game advantage, USC came in strong against the Wolverines and ended the night with a 31-13 win. This makes their first Big Ten win since joining the conference. Michigan’s defense allowed 489 yards. The Trojan defense also bottled up quarterback Bryce Underwood. The result? The QB seemed injured after the game, which raises more concerns for Sherrone Moore’s future for the season.

The night was tough for the Wolverines. RB Justice Haynes left the game with an abdominal injury, and then Bryce Underwood threw for just 207 yards with one touchdown and even threw an interception. Michigan insider Scott C. hits X with the latest injury update on Underwood: “Bryce Underwood limping at end of the game. Something to monitor over next week. #GoBlue” Not great news for a team fighting hard for a playoff run this season.

But let’s not forget it was USC that made things worse for Underwood, as they sacked him three times in the game. Underwood seemed like a perfect fit for Michigan’s offense after they missed out on a championship run last season because of QB inconsistency. The young freshman threw for over 200 passing yards in two of his last three games. Even against Nebraska, which has a great defense. So, despite the loss, keeping him healthy should be Michigan’s top priority.

Now, along with Bryce Underwood’s concern, Michigan also needs to fix their defensive struggles. Despite USC’s injured backfield with their top two running backs out, the Trojans still came out strong. Even Ira Gorawara pointed it out. “On USC’s first drive of the second half, the third-string back with just 11 career carries broke loose, slicing through Michigan’s linebackers for a 49-yard burst into the red zone. Two plays later, he lit the Coliseum ablaze with a 15-yard touchdown run.”

So, what does this loss mean for Michigan? It means if they really want to be in the playoffs, they need to find offensive rhythm, as it was a major issue in Oklahoma’s game too. Fans are also trashing Underwood for his nonchalant nature.

Fans get frustrated on Bryce Underwood’s demeanour

Some fans are not happy with the seemingly cheerful demeanor that was on display by Underwood on the sidelines. They expect their starting QB to take losing more seriously and are not afraid to call him out on social media. One fan wrote, “Can someone ask Bryce Underwood why he was laughing his ass off for 10 consecutive minutes at the end of a blowout loss? No judgment, I just want to hear the material. Had to have been 2004 Dave Chappelle, hilarious.” Looks like Bryce may see the ugly side of fandom after this loss.

Underwood’s gesture draws parallels to Carson Beck when he was caught smiling after Georgia lost to Ole Miss last season. And fans don’t really like when players don’t take things seriously. That’s what this fan points out sarcastically with a picture of a smiling Underwood. “Bryce Underwood also takes losing seriously.” Another fan compares Underwood’s pass completion with his smiling gesture. Well, completing just 15 of 24 passes doesn’t actually count as elite, right? “Oh, it’s on Sherone that Bryce Underwood can’t throw an accurate ball half the time and Wink and the defense couldn’t stop a runny nose if their fu—– lives, depended on it.”

Then comes in the comparison every college football fan makes after their favorite team loses. Underwood’s clear misreads are the reason behind it. “If I were Bryce Underwood, I’d complete a pass that every other mid QB completes.” He forced a ball against WR Donoven McCulley in the third quarter. It ended up getting intercepted by Bishop Fitzgerald. This fan sums it all up perfectly. “Do you know who rifles every pass? Bryce Underwood, and no one can catch it. Touch is extremely important.” This is a lot of pressure to put on a freshman starting QB. But Michigan fans have become used to a level of winning that requires Underwood to quickly improve his game. And maybe keep that smile for a later time in games where his team is losing.