In Week 12, the Wolverines saw the best and the worst of Bryce Underwood. Until the 4th quarter, Michigan controlled the game, but three possessions and three turnovers later, Northwestern had taken the lead. However, Bryce Underwood drove it down the field to set up an effortless game-winning field goal. While QB1’s passing has been inconsistent, for Dave Portnoy, there is some confusion about his running ability as well.

During the Northwestern game, Portnoy took to X to air his doubts about Underwood’s running game. “I have a confession. Bryce may sneaky not be fast. He gets tackled by guys in the open field I wouldn’t expect to get a hand on him.  It’s very confusing. Or maybe he’s fast and not overly elusive? I’m not 100% sure.”

What is it? Well, the numbers suggest that Underwood is a hell of a runner. He ran 4.58 seconds (40-yard) in high school. In the first nine games this season, Underwood carried the ball 51 times for 272 yards with an average of 5.3 yards per carry and 4 touchdowns. However, getting tackled is a different deal altogether. While Underwood has had some explosive runs, the absence of Justice Haynes makes it tricky for him to run the ball. 

Portnoy had huge expectations for Underwood, who even praised him as a Hall of Fame QB for Michigan. “I just love this kid,” Portnoy said in a statement earlier this season. “I think this guy’s like a Hall of Fame quarterback. I think he’s got it all. And that’s not just because I played a factor in recruiting him. The throws he’s made, he’s got like a laser on his arm. He’s so fast, but he’s gonna run the ball. So, we’ll see, but I don’t want conservative play calling.”

Unfortunately, play-calling has been conservative. We haven’t seen the full extent of Underwood’s potential yet.

Michigan’s Pistol formation centers on Bryce Underwood

Michigan’s head coach Sherrone Moore announced that they’ll be balancing the passing and rushing offense with the new pistol formation. It is expected to keep Underwood under center more in subsequent games. Throughout the season, Michigan’s rushing attack had some quality plays, ranking No. 9 in rushing yards. 

“I mean, it’s, you know, the gun, the under center and pistol are the same,” Sherrone Moore said. “Except it’s three yards of difference, right, because you’re going to turn your back to the defense on a play-action pass or a naked on both of those. We’re working on both. We’re working all of them.”

Therefore, the pistol formation could extend the potential of the play-action pass. This could help Underwood’s production exponentially when he utilizes this play-action. Underwood’s averaging 10.4 yards per attempt in play action and just 5.8 when there’s no play action. Underwood is 53 of 85 (62.4%) in play action for 883 yards with 4 TD and 1 interception. He’s 81 of 135 (60%) for 788 yards with 3 TDs and 2 interceptions when not in play action.