Coming off a frustrating loss to Oklahoma, Michigan stepped onto the Big House turf against Central Michigan, determined to hit the reset button. While the Wolverines were without their usual offensive maestro, Sherrone Moore, due to suspension, the team found a steady hand in interim coach Biff Poggi. Right from the opening snap, it was clear Poggi’s game plan was to unleash Bryce Underwood. Under Poggi’s watch, Underwood was often improvising and taking deep shots that energized the crowd.

His first pass, though incomplete, was a clear signal that the offense was switching gears to let Underwood play loose and comfortable. This freedom paid off big time as Underwood racked up 235 passing yards and a touchdown. And wait, he also dazzled on the ground with 114 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns. Poggi even said, “He [Bryce] might actually be Batman.” Despite missing key starters Giovanni El-Hadi and Brady Norton, Michigan’s offensive line stepped up better than expected. It provided Underwood with time and opening lanes in the run game, a vital factor in the dominant 63-3 rout.

And guess what? Poggi really didn’t let the past mistakes haunt this game. “We thought at Oklahoma we would take air out of the ball because they’re [an] air raid offense,” he said post-match. “We’re not taking the air out of the ball ever again. Not with (Bryce Underwood) taking the snaps.”After the loss to Oklahoma, where the Wolverines tried to slow down the game and control the clock, Poggi realized that approach just doesn’t work with a dynamic playmaker like Underwood. His dual-threat ability was on full display.

He was no longer restricted to just managing the game but confidently taking shots downfield and using his legs to extend plays. But against the Oklahoma Sooners, Bryce Underwood was a different story. Underwood struggled to find rhythm in the passing game, completing just 9 of 24 attempts for 142 yards and no touchdowns. The Sooners’ defensive backs locked down Michigan’s receivers. That in turn gave Underwood very little space and forcing quick decisions that disrupted his flow. The tight coverage made it hard for him to execute Michigan’s passing attack effectively.

Michigan’s run game also faced stiff resistance, with just 71 rushing yards outside a single long touchdown, as Oklahoma’s front seven dominated the trenches. Sherrone Moore openly addressed Bryce Underwood’s limited rushing role. He explained that the decision to keep Underwood’s designed runs to a minimum was mainly about protecting the young quarterback’s long-term health. “(If) you run your quarterback, you better have two,” Moore said.

“And I’ve always believed that, even did that with JJ (McCarthy). JJ wanted to run every game. And I was like, no, you’re gonna get hit, you’re gonna get hurt.” The coaching staff sees the incredible potential in Underwood’s legs but wants to ease him into that part of the game carefully. Which they did, and it was very effective. Against the Chippewas, Underwood was a whole different phenom. He connected on 16 of 25 throws, including a stunning 32-yard strike to Semaj Morgan that set the tone early. One of the highlights was an 18-yard touchdown run on a crucial fourth down. Underwood evaded pressure, sidestepped a defender, and powered into the end zone in style.

This marked the first time a Michigan QB rushed for over 100 yards in a game since Devin Gardner in 2013. What made it even sweeter was the freedom interim coach Biff Poggi gave Underwood. And guess what? Even the Chippewas HC, Matt Drinkall, was all about Underwood. “You can tell he’s as smart as he is talented, and he’s incredibly talented,” said Drinkall. “He did a great job.” 

Michigan’s O-line speaks for itself!

Believe me, it’s not just Bryce Underwood. The Wolverines’ offensive line stepped up hard with that 63-3 victory statement. And even Underwood had a very positive and jolly reaction after the game, crediting the Wolverines’ offense with a 5-word compliment. “We’re a dominant team,” he said. Right from the start, the offensive line opened up lanes for Michigan’s dynamic running game. It allowed Justice Haynes to rack up 104 rushing yards and a touchdown, while also paving the way for Underwood’s impressive 114 yards on the ground.

The O-line had Underwood’s back, giving him plenty of time to throw without much pressure through the first three quarters. That protection let him play with confidence and keep Michigan’s drives rolling. Jordan Marshall chipped in with two touchdowns and 52 yards on just 10 carries. The Wolverines? They were on fire — at least two touchdowns every quarter and a ridiculous 616 yards of total offense.

Outside the usual playmakers, Jaishawn Barham really popped. He sacked the Chippewas’ QB twice and stacked up four tackles just in the first quarter. By the end, he finished with six. The Chippewas couldn’t get much going. They only racked up 139 yards of offense. Their only points came off a 22-yard field goal from Cade Graham late in the first half to dodge the shutout.