After months of trolling and death threats, Ryan Day learned the hard way that winning against Michigan is more important than winning the title. And now that he’s sitting on a 0-4 record, Ohio State couldn’t possibly lose against Michigan once again this season, right? But it looks like they might, as Urban Meyer’s already pointing at Michigan’s weapon, who’s making things tougher for other teams’ defenses, and if Day’s team really wants another natty, they need to step up real fast. Even though they are still undefeated in the league, the pressure to win against the Wolverines always remains steadfast.

So, who’s this secret weapon? Well, it’s none other than Michigan’s $10.5 million QB Bryce Underwood, whose ground game against Central Michigan turned Urban Meyer‘s head. And why wouldn’t he? This guy rushed 9 times for a team-high 114 yards with two touchdowns, showing for the first time in 3 games that he was a run threat too. That’s what grabbed Meyer’s attention.

“This is the play that’s called a quarterback direct one. Something you remember is that he did not show this the first few games. This is a quarterback counter. The offensive line is simply blocking counter. Now, instead of handing the tailback, like we showed on the board, you know what a tailback is; he’s the lead blocker, right? You are plus one in the box. Now, anytime you want to direct roll with the quarterback, a tremendous athlete,” Meyer said of Beck.

Going into the game without your coach and still making an impact as a freshman shows the kind of caliber Underwood has. And this rushing game could be a real deal against Coach Day’s troops. With Ohio State, Meyer is also putting Huskers in deep concern, as he said, “This play to me, put every defense quarter, especially John Butler, Nebraska, defensive score you are on now on call because you have a quarterback run in the offense.” But the warning makes sense, as going up against Michigan’s first QB to run for 100 yards after Devin Gardner in 2013 makes sense.

Now, after Underwood’s rough game against Oklahoma, where he recorded no TDs and no interceptions, going for 9 of 24 passes for 142 yards, every fan was doubting Meyer’s “going to be a great player” claim. But now, after turning heads against Central Michigan, it makes sense. Because this 6’4″, 228-pound freak isn’t your typical QB. In just 3 games, he has thrown for 628 yards and two touchdowns to one interception, with another 108 yards and two TDs on the ground.

But let’s not forget that even Ryan Day’s defense breathes fire against their opponents. Despite Jim Knowles‘ move to Penn State, their team didn’t flinch under Matt Patricia, and their win against the Longhorns proves it. Arch Manning couldn’t go more than 170 passing yards and had just one scoring drive late in the fourth quarter. And till then, the result was already clear. On top of that, this season, Ohio State is the only team in the entire FBS that has not allowed a single score in the red zone. That means zero field goals within the 20-yard line.

So, going up against a team like that wouldn’t be that easy, but it will be interesting to see if Patricia’s defense could stop Underwood’s run or not. For now, his eyes are set on Huskers.

Bryce Underwood gets real on the Nebraska Cornhuskers

Well, after struggling big time against Oklahoma, Bryce Underwood made a solid comeback against Central Michigan with a 16/25 for 235-yard passing performance and an impressive ground game. But the real test arrives in week 4 against Matt Rhule‘s team. Now, the big question is, will Underwood be able to show his dual-threat abilities against them, or will he end up messing it up against a strong team?

For now, Underwood knows the situation is going to be tough for him and his team. So his move? “Just remembering that I’m blessed, honestly. Just thanking God for being in the position I am,” Underwood said. “Because no matter what, we wouldn’t be in this position without God, honestly. I’ve prayed for moments like this; I pray for the mental strength and physical strength to be the best and perform the best I possibly can.”

And it’s not just words; it’s also his daily preparation that’s giving him the optimism. “Just do what I do every single day going into the game,” he said. “Be the best me at practice, leading our team, keeping our energy up during practice—that’s our main goal. Being the most connected team, being a team. Individual stats aren’t really the main thing or thought process going into games.” But let’s not forget even the Huskers’ defense is pretty solid, as they are second nationally in EPA per drop back (1.04).

So, let’s wait and see how Underwood’s going to hold his game and momentum against Nebraska.