Michigan’s first half against UTEP had a little of everything: sharp moments, wasted chances, and enough ball-security problems to keep the game hanging around at halftime.
The Wolverines went into the break with a 17-14 lead after stringing together 10 straight points, but the gap felt thinner than it should have. Michigan came in as a huge favorite again, yet self-inflicted mistakes kept UTEP within striking distance.
The biggest concern is still Bryce Underwood and the football. He has looked better in Week 2 and Week 3 than he did in the opener against Western Michigan, but the turnover issues have not gone away. Michigan’s first drive moved well before Underwood coughed up the ball, his first fumble of the game and his fifth in nine quarters this season.
That has become a real pattern. Underwood has had trouble keeping the ball secure when he runs and takes contact, and with Big Ten play set to begin next weekend, that problem needs to get fixed fast.
Michigan also flirted with disaster on another possession when Jordan Marshall put the ball on the ground on the Wolverines’ third drive. It could have turned into a scoop-and-score for UTEP, but Marshall had already touched the ground before the ball came loose.
The fumble that actually hurt Michigan came on the next series. Hiter lost the ball after taking a hit on first down in Michigan territory, and the Miners made the Wolverines pay immediately with a touchdown on the very next play to grab a 14-7 lead.
If there was one clear bright spot, it was Andrew Marsh. Michigan made a point of getting him involved right away, with the first two plays of the game going his way. When the offense did find rhythm in the half, Marsh was usually right in the middle of it.
His best play came while Underwood was under pressure. He worked one-on-one coverage on the left side, climbed the ladder for the catch, and got a toe in bounds. That reception helped set up a touchdown drive, capped by Savion Hiter scoring the first TD of his career.
Marsh finished the half with 8 catches for 68 yards.
Underwood was 14-of-17 for 150 yards at halftime, but if Michigan is going to pull away in the second half, the offense has to clean things up. For now, the Wolverines are still living with a game that should have been more comfortable than it was.
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Michigan Fans May Need To Rethink Pregame Plans For UTEP
Michigan fans headed to Saturdays game against UTEP may want to keep one eye on the forecast and another on Michigan Athletics social feeds. University and public safety officials are monitoring weather conditions that could affect the normal pregame routine, including when gates open and how easily fans can get into parking areas around the stadium.
With the No. 19 Wolverines already 2-0, the on-field focus remains on staying sharp in a nonconference tuneup. But for everyone planning to make a day of it, the bigger question is whether the usual arrival plan will hold up, and the school is urging fans to stay put in safe locations if openings are delayed and to keep checking official updates before heading over. [Read more 🡒]
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The bigger question now is how much of that promise can hold up when the spotlight stays on and the schedule gets less forgiving. Analyst Josh Pate said the Oklahoma win still left him unsure about Michigans consistency, which is the kind of follow-up debate a good September victory always seems to create. For the Wolverines, the appeal is obvious: Underwood looks like the kind of quarterback who can elevate everything around him, but the real test is whether the team can keep matching that standard week after week. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Is Building Real Momentum For An In-State Five-Star Flip
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Position coach Micah Simon has remained in regular contact with Guerrant as Michigan works to keep its foot on the gas. For now, the receiver is still locked in on his high school season, but the Wolverines clearly have built enough traction to make this one worth watching as the next stretch of recruiting develops. [Read more 🡒]