Jordan Marshall didn’t hide from Michigan’s opener, and he didn’t try to soften it either. After a flat showing against Western Michigan, the sophomore running back said the Wolverines fell short of the standard in every way that mattered - especially when it came to physicality and urgency.
Michigan’s offense never found a rhythm in that game, and the numbers told part of the story. The Wolverines held the ball for just 19 minutes and 40 seconds, and Marshall said the team played soft. He also said he had never seen Michigan get outrushed during his time in the program.
That frustration stuck with him well after the game ended.
"I could not sleep," Marshall said regarding the postgame fallout. "I did not go to bed until probably five after the game. What really had me up is what can I do better as a captain, as a player, as a leader of this team, looking myself in the mirror."
For Marshall, the disappointment went beyond the box score. He said the performance wasn’t good enough for the fans who show up each week at Schembechler Hall and Michigan Stadium, and that feeling helped spark a player led meeting where teammates owned the poor effort and the lack of edge.
Marshall said the Wolverines’ physical identity has to begin up front, and he made it clear that everyone on the roster needs to examine what went wrong. He also pushed back on any criticism aimed at Bryce Underwood, calling out the sophomore quarterback’s work ethic and saying the offense as a whole has to do a better job taking pressure off him. Underwood, who was born and raised in Michigan, remains the undisputed leader in Marshall’s eyes, and Marshall said there is zero trust lost in the quarterback.
Now the challenge gets bigger. Top ten Oklahoma is next, and Michigan can’t afford another slow start.
Kyle Whittingham and the coaching staff have stressed the need to finish blocks, strain downfield, and avoid east west tendencies in the running game. Marshall said leaving yards out there was a sickening feeling, but also one that has sharpened the team’s focus during a more intentional week of practice.
"When we are clicking and playing as one, I think we can be one of the best offenses in the country," Marshall said. "We did not display that on Saturday, and that is on us to fix."
In Other News...
Michigans Opener Already Sparked A Response Fans Will Notice Against Oklahoma
Rod Moore did not sugarcoat Michigans season-opening performance against Western Michigan, calling it below the programs standard after a sluggish start that left plenty to clean up. In the wake of that game, the Wolverines captains called an emergency player-only meeting, a sign that the locker room knew the performance needed a hard reset before the schedule got any tougher.
The response has shown up in practice, where the defense has turned up the physical intensity as it prepares for Oklahoma. Edge Dom Nichols has been singled out for both his work ethic and strong showing, and Michigan will be hoping that kind of internal push carries over when the bigger stage arrives. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Win Is Now At Center Of A Stunning Official Fight
A one-point Michigan win over Western Michigan in 2026 has become about a lot more than a dramatic finish, with the final second added back after a reviewed Hail Mary leaving the result under an unusually bright spotlight. The Big Ten stood behind the ruling after video review, and the Wolverines were allowed to celebrate a 13-12 victory that came down to a game-winning catch in the closing chaos.
Western Michigans conference is not letting it go, though. The Mid-American Conference has formally appealed to the NCAA FBS Oversight Committee and the College Football Playoff, asking the sports top decision-makers to recognize the Broncos as the winner and turning what looked like a wild September-like finish into a larger fight over officiating, replay, and who gets to own the final whistle. [Read more 🡒]
J.J. McCarthy Just Hit A Brutal New Setback In Minnesota
J.J. McCarthys first season in Minnesota has already taken another turn, with Kevin OConnell saying the former Michigan star has been pushed to third on the Vikings quarterback chart ahead of Week 1 against the Green Bay Packers. McCarthy, who began 2025 as the starter, will now sit behind Kyler Murray and Carson Wentz as Minnesota reshapes the position after a stretch marked by injuries and a changing depth chart.
The Vikings are planning to evaluate the quarterback roles on a week-to-week basis, which keeps the door from fully closing on McCarthy but also underscores how far he has slid since arriving with so much promise. For Michigan fans following along, it is another reminder that the NFL can turn quickly, and McCarthys next chance to reset this conversation may not come as soon as he would like. [Read more 🡒]