Michigan’s 52-17 win over UTEP gave the Wolverines a clean, comfortable reset before the Big Ten grind begins, but the day was about more than the scoreboard. The game offered a real step forward for Bryce Underwood, while also leaving Michigan with a handful of injury concerns it can’t just shrug off.
The biggest reason for optimism came through the air. After two weeks of uneven passing numbers against Western Michigan and Oklahoma, Underwood finally looked settled against UTEP.
He went 19-of-25 for 223 yards and two touchdowns, by far his sharpest outing of the season. The ball came out cleaner, the decisions were better, and he looked more at ease in Jason Beck’s offense.
It was the kind of performance that showed rhythm starting to show up in the passing game.
That matters, even with the obvious caveat that this came against UTEP. Michigan didn’t need a masterpiece from its quarterback so much as it needed signs of progress, and it got them. For a young passer, confidence is a real thing, and Saturday gave Underwood a chance to build some before the schedule stiffens.
There was even a bonus moment for the future of the position. True freshman Tommy Carr threw his first career touchdown pass to fellow true freshman Salesi Moa in garbage time.
Carr had plenty of buzz around him all offseason, and those live reps with the game already under control should help later on. Michigan’s quarterback depth got a little more interesting right there.
The part that should make the Wolverines uneasy is the injury report. Right tackle Andrew Sprague was out against UTEP, which only adds to the uncertainty up front for an offensive line that has already had trouble creating steady running lanes. That kind of continuity matters, and Michigan can’t afford to keep shuffling pieces on the line.
Running back Jordan Marshall also went down during the game, which is a real concern given how much attention his role in the run game has already drawn over the first three weeks. Head coach Kyle Whittingham has already talked publicly about needing to get him more involved and into a rhythm, so any missed time would make that plan harder to execute.
Veteran cornerback Zeke Berry was also unavailable on Saturday. Berry had been one of the better players in Michigan’s secondary coming into the season, so his status is another one worth watching as conference play approaches.
Michigan has enough depth to get through some short-term absences, but if these injuries linger, the Wolverines could be looking at trouble in a few important spots once Big Ten play starts.
In Other News...
Michigan Fans May Need To Rethink Pregame Plans For UTEP
Michigan fans heading into the UTEP game may need a little more flexibility in their usual Saturday routine. Michigan Athletics and public safety officials are keeping an eye on weather conditions that could affect the schedule, including possible delays to gate openings and parking access, with the university directing fans to rely on official athletics channels for the latest updates.
For a No. 19 Michigan team that is 2-0, the on-field focus remains the same, but the pregame experience may look different depending on how the weather develops. If gates do not open on time, fans are being told to stay in safe locations and wait for further guidance, a reminder that the logistics around kickoff can shift quickly even when the game itself is still on track. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan Still Has One Big Concern After Another Blowout Win
Michigan kept rolling in a 52-17 win over UTEP to move to 3-0, and the final score reflected how thoroughly the Wolverines took control after shaking off a sluggish start. Early turnovers could have made things interesting, but the offense settled in and the second half turned into another convincing display, with quarterback Bryce Underwood throwing for 223 yards and two touchdowns in just three quarters.
Andrew Marsh was a bright spot again, finishing with 10 catches for 105 yards and a touchdown, giving Michigan another reliable target as the passing game found a rhythm. The defense also settled in after a few early mistakes, but even in a blowout like this, the game did not fully erase the concern that has lingered around the Wolverines through the opening stretch. [Read more 🡒]
Michigan's Big Win Couldn't Hide One Worry Before Iowa
Michigans 52-17 win over UTEP looked decisive once the Wolverines settled in, but the start offered a reminder that cleaner play still matters. After falling behind early because of turnovers, Michigan answered with 38 straight points, with Bryce Underwood throwing two touchdown passes and Savion Hiter adding two rushing scores to turn the afternoon into a runaway.
Jordan Marshalls leg injury lingered over the rest of the game and now gives the Wolverines something to monitor as they turn toward Iowa. Add in the fumble problems coach Kyle Whittingham pointed to after the game, and Michigans latest blowout came with at least one uncomfortable subplot beneath the final score. [Read more 🡒]