But Underwood didn’t back down. He answered the challenge against Oklahoma, guiding Michigan to a 17-0 victory and altering the tone surrounding his tenure as the starter. Whittingham later shared insights into the conversation that helped spark Underwood’s turnaround.
According to Whittingham, Underwood was exceptionally receptive to feedback. The quarterback reportedly told his coach, “Whatever it takes to win this game, what you can do is what I’m willing to do.” That attitude, Whittingham noted, played a pivotal role in the game plan, particularly in the ground game that week, which helped Michigan control the clock and pressure Oklahoma’s defense.
In the Oklahoma game, Underwood went 9-of-17 through the air for 111 yards. While his passing numbers weren’t the standout feature, his overall command of the game was. He showed poise in the pocket, made smart decisions, and, crucially, leveraged his mobility to threaten defenses with both his arm and his legs.
The headlines around his resurgence centered on his rushing ability. Underwood rushed 18 times for 87 yards, repeatedly extending drives and keeping Oklahoma off balance. A defining moment came late in the first quarter when he kept the ball, spun through the defense, and sprinted 38 yards for a touchdown, underscoring his capability to be a threat outside the pocket.
The Week 1 loss to Western Michigan highlighted a misalignment between Underwood’s strengths and the game plan. He didn’t utilize his legs effectively, recording only nine rushing attempts. Whittingham acknowledged that the team entered Week 1 without a fully developed plan tailored to Underwood’s skill set, a misstep the staff vowed to correct.
Moving forward, the Wolverines adjusted their strategy to lean more on Underwood’s rushing ability. The coaching staff emphasized the quarterback run game as a continuing component of the offense, balancing it with the need to avoid taking unnecessary hits. Whittingham stressed the importance of sustainability, noting that while the QB run game is valuable, there are limits to how often the quarterback can run to protect him from injury.
Michigan has been pleased with its overall rushing production, a credit to Underwood’s improved utilization of his legs as part of the offense. However, the team remains vigilant about the passing attack, which has shown room for growth. Through two games, the Wolverines are averaging 140.5 passing yards per game, a figure the staff aims to elevate to support the ground game and diversify the offense.
Looking ahead, the team faces UTEP, a matchup that offers an opportunity to refine and stabilize the passing game while continuing to harness Underwood’s dual-threat capabilities. The question going forward is whether the coaching staff will implement further adjustments to maximize both his passing efficiency and rushing impact, ensuring a balanced, consistent attack as they progress through the schedule.
In summary, Underwood’s response to the Week 1 setback demonstrated resilience and adaptability. By embracing feedback, expanding his running threat, and maintaining composure, he helped Michigan post a shutout against Oklahoma and positioned the team for continued growth as the season unfolds.
