The turnaround in the following week was notable. Michigan defeated No. 11 Oklahoma 17-10, with Underwood emerging as a central figure in the win. Observers suggested this performance raised an uncomfortable question for Oklahoma’s staff and fans: had Michigan been too cautious with Underwood against Western Michigan?
During a discussion on a football-focused program, Urban Meyer highlighted Underwood’s breakout moment in the first quarter that showcased his potential. Oklahoma’s field pressure initially looked like a trap, but Michigan deployed a loaded option that Underwood kept, cut through a lane, and sprinted 38 yards for a touchdown. Meyer’s takeaway was that Underwood’s size and speed allowed him to bend a dangerous situation to Michigan’s advantage, turning pressure into points.
This perception helps explain the offense’s earlier struggles. In the opener against Western Michigan, Michigan managed only 13 points. Underwood completed 12 of 22 passes for 170 yards, with one touchdown, one interception, and one costly fumble. A controversial finish saved the win, underscoring concerns about the quarterback situation and the need for more consistent offensive production.
Whittingham had previously admitted that Underwood’s starting role wasn’t guaranteed and emphasized the need for improvement. After the Oklahoma game, Underwood revealed that he was unaware of Whittingham’s doubts about his job security, which added pressure to the contest. Instead of relying primarily on pocket passing, Michigan leaned into Underwood’s strengths, incorporating more designed runs to maximize his athleticism.
Underwood ran the ball 18 times for 87 rushing yards, twice his previous career high, with many carries designed rather than improvised. This approach paid immediate dividends: in the first quarter, on a designed run against field pressure, he found running room and scored from 38 yards out, giving Michigan a 7-0 lead. It was a reminder of his potential to impact the game with his legs.
A key moment came on a third-down conversion in the second quarter, culminating in Trey Butkowski’s 40-yard field goal and a 10-0 halftime cushion. The added dimension of threat on the ground gave Michigan additional avenues to move the ball, and improved pocket rhythm showed signs of progress compared to the Western Michigan game.
In the ensuing half, Underwood’s passing efficiency did not mirror his first-quarter success. He completed 2 of 4 passes for 15 yards after halftime, and Michigan managed only 55 total yards over three drives after Oklahoma tied the game at 10-10. The decisive sequence arrived when a Hill interception gave Michigan the ball at Oklahoma’s 6-yard line, setting up a scoring opportunity that the defense helped secure.
The bigger takeaway is that Underwood still faced challenges when defenses focused on eliminating quarterback-designed runs. His effectiveness on third downs and sustaining drives without relying heavily on the running game were areas needing continued improvement. Michigan totaled 263 yards of offense, while Oklahoma amassed 289, but the Wolverines secured the win through disciplined defense and a timely turnover that produced the decisive score.
Overall, the win against Oklahoma demonstrated Underwood’s growth and confirmed that Michigan could lean on his dual-threat capabilities in the right game plan. The performance suggested that the coaching staff had begun to optimize proceedings around Underwood’s strengths, even as questions about consistency and adaptability remained for future matchups.
