Despite everything that's happened to the Michigan football program over the past month, the players held their own against Texas in what ended up as a 41-27 loss.
The Wolverines had their chances. Michigan led 27-24 in the fourth quarter after a touchdown run by Bryce Underwood, which was his third touchdown of the game, after two TD passes in the first half.
There were just too many mistakes. A missed tackle on a key fourth down in the final stanza sticks in my mind, along with the Underwood interceptions.
A win or loss wouldn't have changed much in the future, but there were some important things to take away from the Citrus Bowl, and here are three observations that matter moving forward.
Bryce Underwood needs to be developed
If Sherrone Moore wasn't fired, there's a chance Bryce Underwood could be looking to play elsewhere in 2026, because the coaching and development just wasn't there.
There were positive steps. Underwood played well against Northwestern and Maryland. Go back and watch Wisconsin and Washington. There were plenty of good moments. Underwood still has a lot to learn, and work on though, such as better fundamentals.
The arm talent is there. Underwood accounted for 266 total yards against Texas. The interceptions were costly, but they were a learning experience, too, and he needed to have more of those during the season.
Jason Beck, the expected offensive coordinator for Michigan football, worked miracles with Devon Dampier. It's exciting to think about what he'll do with Underwood, who has all the tools to be elite, if he can make that critical leap during this offseason.
Kerry Coombs should stay as special teams coordinator
If the Citrus Bowl served as a job audition for Kerry Coombs as special teams coordinator, he certainly passed with flying colors.
There was one missed field goal, but that's not on the coach. Michigan's special teams forced a turnover, thanks to a Cole Sullivan forced fumble. The Wolverines also got 143 return yards from Andrew Marsh.
Coombs was on the staff of Urban Meyer as the special teams coach at Ohio State before becoming the defensive coordinator. He's an elite recruiter, and a great cornerbacks coach, beyond what he can do on special teams, and if feels like keeping Coombs is a no-brainer.
Sherrone Moore really hindered the offense
The offense isn't the reason Michigan lost. There were missed opportunities, such as the missed field goal at the end of half, and kicking two other times.
Yet, for an offense that averaged 11.6 points this season in ranked matchups against USC, Oklahoma, and Ohio State, scoring 27 against a Texas defense that held Ohio State to 14 was solid. You don't expect the defense to surrender 41 points.
Not to mention, Michigan was playing without Jordan Marshall and starting right tackle Andrew Sprague due to injury. Yet, the Wolverines didn't hold back their quarterback in a big game for the first time all season.
Michigan football came out swinging. That's how they should have played all year. If they had, Underwood's production would be much better, and maybe he wouldn't have made some of those mistakes, because he could have already made those during the season and learned from them.
QB development isn't linear. Michigan fans criticizing Underwood need to slow down. With a new offensive coordinator and a head coach who won't hinder the offense, the sky is the limit in 2026.