Michigan football fans finally got a glimpse of Bryce Underwood on Saturday in the Big House. Playing in the spring game, at times with backups, Underwood looked like a freshman.
There were also moments where he looked like the No. 1 overall recruit. Something to remember is that development isn't linear. Playing quarterback isn't easy, so there are going to bumps along the way.
Spring games also aren't a great evaluating tool. After the first few series, Underwood was playing with backups, so it's hard to get a good read on that. His receivers also could have helped him out. The offensive line too.
The Blue team, led by Underwood, won the game 17-0. Here are three reasons for both optimism and pessimism after the spring.
Reasons for optimism
The arm talent of Bryce Underwood
Sure, Bryce had some ups and downs. He also had some stellar throws, even if they weren't caught by the wide receivers.
There are going to be growing pains this season. J.J. McCarthy would have been fun to watch if he started as a freshman, but he also would have made some mistakes, which he did when he played.
I didn't see anything to be concerned about though on Saturday. Yes, rivals will try to poke fun at Underwood, but the spring game doesn't mean a damn thing to be honest. All the skills are there and it's clear that this kid will be the starting quarterback this fall.
Mikey Keene and Brendan Sullivan could possibly change that, but if it's close, it's better to roll with Underwood and let him develop under fire.
The running game
Both teams rushed for over 100 yards during the spring game. Justice Haynes had one of the best plays of the game with a 26-yard run. The Alabama transfer finished with 51 yards on six attempts. Micah Ka'apana added 15 for 39 yards and scored a touchdown.
Notably, Michigan football added Massachusetts transfer CJ Hester, who will likely be the No. 3. He doesn't have a ton of production, but carried the ball 15 times for 74 yards against Georgia. Hester committed on Saturday night.
With Jordan Marshall expected to start, along with Haynes and Hester, the running game should be stellar and the offensive line, even with its warts, is better in the run game than the pass game.
Michigan's defense
The defense looks as elite as ever. The Wolverines had at least five sacks and forced three takeaways. They also allowed just 17 points total. There isn't a Mason Graham on the defensive line, but there are six defensive tackles they feel good about, led by Rayshaun Benny.
The pass rush could be as good as any in college football and some young defensive backs made some plays. TJ Metcalf looks like a dude too.
Michigan football doesn't need a great offense to win games this season, because it will have an elite defense, maybe the best in the Big Ten, or even all of college football.
3 reasons to pessimism
The offensive line
Michigan football needs to be upgraded in the portal. The first play of scrimmage was blown up on a sack by Benny. The offensive tackles all struggled in pass protection. Andrew Babalola might be ready by the fall, but he's got work to do, just like Underwood.
Evan Link isn't a tackle, let alone a starting left tackle. Michigan has to act there, even if the cost is higher than the Wolverines want to spend.
Not enough talent at wide receiver
Donaven McCulley hauled in a 25-yard reception. Channing Goodwin had some nice moments. Andrew Marsh had a nice catch, too, but the Wolverines need more talent.
They need another guy or two that can win one-on-one matchups. Jamar Browder had a chance for a big play and couldn't come through.
Overall, neither the offensive line or the receivers passed the eye test.
QB depth
Neither quarterback played all that well. Underwood was more polished and poised though. Jadyn Davis threw two interceptions. It could have been more.
He's not ready. Sherrone Moore said Mikey Keene was healthy. However, the pursuit of Brendan Sullivan of Iowa makes you wonder.
Regardless of who, Underwood needs someone who can push him this fall and who can be a legitimate alternative. Davis isn't that. He probably never will be.