The Michigan offense is a mess, and usually when things start going downhill with an offense, the quarterback is the first to blame. Now, Bryce Underwood has not played well this season, far from it, actually - but I truly don't believe it is all his fault, and Kyle Whittingham and OC Jason Beck could do a lot more to help their young QB.
Underwood is still on the young side, turning 19 just before the season began. That immaturity on the football field has shown at times with sloppy footwork, poor decision-making, and simply not being patient in the pocket.
So, with a quarterback that is struggling with the fundamentals of the game like that, Whittingham and Beck have to step in and make some changes to the offense around him. Sure, benching Underwood is an option, but a $3 million-a-year price tag makes that decision infinitely tougher.
So, instead of simply benching Underwood, here are three ways that Whittingham and Beck can help Underwood and the offense be more productive during the bye week.
3. Enforce the run game
Michigan is known for having a stellar run game, as is just about any Big Ten team. This conference is known for big guys playing in the trenches with strong run games, and Michigan is known for its downhill rushing attack.
The Wolverines have more than enough talent at the running back position with Jordan Marshall and Savion Hiter. However, it has been hard to run the play with poor blocking from the offensive line, which we will get into later. When the run game has struggled, though, Beck at times has just abandoned it and decided to throw the ball even more when Underwood is already struggling.
Enforcing the run game and sticking to it can help take pressure off Underwood when it comes to throwing the ball. Underwood has also been able to loosen up when his number gets called to run, and his 6-foot-4 frame allows him to get downfield through tackles. When Underwood is running the ball well, he tends to sit back and pass the ball better as well.
2. Play calls for other pass catchers not named Andrew Marsh or JJ Buchanan
When it comes to throwing the ball, Underwood really only has two targets: Andrew Marsh and JJ Buchanan. Of the 69 receptions of all pass-catchers, Marsh and Buchanan combine for 49 of them. Of the 904 receiving yards Michigan has, Marsh and Buchanan account for 714 of them, and finally, of the six receiving touchdowns, they account for five of them, all from Underwood.
Michigan has some very talented wide receivers, and of course, you want to ride the hot hand in a game, and that has been both Marsh and Buchanan, but there have to be calls for other guys in games, especially when Marsh or Buchanan are being taken away by the defense. Michigan still doesn't have a solid WR3, and the tight ends have been non-existent in this offense.
The passing game needs to open with some calls for other pass-catchers, forcing defenses to guard the entire field, instead of just one or two guys.
1. Give him better protection with the offensive line
The offensive line has been a big topic of conversation when it comes to the level of play from the offense. When the lineisn't playing up to par, it disrupts everything, from Underwood not having time to pass the ball to the run game struggling with blockers.
Now, this Michigan line has had issues with injuries all season long, dating back to fall camp, but that is part of football. Offensive line coach Jim Harding isn't letting injuries be an excuse for poor play from his guys, but this group has to start playing at a higher level for Underwood to feel more comfortable in the pocket.
Underwood has a great ability to scramble out of the pocket and run the ball, but when he is contained, he doesn't have the poise to step up and make a good throw from the pocket. That is where turnovers happen, or the offense is behind the chains with a sack. So, working to improve offensive line play has to be the No. 1 priority in helping Underwood for the rest of the season.
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