Can Michigan not play with its food?
The Wolverines have poor record against the spread this season (3-5). That's a reflection of a young team, one that has had problems playing four quarters of football. At least four quarters well.
Michigan should have led by much more at half last week against Michigan State. Mental mistakes and poor execution cost the Wolverines points. It's been a familiar story. Michigan has only covered against Washington, Nebraska, and Central Michigan.
The Wolverines have been sloppy in road games. Then, they allowed teams like Wisconsin and Michigan State to hang around. If Michigan State had kicked a field goal in the fourth quarter, it would have been down eight with the ball inside Michigan's 30 with a few minutes left.
That game was closer than the final score indicated. There could be a similar outcome here, especially if Underwood isn't sharp. My guess is that Underwood, at home, responds in a big way.
Beating the spread will require not squandering scoring chances, which is another big question facing this team, and a reason it has struggled to put teams away earlier.