A clean debut for Bryce Underwood
The most important stat for Bryce Underwood and Michigan football this season will be turnovers. It feels like this team could be like the 2021 team -- a team with an elite defense, capable fo winning lots of games with above-average quarterback play.
If Underwood can be an above-average quarterback as a true freshman, that will be a huge win. The game plan should be for more runs than passes. Underwood doesn't need to sling it 30-40 times per game.
What he needs to do is convert third downs, protect the ball, and be efficient in the red zone. On Saturday, he will throw two touchdowns, have zero interceptions, and will finish with right around 200 total yards.
There will be a couple of explosive plays and a lot of game-management type stuff.
Michigan vs. New Mexico prediction
Beating a team by 34.5 points isn't easy to do. Yet, Michigan should be much more prepared for this opener. New Mexico will be salty, especially as the season goes along.
Saturday will be all Michigan, though.
Michigan 45, New Mexico 10.