An ugly win is still a win. That's something Michigan football fans will need to remember after a 21-16 win over Purdue on Saturday night.
Without two turnovers by Bryce Underwood, as well as a few misses on what could have been big plays, even touchdowns, this would have been the blowout it was expected to be.
Instead, it was a grind. But thanks to Jordan Marshall, the defense, and the offensive line, the Wolverines won with their back against the wall for a third straight week, maintaining control of their own destiny in the Big Ten title race.
There are things to be frustrated about. Yet, Michigan is finding ways to win. That's much better than the alternative. Looking back at the 21-16 win over Purdue, here are five things we learned about the Wolverines.
Bryce Underwood hit the wall
For the second week in a row, the five-star freshman quarterback has been a little off. The pass rush bothered Bryce a little bit, and the offensive could improve in that area, allowing three sacks.
Still, Bryce missed some reads. He also missed some throws. It feels like he hit the "freshman wall." Playing as a true freshman is hard. J.J. McCarthy didn't have to play this much. Julian Sayin didn't have to play at all.
It was the first two-turnover game for Underwood, but Bryce completed 13 of 22 passes for 145 yards. He also ran for 44. Michigan can get back to basics with him over the next week. Focus on fundamentals, get the team healthy and hope he can break through the wall starting with Northwestern.
The kid still has just three interceptions and two fumbles in nine games. I would have gladly taken that kind of ball protection to start the season.
Jordan Marshall is the second best running back in the Big Ten
The running back depth for Michigan football has been incredible, and it's been a huge part of the Wolverines success the past five years now.
Marshall is the biggest reason why the Wolverines have won three games in a row after the loss to USC. Marshall has gone over 100 yards rushing in three straight games.
Saturday was one of his finest moments. Marshall ran for 185 yards. He also added 25 receiving yards to give him 210 yards yards. The Ohio native also scored three rushing touchdowns. Marshall is fourth in the Big Ten in rushing yards.
Only Haynes is averaging more yards per attempt than Marshall, at least among backs with at least 100 carries. Haynes has now missed two games, yet the Wolverines still have five games with at least 175 rushing yards in Big Ten play.
Run defense is a concern
Michigan's run defense hasn't been quite as good this season. That was before all of the injuries, but on Saturday night, stopping the run was a struggle.
Jaishawn Barham was inserted into the lineup at linebacker to fill in for the injured Jimmy Rolder and Cole Sullivan. He made it one possession before leaving the game.
TJ Guy played more snaps at EDGE. He was effective so it was a smart move. But you could sense the difference. Purdue rushed for 138 yards. It was the third-most allowed by the Wolverines this season. It was the fourth time in nine games Michigan has allowed over 100 yards rushing, which is uncharacteristic.
Young players like Troy Bowles will need to get up to speed. If Barham or Rolder, or one of the preferred linebackers is able to return that would be huge. But even before then, the run defense has been an issue which is something to keep in mind over the next three games.
It should be one of the issues to address during the bye week.
Coaches know that Semaj Morgan is a problem
Despite his issues with drops and an inability to field a punt, the Michigan football coaching staff kept putting him out there, regardless, it seemed of the result.
That changed on Saturday. Morgan played less than 10 snaps offensively. Jamar Browder and Channing Goodwin each played some snaps at wide receiver. Browder was open for a touchdown if Underwood was able to connect on the pass.
Morgan was mostly used as a decoy against Purdue. That's probably what his role should be moving forward, outside of some gadget stuff because he is dynamic when he gets the ball gets in his hands.
You can't have players repeating the same costly mistakes week after week. If Michigan followed that logic with Morgan, the receiver, would also not be returning punts anymore, not after letting the ball drop again, which cost U-M about 30 yards.
There has to be someone who can catch a punt on the 2025 Michigan football team. Just a fair catch every time would be better.
Michigan might need to run even more
Fans were kind of bothered last week when the Wolverines only ran the ball twice in the second half against Michigan State.
Some compared it to the 2023 Penn State game. The 2021 Washington game was another big win for the Wolverines where fans complained about the lack of passing yards.
As highly-touted and talented as Underwood clearly is, the offense needs to be focused on the running backs. The 2021 formula is the best way to win games. Protect the quarterback, let Jordan Marshall, and Justice Haynes, if he returns, be the stars. Even get Bryce more involved in the running game.
The 2021 team was great at complementary football. This team struggles in the kicking game, outside of the field goal kicker, sometimes, but thinking specifically about Ohio State, there's a world where a similar game plan feels like it can work.
That can also work the next two weeks, after the bye, on the road. Michigan needs to beat Northwestern and Maryland for the Ohio State game to mean something, beyond what it means to beat Ohio State. Leaning heavily into the run, as Michigan did on the final drive against Purdue, and in the second half against Michigan State, might be the best way to get there.