Bryce Underwood can look like a freshman
Saturday's game doesn't change the long-term outlook for Underwood. Brent Venables is an exceptional defensive coordinator who has done that to numerous elite quarterbacks over the years.
There were always going to be growing pains with Underwood. He missed throws and failed to connect with a few open receivers. Those things are going to happen.
Rarely did Underwood have time to set his feet and scan the defense without pressure. The Sooners were in his face all night. Michigan also threw a bunch of pointless screens, ran the ball way too much on first and second down, and didn't really give Underwood a great chance to be successful.
Despite being 6-foot-4, 228 pounds, the Wolverines won't run him, but keep trying to use RPOs and zone-reads, even though it's clear he can't really keep the ball. Defenses are responding, too.
There was no creativity in the game plan. Underwood still completed a pass of over 40 yards, a 44-yard strike to Donaven McCulley between two defenders. He also threw a 25-yarder to Channing Goodwin.
The receivers could have played better. It hurt not having Marlin Klein, but Underwood looked like a freshman, which is to be expected because he is one.