What a difference a week makes.
One week ago, Kyle Whittingham said that Bryce Underwood's status as the Michigan football starting quarterback wasn't "infinite."
There was talk all week about how the Wolverines could turn to true freshman Tommy Carr if Underwood struggled against Oklahoma.
That never happened. Underwood wasn't spectacular. He didn't need to be, though. The sophomore quarterback accounted for 198 total yards, with 111 coming through the air, 87 on the ground, and one touchdown run. Most importantly, Underwood had zero turnovers.
The pass offense struggled in the second half. Yet, Michigan was playing with the lead most of the day, and the defense was playing lights out. There was no need to get crazy.
Some drops and some guys not getting a toe in bounds also cost the Wolverines some passing yards and probably some points.
A win is a win, though, especially against the 11th-ranked team in the country, as well as one of the best defenses. Oklahoma's defense is as good as any Bryce Underwood will face this season, and he passed the test, not with flying colors, but a passing grade is a passing grade.
Kyle Whittingham is firm that Bryce Underwood is Michigan's starting QB
After the 17-10 win over Oklahoma, Whittingham clarified his comments about Underwood. He said that he answered a question about his status and didn't mean to put it into question, saying essentially that Underwood was QB1 moving forward, without a shadow of a doubt.
Beating a Top-15 team will cement the job status. Whittingham is probably breathing a little easier, too, this week, although the Wolverines have plenty to work on and improve if they want to be a College Football Playoff team.
The door is wide open, though, after the win over Oklahoma. We saw what it did for the Sooners last season, and once people get over the Western Michigan thing, and give the Wolveriners proprer credit for beating a good WMU team, the resume is one of the best in the sport after two weeks.
There are chances to improve it against Iowa and Penn State, teams ranked ahead of Michigan right now, even though neither has beaten a ranked team. Heck, neither has beaten a team as good as Western Michigan.
This team will go as Underwood goes, meaning the upside is tied to him. Michigan football proved it can win without him throwing for 200 yards, though, as he long as the run game is activated. Yet, if the passing game ever starts to click, watch out, especially with this defense.
The offense wasn't pretty on Saturday. It hasn't been, but as Jim Harbaugh used to say, there is no place for pretty on the scoreboard. All that matters is winning and in that department, Bryce Underwood is now 11-4.
It makes sense to stay the course.
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