The Wolverines had a tough night at the Colosseum as they fell to the USC Trojans 31-13. After a tough loss like this, there are many questions about the future of this team. The feeling within the team is that they have to win out to make the playoffs. Although the tough loss has fans thinking negatively, there were definitely some positives from the young Michigan football quarterback.
Bryce Underwood finished the game 15 of 24 for 207 yards with two touchdowns and one interception, which arguably was not his fault. Underwood showed some great poise in this game, going on the road against a great team and he never felt rattled for one second, but we should know this by now from his previous two road starts.
In the first half, we saw a lot of quick throws from Underwood. Whether it was a quick screen play or short routes from the receivers, he was getting the ball out quickly. Down seven in the second quarter, Underwood used these quick passes up the field along with some solid runs from running back Justice Haynes, which opened up an opportunity for him to use his legs, which would set up the Wolverines' first touchdown of the game in the back of the end zone to Donaven McCulley. This throw was arguably Underwood's best throw of the year. The patience, going through each read, and then finding McCully with a pass he made look very easy.
His ability to go through his progressions this early in his career is such a big deal because he is finding the open man and not just going to his first read, which could lead to more mistakes. He did have a couple of misreads and miscommunications with the wide receivers, but that is to be expected with this being his sixth start of his career. The second half was where these mistakes shaped the rest of the game.
The offense came out very slowly with a three-and-out, and it only went downhill from there. A couple of errant throws mixed with a struggling offensive line left Underwood with an almost impossible chance at a comeback. Late in the third quarter, the Wolverines were driving down the field with some very impressive throws from Underwood, using his unique ability to throw from different arm angles. He hit McCully and Andrew Marsh with some crazy sidearm throws.
Later, this drive would end on an interception that was not Underwood's fault. McCulley got completely turned around by the defender on an obvious hold, but it was not called, which was a common occurrence in this game. The next drive, Underwood found Marsh for a 69-yard touchdown, which would be their last touchdown of the night.
Grading Bryce Underwood vs. USC
Underwood showed a lot of improvement in this game, but it feels like no matter what he does, there are still going to be people who want more, and that is because of the expectations fans set for him and also the expectations he set for himself. The offseason hype was real, and it feels like he hasn't met that hype yet.
Overall, Underwood played well against USC, and this loss is certainly not pinned on him as he is going out and doing what he's been asked week-in and week-out. In my opinion, to give him an overall grade for this week, he would get a C+. He didn't do anything to wow anyone, but he didn't do anything to lose the game, which can be good for such a young quarterback.
What is next for Bryce Underwood and this team? The Wolverines take on Washington next week and need a big bounce-back week offensively. More consistency will be key for Underwood, and getting in stride with his receivers will be important for the second half of this season.