Gut reactions: Michigan beats New Mexico in Bryce Underwood's debut

It wasn't a perfect night for Michigan football, but all things considered, it was pretty good all the same.

Bryce Underwood won his first start for the Wolverines without much drama. There were a few worrisome moments, but Michigan led wire-to-wire before winning the game by 17.

A weird targeting call, a trick play, and more defensive rotations than we will likely see next week against the Sooners, aided the scoring efforts of New Mexico.

The defense will need to play better. The offense will, too. But Underwood is the real deal. That's the biggest takeaway after he completed 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown. He didn't have an interception or a rushing attempt that wasn't a sack.

When the Lobos cut the lead to seven right before half, Underwood converted a third-and-14 with a dart to Channing Goodwin for 39 yards. He ended the drive with his first touchdown pass. Michigan lost momentum in the second half when Jaishawn Barham was ejected on the worst targeting call you will ever see.

However, Justice Haynes ripped off a 50-yard run, his second of the night, after a 56-yard touchdown run on the first series, before scoring his third touchdown of the night.

The defense allowed too many points but forced three turnovers. The points were a little fluky, too. Michigan had 452 yards. New Mexico finished with just under 300. The Lobos did have more first downs, but the Wolverines threw for 251 and ran for 201. That's a pretty good night.

Here are the gut reactions.

• Bryce Underwood is the real deal. He had 3-4 throws that made you go wow! The two-minute drill was the most encouraging thing. He's ready for primetime.

• The defense left me a little disappointed. But, no harm, no foul.

• The secondary will need to play better next week. That's all there is to it. The pass rush will need to be better, too, even though the Wolverines got three sacks.

• Justice Haynes might be lead the Big Ten in rushing. What a debut.

• It was a positive, not perfect night, for the offensive line.

• Cole Sullivan will be an All-Big Ten player, someday.

• The targeting call on Barham was one of the worst calls you will ever see. Michigan football will surely appeal his suspension for the first half of the OU game.

• Love that the five-star QB was a willing and able blocker. That will win over the locker room. So will those incredible throws.

• Go Blue!