Michigan's win over UTEP last weekend wasn't without some nervous moments. Yet, the second half erased those worries as Michigan closed out the game, outscoring the Miners 45-3.
The turnovers need to stop. So do the penalties. The good news is that Michigan football didn't have a penalty in the second half against UTEP. Michigan didn't have a turnover either and was able to rush for more than 100 yards, even though the Miners knew U-M was trying to kill the clock.
Michigan's coaching staff made some adjustments. The offensive line also started getting more traction. Tommy Carr had a nice run in the second half. Savion Hiter and Jordan Marshall averaged more than five yards per attempt.
The running game improved. It needs to improve even more this week if Michigan is going to beat Iowa. Some others really did improve their stock against Iowa. Others still have work to do.
Here is the Michigan football stock report after Week 3.
Stock up: Bryce Underwood
It was UTEP, so take it with a grain of salt, but Underwood looked as good as he has all season. He was decisive with the football, made accurate throws, and completed 76 percent of his passes.
If you had told someone Week 1 that Underwood would have done that in Week 3, they would have taken it and might not have believed you.
The Michigan football starting quarterback has improved each week. Hopefully, that means a clean game against Iowa. If it does. Michigan will win.
Stock up: Tariq Boney
The freshman EDGE is a dude. He had 1.5 tackles for loss and a sack in limited action against UTEP. He also drew a key holding penalty against Oklahoma. There were times when it was Boney and fellow freshman Carter Meadows, a five-star, on the field, getting to the quarterback.
That tandem is going to be fun to watch for years to come. For now, it's incredibly valuable to have Meadows and Boney as essentially the third string.
Andrew Marsh: Stock up
Marsh caught five passes during the firist two Michigan football games. Against UTEP, he caught 10 for 105 yards and a touchdown. It was his third 100-yard game as a Wolverine.
More than anything, it was good to see the coaching get Marsh involved. The Wolverines will need him this week. Don't be surprised if the Wolverines run some play-action and take a shot or two deep down the field.
Stock up: Savion Hiter
After 21 yards on 13 attempts in two games, Savion Hiter finally got going against UTEP with 62 yards on 11 attempts. He scored two touchdowns, but had a long run of 15 yards. That's not entirely his fault. The blocking has been a work in progress. The freshman has been, too.
It feels like a breakout game is coming. It's only a matter of time before Hiter breaks some tackles and rips off a long run. Either way, last week was a sign of progress.
Stock down: Jalen Hoffman
Hoffman didn't have a great performance last week against UTEP. He was supposed to fill the role of Max Bredeson, as if that could be done. He just hasn't been the kind of blocker we have been him be in the past, at least not yet.
Hoffman is a solid receiver. He's got some upside there, but it feels like the Wolverines need to turn to Eli Owens as the blocking FB/TE. Michigan's tight end room as a whole hasn't been great.
If there was a legit tight end, Michigan wouldn't need to dabble with the Rhino package so much.
Stock down: Offensive line
This doesn't even have to do as much with performance. Michigan's offensive line needs to play better. That is true. But injuries have dragged down the ceiling of the offensive line since before Week 1.
Andrew Babalola can't stay healthy. Andrew Sprague had an injury spring up last week after walkthroughs, to the point that it surprised Kyle Whittingham. Michigan is down two starting-caliber offensive tackles.
Evan Link has been serviceable there. That's the best thing you can say about the guards, too. Hopefully, the entire O-line raises its level of play against Iowa. It's needed.
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