While Michigan football has a huge game looming this Saturday against Michigan State, the Wolverines created some positive momentum with a 24-7 win over Washington.
It was exactly what the program needed after a horrendous performance against USC. The playoff hopes are still alive, and Michigan football, sitting at 3-1 in the Big Ten, could still end up playing for the conference championship if it wins out.
That's a big if. Not just because Ohio State remains on the schedule. There are four other games remaining, three on the road. Michigan is 1-2 in true road games so far this season. The Wolverines will be tested this week against Michigan State. At least that should be Michigan's mindset.
However, looking back at the win over Washington, here's the stock reporting heading into Week 9 for Michigan football.
Stock up: Bryce Underwood
Bryce Underwood, a true freshman quarterback, didn't look like a true freshman against Washington. He completed 21 of 27 passes for 230 yards. There were 3-4 drops, so he could have easily completed over 90 percent of his passes. Beyond that, he ran for 25 yards, including a 17-yard run.
Chip Lindsey keeps calling RPOs and Underwood continues to impress with his reads. The throws have been on the money, too. He rarely puts the ball in harms way and has just three turnovers, two interceptions, in seven games. Both interceptions were shots down the field, too.
Underwood had moments against USC. The in-state recruit knows what's at stake this week. He surely has heard all the noise from Michigan State fans, too.
The five-star quarterback has matured before our very eyes. It will be interesting to see how he performs on Saturday.
Stock up: Jordan Marshall
It would be great to have Justice Haynes and Jordan Marshall available for Saturday's game. Marshall, the redshirt freshman, carried the ball 25 times for 133 yards. He added 20 yards receiving.
Haynes is supposed to practice this week. That's a positive sign that he'll be able to play on Saturday night. Marshall brings a different kind of running style. He was powering through tackles, blocking well, and proved he's more than capable of being RB1 if Haynes isn't available.
Stock up: Cole Sullivan
All Sullivan does is make plays. His interception in the third quarter changed the game. It was the third interception of the 2025 season. He's also got a fumble recovery. His snaps have varied at times. Ernest Hausmann and Jimmy Rolder are playing more, but it's getting more even and it's easy to see why.
Cole Sullivan has a knack for big plays, and it would be nice if Michigan could get him on the field even more, even though it's difficult due to overall depth at the position.
Stock down: Semaj Morgan
Semaj Morgan is dangerous when he gets the ball in his hands. The problem for Michigan football is that it's easier said than done. He dropped a wide-open pass on fourth down, which would have gone for a first-down conversion, maybe even a touchdown. Morgan has struggled with punt returns, too.
The junior can be electrifying but the drops have to stop or someone else needs to get a chance to play in the slot.
Stock down: Dominic Zvada
The secret weapon is no longer automatic after a 48-yard miss. Dominic Zvada has made 9 of 13 field goals so far this season. They have all been a reasonable distance, including the 48-yarder last Saturday.
Michigan fans have to keep their fingers crossed that Zvada will find his groove again. For now, though, his stock is on the way down.