Whittingham Calls Underwood's 13-12 Win Not Outstanding After 47-Yard Hail Mary
Updated
Updated · Maize n Brew · Sep 6
Whittingham Calls Underwood's 13-12 Win Not Outstanding After 47-Yard Hail Mary
3 articles · Updated · Maize n Brew · Sep 6
Summary
13-12 over Western Michigan still left Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham calling Bryce Underwood's outing "not outstanding," despite the quarterback's 47-yard Hail Mary to JJ Buchanan for the winning score.
5-of-5 for 61 yards on the opening drive, Underwood then stalled with the offense for most of the game, throwing a late-first-half interception and losing a fourth-quarter fumble that helped WMU score 6 points.
Whittingham said the offense never found rhythm after the first series, noting repeated failed third downs and saying Michigan was "very fortunate to win" while putting the preparation burden on himself rather than the quarterback.
Underwood also admitted mistakes that "could have cost" Michigan the game, underscoring ongoing concerns about inconsistency even after Whittingham said he had improved dramatically during fall camp.
Jason Beck and Koy Detmer Jr. remain the main voices in Underwood's ear during games, but Whittingham's public backing of "our guy" now comes with clearer pressure for better performances.