Bryce Underwood proves he’s much more than raw talents according to Biff Poggi after big win over Nebraska
Biff Poggi couldn’t help but compliment Bryce Underwood on his poise and leadership
The Michigan Wolverines kicked off Big Ten play with a huge victory over Nebraska on Saturday, winning 30-27. The pass rush was on fire, racking up seven sacks. The ground game tallied 286 rushing yards. Michigan fans should be proud.
And not just proud because the Wolverines won, but according to Biff Poggi (stand-in for suspended Sherrone Moore) proud because of the way that five star phenom quarterback Bryce Underwood is stepping up beyond just what his raw talents can offer.
Yes, he only threw for 105 yards, completing barely half his passes. That’s not the point. At least it wasn’t to coach Poggi after the game. Underwood’s “poise and leadership” help make this Michigan team who they are.
Bryce Underwood more than just his rushing yards or passing game
It’s undeniable that even in victory the Michigan passing game still has some work to do. True freshman Bryce Underwood was not perfect through the air, once again, against a tough opponent. However, when pressed on this, Poggi made sure to emphasize that Underwood is far more than just what he can bring as a passer four games into his college career:
“I wouldn’t go down that path [of knocking Underwood for his passing], honestly. We had some drops. [Bryce Underwood] made some excellent throws. He made some excellent runs. The thing you don’t see is his poise and leadership in the huddle and on the sideline. I’m not exaggerating. There was not a doubt in anyone’s mind on our sideline at any point that we weren’t winning that game, and he was a big part of that.”
The wide receivers have not been great so far this season. There have been some drops. There have been some miscues. There have been some misses by Underwood. But the Michigan Wolverines’ young quarterback clearly has a huge impact and control over his team extremely early into his career.
Even when things weren’t going great with Nebraska finding success early, Underwood continually found ways to rally his team both on and off the field. According to Poggi, and others in postgame, Underwood was the one leading and keeping his teammates pumped up. And when the offense needed a huge play, it was often Underwood who answered, especially on the ground, where he added 61 yards and a rushing score.
Underwood’s 37-yard rushing score set the tone early, and put Michigan in position to carry a lead into halftime. Unfortunately, a last-second Hail Mary pass from Dylan Raiola to Jacory Barney pulled Nebraska back even with the Wolverines as time was expiring in the first half.
Despite that wildly lucky Nebraska play, Underwood just kept the Michigan offense driving in the second half. Things stalled a bit in the third quarter, but after a couple big touchdowns from his running backs, Underwood led one final drive that would end up sealing the victory for Michigan.
Underwood converted two huge first downs through the air, then another on the ground to get his Wolverines in field goal position, extending the lead to 30-20 late. That would do it.
Yes, Underwood hasn’t always been pretty with his passing just yet, but when it’s mattered most he’s stepped up big time in big moments. And according to his coaches and teammates he’s already every bit the leader that the Wolverines to rally around as they make a push towards the College Football Playoff.
We’ll be back with more Michigan Wolverines coverage here at A to Z Sports soon! Follow me (@FF_TravisM) and A to Z Sports (@AtoZSportsNFL) on X for all the latest football news!
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