Controversial CFB talking head compares Michigan QB Bryce Underwood to the Frankenstein’s monster of quarterback excellence
Michigan freshman QB Bryce Underwood receives quite the comparison
The legend of Michigan true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood continued to grow over the weekend, putting together an impressive performance in his first career start against New Mexico. Underwood ended that contest going 21 for 31 for 251 yards and a touchdown. The film was even more impressive than the raw box score.
Everyone remembers the entertaining recruitment process for the 6-4, 215-pound signal caller. Committed to the LSU Tigers for some time, a large NIL offer allowed the Wolverines to flip the five-star right before National Signing Day. The in-state star is now viewed as the savior of Michigan football, and the quarterback position specifically, a spot that was dreadful in 2024.
In the wonderful world of modern sports media, hyperbole tends to rule the day. Combine that with some natural bias, and we get takes at times that are way too over the top. Instead of being excited about Underwood and the very bright future he has, Barstool Sports President Dave Portnoy decided to turn Underwood into the Frankenstein’s monster of elite quarterback play.
The three quarterbacks that Portnoy compared Underwood to was a combination of Patrick Mahomes, Tom Brady, and Randall Cunningham.
Portnoy is a fan of Michigan football, and is extremely open about it. It’s natural that he included Brady in his comparison, a former Wolverine player himself. One would assume that comparison must be more based on intangibles than physical traits. Brady has managed to earn the title as top quarterback of all time with his combination of football IQ, pocket presence, and competitiveness.
During his 23-year NFL career with the New England Patriots and Tampa Bay Buccaneers, Brady managed to earn 15 Pro Bowl honors, three All-Pro nods, and seven Super Bowl victories. Brady ended his career with 89,214 passing yards and 649 touchdowns.
While Brady is the greatest quarterback of all time, Mahomes is viewed as a player who could eventually challenge that crown. In eight years in the NFL, Mahomes has been selected to six Pro Bowls, and also been named All-Pro twice. The former Texas Tech star has thrown for 32,352 yards and 245 touchdowns during that stretch, helping to lead the Chiefs to three Super Bowl victories.
Perhaps the most interesting part of this comparison is Cunningham, who is one of the more physically gifted quarterbacks of all time. Like Underwood, Cunningham was a tall and lanky signal caller at 6-4 and 212 pounds. In a 16-year NFL career with the Philadelphia Eagles, Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and Baltimore Ravens, Cunningham threw for 29,979 yards and 207 touchdowns. He also added another 4,928 yards and 35 scores on the ground.
Regardless of the hyperbolic comparison, Underwood is incredibly talented. If Portnoy is anywhere close to accurate on his analysis, then Underwood is going to accomplish some truly amazing things in Ann Arbor. The future is certainly bright, no matter who you compare Underwood to.
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