Michigan QB Bryce Underwood receives surprising compliment from Sooners quarterback John Mateer following disappointing loss
Sooners QB sees the good in Bryce Underwood in tough defeat for the Wolverines
The Michigan Wolverines’ offense did not find much success against the Oklahoma Sooners’ top-five defense on Saturday in their disappointing 24-13 loss. Bryce Underwood completed just nine-of-24 passes. The Wolverines converted just three third downs on 14 tries throughout the game. They were one good run play not made away from averaging less than four yards per play. It was a rough showing across the board.
However, that did not stop the Oklahoma Sooners quarterback John Mateer from offering a sincere compliment to Underwood (and his own defense) following the game.
John Mateer surprisingly offers praise towards Bryce Underwood after Michigan’s loss to Oklahoma
Mateer had his own struggles early on in the Sooners’ victory over Michigan. He threw an interception that put Michigan in a good position to score and went three straight drives without surpassing 34 yards, but ultimately did enough to beat the Wolverines. However, being the class act that he is, made sure to compliment his opponent when given the opportunity:
“[Underwood] played a really good defense today,” Mateer said. “That defense makes our practice really, really difficult because I never know what’s going on. So I can’t imagine being a young quarterback trying to play that defense. He’s super talented. He was rolling out, making throws. He’s a lot better than I was as a freshman. That’s why he was rated the way he is. You can tell he’s a confident kid. He put up a good fight. That’s not the end of his career, and he’s going to be a very, very good quarterback.”
Those kind words from Mateer may not be enough to soothe the fresh wounds of Wolverines fans following that tough loss, but his words ring true. This was just Underwood’s second career college football game. He was always going to struggle against an elite defense on the road like that. Was it a frustrating loss? Absolutely, but fans shouldn’t worry just yet.
Underwood faced pressure on 40% of his dropbacks (FBS average is around 30%). His wide receivers dropped three receptions on just 21 targeted passes. Only one of his receivers ever really bothered getting open (Donaven McCulley). Given the circumstances, in a tough road environment, Underwood did show confidence (like Mateer said). He did roll out, buy himself time, and make a few good plays. He also made a few very “freshman” mistakes.
Underwood will get better. Head coach Sherrone Moore will find a way to get the most out of Underwood’s still quite incredible upside. Michigan’s offense will start to gel. It’s just a matter of time, and even the Sooners’ quarterback sees that.
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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