Greg McElroy, the ex-Alabama signal-caller, warned Michigan to instantly tailor their offense for Bryce Underwood’s rushing ability or face Oklahoma turning Ann Arbor into a graveyard this weekend. This threat comes right after a tight 13-12 win where Underwood struggled, with Pro Football Focus giving him a 35.8 offensive grade and zero big-time throws. The coach says the starting job is not set in stone for anyone.
McElroy believes the current plan is wrong for the young quarterback. He stated that the team must evolve the offense to focus on Underwood’s athleticism. McElroy stated, “I think we need to evolve Michigan’s offense to the point where it’s really more about Bryce Underwood’s athleticism.” His physical talents suggest the necessary direction, rather than forcing him into a mold he does not fit at this developmental stage. If they do not make this change, McElroy predicts a blowout loss to Oklahoma.
The stats from the first game back this fear. Underwood completed 12-of-22 passes for 170 yards and threw one interception. He also had five turnover-worthy plays. Among 110 eligible quarterbacks in Week 1, his passing grade of 31.4 ranked as the second-lowest score. The only bright spot was a 47-yard Hail Mary prayer to JJ Buchanan as time expired to win the game against Western Michigan. That play came after a clock issue added one second to the game.
Whittingham Puts the Job on the Line
Head coach Kyle Whittingham is not hiding his frustration. He made it clear that Underwood’s spot is not safe. Whittingham said, “He’s our quarterback right now. It’s not something that’s infinite.” The coach emphasized that everyone on the roster has to perform to keep their role. Nobody’s job is.
Whittingham noted that the pressure falls on the whole group, not just the player. The coach admitted the performance was disappointing but added that Underwood has been sharp during fall camp.
Underwood himself admitted mistakes cost them time. The quarterback also explained his mindset during the final seconds. He stated that upon seeing zeros on the clock, it appeared they had lost the game. Then, with one second remaining, the idea was to give his teammates a chance.
The Stakes for Saturday Night
The next test is much harder. Western Michigan is a different beast than Oklahoma. He added that recent results matter most in football. “That goes far beyond Bryce. It goes throughout the whole team. What you’ve done lately is very important in football,” Whittingham said, according to Yahoo Sports.
As a runner, Underwood displayed potential, rushing nine times for 47 yards and scoring a touchdown. He ended the night as Michigan’s leading rusher. The coach insists he wants the best for the player. “Nobody wants to be great more than Bryce does,” Whittingham said. But the window to fix things is closing fast before the big game.
The clock is ticking on the current plan. If the offense does not use Underwood’s legs, the team faces a real risk of a bad loss. The coach has spoken, the stats are out, and the former Alabama star has given his advice. Now the team has to act before Saturday night arrives.
