Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia grades the performance of sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood during Michigan football's controversial 13-12 win over Western Michigan on Saturday, Sept. 5, in Week 1 of the 2026 season at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Bryce Underwood stats vs. Western Michigan
- 12-for-22 passing
- 170 yards
- 1 passing touchdowns
- 1 interception
- 1 fumbles (1 lost)
- Nine carries
- 47 rushing yards
- 1 rushing touchdowns
Bryce Underwood grade vs. Western Michigan: D
Frankly, this was everything Michigan didn't want to see.
Underwood scored the game's opening touchdown to close a strong first drive, but otherwise, he struggles.
Late in the first quarter he was nearly picked on third-and-10 as he rolled right and forced a dangerous ball to Andrew Marsh on the sideline. On the next series, he forced a ball to JJ Buchanan on third-and-8 that went off WMU safety Micah Davis' chest. Then, late in the half,
he stared down Jalen Hoffman on an out-route and was intercepted (nearly for a pick-six, but Dillon Moore stepped out of bounds on the return).
Until the final series of the game he had completed 10 of 16 passes for 95 yards.
There's no apologizing for wins, even by one point against a MAC foe ... but Underwood didn't look markedly improved. He was allowed to run more and made some throws on the move, but there was only one "wow" play – and it came in the final second.
The other 59:59 showed work needed to be done.
Tony Garcia is the Michigan beat writer for the Detroit Free Press. Email him at apgarcia@freepress.com and follow him on X at @RealTonyGarcia.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Bryce Underwood grade for Michigan football vs Western Michigan
