While Michigan football is 2-0 and is one of just two teams in America (Texas) that's both undefeated and has a win over a top-15 opponent, it's been clear the offense hasn't been firing on all cylinders.
Wolverines running backs have run 38 times for 109 yards (2.9 yards per carry) and just one touchdown. In fact, Underwood has more rushing yards (134) than Jordan Marshall, Savion Hiter and Bryson Kuzdzal combined.
While U-M knows it needs more out of its backfield, the fact that Underwood has been able to make plays with his legs − like forcing eight missed tackles in a 17-10 win over Oklahoma in Week 2 − gives U-M options in how it can move the ball on the ground.
Right now, it doesn't appear Michigan has many options with how it can move the
ball in the air, but coach Kyle Whittingham said at his press conference on Monday, Sept. 14, at least part of that was by design.
"I would say, first of all, through two games, we haven't made a big commitment to it," Whittingham said. "We're just trying to figure out what gives us the best chance to win this particular week. And so it hasn't been something that has been a major emphasis.
"But Bryce is, what, mid-50s completion percentage? So we've got to get that number up. And it's just a matter of what [offensive coordinator] Jason Beck feels comfortable with. And taking care of the football is job one, and so he's got to structure the plan to take care of the ball first and foremost. And right now, where we are as an offense, we seem to be more suited to be a little more heavy run, but that could change as the year goes on."
Early on in 2026, there's been very little downfield passing attack. Underwood has completed just 2 of 9 passes with 20 or more air yards, according to Pro Football Focus, and one of them was a Hail Mary that ended with an answered prayer in a walk-off 13-12 win over Western Michigan.
He hasn't been that much better on intermediate throws, connecting on 10 of 19 (52.6%) within 19 yards of the line of scrimmage for 151 yards, no touchdowns and one interception. It's only because Underwood has completed 9 of 9 pass attempts behind the line of scrimmage that his completion rate is even better than 50%.
One pressing issue has been U-M's inability to get Andrew Marsh involved, as he entered the season as the presumed top wide receiver on the depth chart. The sophomore wideout has just five receptions for 28 yards in two games, though Underwood did nearly connect with him on a deep shot against OU, but the defensive back was flagged for pass interference as he tugged Marsh's jersey to ensure he didn't run under what would've been a lengthy touchdown pass.
"We need to get him involved more," Whittingham said. "That's another good point and something that we're well aware of. He's a talented receiver, and he flashed a little bit on Saturday. He's a guy that made a lot of plays for [Underwood] last year, and we need to have him become more involved."
Michigan (2-0) is set up with its easiest matchup of the season on paper this weekend as it's set to host UTEP (1-1) in Ann Arbor on Saturday, Sept. 19 (Big Ten Network, 3:30 p.m.). While U-M took a massive step forward with its performance against OU, the schedule doesn't get much easier moving forward.
In Week 4, it's a matchup with Iowa, which has allowed 13 points this season. Then, the first road game of the year at Minnesota. Following a bye week, Michigan will host Penn State and Indiana, both of whom have a chance to come into Ann Arbor with unblemished records.
This Saturday is the last get-right spot before the Big Ten season begins, and Whittingham knows exactly what he wants to see out of his team before league play begins.
"First of all, getting the ball down the field a little bit more, throwing and getting some more chunk yard plays," Whittingham said. "We're not having an abundance of those, and that's one of the most vital stats. I mean, the turnover margin to me is most important, and right behind that is the team that typically gets the most chunk plays, explosives − however you want to term it − is the team that's going to win the game.
"Our defense is doing a fantastic job limiting the opponent to chunk plays, but we've got to get more of our own chunk plays going forward."
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.
Next up: Miners
Matchup: No. 19 Michigan (1-0) vs. UTEP (1-1).
Kickoff: 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 19; Michigan Stadium, Ann Arbor.
TV/radio: Big Ten Network; WCSX-FM (94.7).
Line: Wolverines by 35½.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Michigan's offense took a step vs Oklahoma. Now it's time for passing game to do the same
