Free Press sports writer Tony Garcia grades the performance of sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood in Michigan's 20-19 loss to Iowa on Saturday, Sept. 26, in Week 4of the 2026 season at Michigan Stadium in Ann Arbor.
Bryce Underwood stats vs Iowa
- 17-for-28 passing.
- 276 passing yards.
- 2 passing touchdowns.
- 1 interceptions.
- 0 fumbles.
- 14 carries.
- 36 rushing yards.
- 0 rushing touchdowns.
How did Bryce Underwood play vs Iowa?
Offensive coordinator Jason Beck got Underwood comfortable early. He ran him on the first two plays to pick up a first down, then called some simple route concepts − curls and out-routes for high-percentage throws. That got Underwood in a groove and then he started moving the pocket. Underwood was frequently rolling right and passing on the move, where he almost seems more comfortable than just operating from the pocket. On such plays, he connected on some big time throws.
One was a circus catch from Andrew Marsh for a pickup for 20,
then another ended with a perfect strike to JJ Buchanan on a corner route for an 18-yard touchdown to open the scoring. He even found Buchanan on a 32-yard flea-flicker and Marsh on an 11-yard reception when U-M lined up in a wildcat, Underwood took the handoff rolling right and connected with his sophomore standout. It was clear he was feeling it when he handed the ball off to Bryson Kuzdzal, then lowered his shoulder on a defensive back as a lead blocker to help pick up a moderate gain. He was 11-for-16 passing for 162 yards and a score at the half.
Early in the second half, however, he made a crucial mistake. After a holding call led to a U-M third-and-11, he and Marsh seemed to have a miscommunication and Underwood was picked off by his former high school teammate Deshaun Lee. He made up for it later with a 49-yard touchdown strike to Buchanan which seemingly gave U-M the game-winning touchdown – that is until Iowa scored as time expired.
Overall, this was Underwood's best game. He was decisive, didn't fumble and often put the ball either on the money or where only his receiver could make a play. The knock was his interception and the fact U-M ran in three times on the final drive, showing at least some level of lack of trust in the QB to deliver in crunch time.
Bryce Underwood grade vs Iowa: B+
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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 just played best game for Michigan despite crazy loss
