The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Central Michigan Chippewas 63-3 on Saturday afternoon at Michigan Stadium to improve to 2-1 on the season.
Here are key takeaways from Michigan’s win.
Offensive explosion
Michigan had 616 yards of total offense. This is the first time Michigan has notched over 600 yards in a game since 2016, when they did so against Maryland. Michigan had 35 first downs and went 8-of-11 on third down.
The offensive line played a lot better. Pass protection was really good, as was run blocking. It actually
took awhile for the running game to get cooking, but once success on the ground started to happen it never ceased. Michigan scored an astounding 8 rushing touchdowns (two from Bryce Underwood, one from Justice Haynes, two from Jordan Marshall, one from Jasper Parker, one from Bryson Kuzdal, and one from Andrew Marsh.
Offensive playcalling was also a lot better than it was against Oklahoma. Offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey let Underwood take vertical shots and also allowed Underwood to be a running threat. Last week could be described as a predictable and at times vanilla game plan, while this week was an exciting one.
Bryce Underwood had a stellar day
Michigan’s true freshman quarterback was dynamic and exciting, making a lot of great plays with his arm and his legs. Underwood was 16-of-25 for 235 yards with one passing touchdown, one interception, along with 114 rushing yards and two rushing scores. Underwood’s lone blemish was a deep ball interception that he underthrew. Underwood made many high-quality throws and reads, with many of his throws coming on the run and off platform. Underwood might be 18, but he has moments where he’s already a magician, throwing the football. Underwood’s running abilities were equally impressive. Not only does Underwood have explosiveness, but he also has good shake-and-bake maneuvers to make defenders miss, and he also knows when it’s appropriate to utilize a stiff arm. Overall, Underwood did a good job of using his legs without becoming vulnerable to taking a big hit. While Central Michigan was an inferior opponent, it’s fair to say that Underwood is on the verge of stardom — he just needs more time on task.
Justice Haynes looks special
Alabama transfer running back Justice Haynes has had an impressive start to his Michigan career. Haynes rushed for 104 yards on 14 carries with one rushing score against CMU, and runs with a great balance of speed and power. Haynes has a never-give-up mindset on each play and is hard to take down, reminiscent of Blake Corum. And his speed isn’t that far behind former Michigan RB Donovan Edwards once he has green grass in front of him.
Defensive dominance
Michigan’s defense allowed just three points, 139 yards, and the Central Michigan offense averaged just 2.6 yards per play. Michigan had six tackles for loss, three sacks, and recorded an interception and a fumble recovery. The Michigan D played with aggression, tackled really well, covered well, played well in the trenches, and in every other facet. Jaishawn Barham was particularly impressive, leading the team in tackles with six (all solo). Barham played at linebacker and edge rusher, and his work as a pass rusher looks to be something that will occur more in the future after he had two sacks against CMU.
Tip of the cap to Biff Poggi
With Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore suspended for this game and next week against Nebraska, associate head coach Biff Poggi is filling in as head coach. Poggi deserves credit for getting the team prepared. The coaching staff was clearly in sync throughout the game, and a smooth operation was run. This type of showing from the coaching staff and players is exactly what was needed because a huge game awaits them on the road next Saturday at Nebraska. Michigan needed to gain momentum before playing the Cornhuskers — mission accomplished.
