The No. 18 Michigan Wolverines improved to 9-2 on the season after beating the Maryland Terrapins 45-20 on Saturday afternoon.
Here are key takeaways from Michigan’s win.
Bryce Underwood had a good game
Underwood was 16-of-23 for 215 yards
with two passing touchdowns and made a number of accurate throws down the field. Underwood and Andrew Marsh continue to have great chemistry, with Marsh leading Michigan in receiving once again with five receptions for 75 yards and one touchdown. This was an encouraging day from Underwood, a week after he made some great plays against Northwestern, and also a couple of unnecessary interceptions. Underwood played a clean and relatively accurate game against Maryland, which gives him a bit of momentum heading into Ohio State.
Kuzdzal stepped up
With Justice Haynes out for at least the regular season and Jordan Marshall suited up but not seeing action, it was former walk-on Bryson Kuzdzal carrying the load, and he was impressive! Kuzdzal rushed 20 times for 100 yards with three touchdowns. Kuzdzal displayed quick acceleration and good vision, running hard with a balance of shiftiness and strength. It doesn’t matter who Michigan lines up in the backfield this season; all of them produce. Michigan is RBU.
Offense was balanced and efficient
Michigan was an incredible 12-of-14 on third down and generated 443 yards of total offense. Michigan didn’t punt the entire game and had the ball for 35:34. This was the cohesive and collective effort needed ahead of Ohio State. Michigan offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey called a good game, and Michigan will be hoping for the same kind of production next week.
Bredeson’s injury puts a damper on the win
Michigan fullback/tight end left the game with a lower-body injury and was seen on the sideline with crutches and a walking boot. After the game, head coach Sherrone Moore said that Bredeson’s injury doesn’t look good, which puts his status against Ohio State in question, to say the least. Bredeson is an exceptional blocker, and his presence will be missed if he can’t play against the Buckeyes.
Michigan’s pass defense was tested
Maryland had 71 yards rushing and averaged 2.8 yards per run. However, the Terrapins were to generate some yardage through the air. Maryland starting quarterback Malik Washington was 19-of-39 for 210 yards with one touchdown and one interception, and backup Khristian Martin was 3-of-3 for 66 yards with a touchdown. While Michigan held Maryland to just 51% throwing, they allowed drives to continue through the air, and they can tighten up a bit.
