If there were any doubts about the competitive spirit of the Michigan Wolverines (2-1) heading into this weekend’s game against Central Michigan (1-2), consider them erased.
The Wolverines posted 616 total yards of offense and forced four turnovers (two on downs) en route to a 60-point margin of victory, and kept their westward cousins to 139 total yards of offense. UM dominated the line of scrimmage, compiling six tackles-for-loss and three sacks.
Freshman Bryce Underwood was seemingly unlocked by
interim head coach Biff Poggi and offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey, exploding for 235 passing yards, 114 rushing yards and three total touchdowns (two rushing, one passing) while completing 64 percent of his passes. In the effort, Underwood became the first Wolverine quarterback since Devin Gardner in 2013 to rush for 100+ yards.
Four different Wolverines scored on the first four scoring possessions, with Justice Haynes opening up the scoring account on a two-yard run, Semaj Morgan taking advantage of a blown coverage to score on a 32-yard pass, Bryce Underwood scampering for a 20-yard run and Andrew Marsh capping off a possession gifted by a failed fourth-down converion for CMU. A fifth possession which could have made it a five-score game ended in a missed field goal by Dominic Zvada.
The Chippewas would respond valiantly before the end of the first half, mustering up their best offensive drive of the season on a 14-play, 81-yard drive lasting nearly six minutes, but they couldn’t get into the endzone, settling instead for a short field goal by Cade Graham.
It wouldn’t take long for Michigan to pull away again, needing just 1:19 of game clock to set up Jordan Marshall for a touchdown with nine seconds to go in the first half.
Marshall would get his second touchdown of the afternoon on Michigan’s first possession of the third quarter, while Bryce Underwood would notch a second rushing touchdown halfway through the period before Poggi pulled the starters and had the bench play the rest of the way in a 63-3 victory.
Central tried their best in the game but were clearly overmatched, often finding themselves behind the sticks to start drives and being forced to punt quickly, ending the contest with eight total first downs and 26 minutes of possession.
Joe Labas (4-of-8, 36 yards, interception; -21 rushing yards) and Angel Flores (7-of-12, 24 yards; 76 rushing yards, fumble) carried the load at quarterback with Jadyn Glasser out due to injury. Flores led the rushing attack, with Trey Cornise, Nahree Biggins and Brock Townsend combining for 27 yards on 15 carries. Justin Ruffin led CMU’s receiving attack with two catches for 23 yards.
Elijah Rikard— who was questionable heading into the game— and Elijah Gordon stand atop the CMU charts in tackles, with eight each. Rikard had six solo to pace the team. Michael Heldman pulled down the team’s only sack, while Caleb Spann had two pass break-ups and Brenden Deasfernandes came down with his second interception of the season.
Michigan’s skill position players showed out, with seven different players scoring at least one rushing touchdown. Justice Haynes collected his third-straight 100+ yard game, finishing with 104 yards on 14 carries, scoring once. Jordan Marshall had two scores to go with 10 carries for 52 yards. Andrew Marsh, Jasper Parker and Bryson Kuszdzal each had one rushing score. Semaj Morgan (four catches, 69 yards, TD) led UM’s receivers in all categories.
Defensvie end Jaisahwn Barnham wrecked havoc single-handedly, with two TFLs and two sacks to accompany a team-leading six tackles. Cornerback Jyaire Hill also collected a TFL and sack on the day. Four different Wolverines blocked at least one pass.
Central will now look to regroup and iron out their imperfections before hosting their first home game of the season next weekend against FCS foe Wagner. Kickoff is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 20, at 1 p.m. Eastern time, with ESPN+ carrying the broadcast.
