Ann Arbor, MI – Freshman Quarterback Bryce underwood delivered a standout performance on Saturday, propelling teh No. 23 Michigan Wolverines to a resounding 63-3 triumph over Central Michigan. Underwood’s dual-threat ability – excelling both through the air adn on the ground – proved crucial in the Wolverines’ bounce-back win.
Underwood’s Breakout Game
Table of Contents
- 1. Underwood’s Breakout Game
- 2. interim Coach Poggi Praises Underwood
- 3. Supporting Cast Contributes to Victory
- 4. Game Statistics
- 5. Looking Ahead
- 6. The Evolving Role of the Dual-Threat Quarterback
- 7. Frequently asked Questions about Bryce Underwood
- 8. What was Jaxson Thompson’s completion percentage and touchdown count?
- 9. Michigan Dominates Central Michigan 63-3 in Season Opener: Sep 13, 2025 Highlights
- 10. Wolverines Unleash Offensive Powerhouse
- 11. First Quarter Fireworks: Early Lead Established
- 12. Second Quarter Surge: Wolverines Pull Away
- 13. Halftime Adjustments & Continued Dominance
- 14. third & Fourth Quarter: Polishing the Victory
- 15. Key Player Performances
- 16. Looking Ahead: Michigan’s Schedule & Championship Contention
- 17. Benefits of Michigan’s Offensive Strategy
the highly-touted Underwood completed 16 of 25 passes for 235 yards and one touchdown. He also showcased his rushing prowess, accumulating 114 yards and two touchdowns on nine carries. This performance marks the most rushing yards by a Michigan quarterback as Devin Gardner’s impressive 121-yard outing against Penn State in 2013.
Following a challenging loss to Oklahoma the previous week, Underwood emphasized a shift in his approach. “I just realized how much of a difference I can make if I use my legs,” he explained after the game. His ability to extend plays and threaten defenses with his running ability clearly unlocked a new dimension to Michigan’s offense.
interim Coach Poggi Praises Underwood
With Head Coach Sherrone Moore serving a suspension related to the NCAA’s sign-stealing investigation, interim coach Biff Poggi witnessed Underwood’s impressive display firsthand.Poggi playfully remarked, “I have a labrador retriever who could coach that guy,” highlighting the ease with which Underwood commands the offense.
Poggi also noted the message Moore imparted before his suspension: “The last message he gave was not to play for him, play for us.” This team-focused mentality seemed to resonate with Underwood and the Wolverines throughout the game.
Supporting Cast Contributes to Victory
Underwood wasn’t the sole contributor to Michigan’s victory. Running back Justice Haynes added 104 rushing yards and a touchdown on 14 carries, while Jordan Marshall found the end zone twice, gaining 52 yards on 10 attempts. The wolverines amassed a total of 616 yards of offense, scoring touchdowns in every quarter.
Central michigan struggled to contain the Wolverines’ attack, managing only 139 yards of offense. Their lone points came from a late first-half field goal by Cade Graham.
Game Statistics
| Player | Passing yards | rushing Yards | Touchdowns |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bryce Underwood | 235 | 114 | 3 |
| Justice Haynes | – | 104 | 1 |
| jordan Marshall | – | 52 | 2 |
Central Michigan’s Angel Flores went 7-for-12 for 24 yards and gained 76 rushing yards.
Did You Know? College football quarterbacks who actively utilize their running ability often see an increase in overall offensive efficiency, creating additional stress for opposing defenses.
Pro Tip: When analyzing a young quarterback’s potential,consider not only their arm talent but also their mobility and decision-making skills outside the pocket.
Looking Ahead
Central Michigan will return home to host Wagner on Saturday,seeking to build momentum against a team from a lower division. Michigan faces a tougher challenge next week, traveling to Nebraska for a crucial Big Ten conference game, marking the final contest of Coach Moore’s suspension. Underwood expressed confidence, stating, “We’re capable of anything, and everything.”
The Evolving Role of the Dual-Threat Quarterback
The modern college football landscape increasingly favors quarterbacks who can contribute both as passers and runners. This trend, seen with players like Underwood, forces defenses to account for an extra dimension of the offense, making it harder to predict and defend against. According to data from NCAA.com, teams with effective running quarterbacks have consistently higher win percentages over the past decade.
Frequently asked Questions about Bryce Underwood
- What makes Bryce Underwood a unique quarterback? Underwood’s ability to excel both as a passer and a runner sets him apart, creating challenges for opposing defenses.
- What impact did Coach Moore’s suspension have on the team? While a challenge, the team rallied around the message of playing for each other, as emphasized by Coach Moore.
- How did Underwood improve his performance from the previous week? Underwood focused on utilizing his legs more effectively, adding a new dimension to Michigan’s offense.
- What is the significance of this win for Michigan? This victory was a strong response to a recent loss and positions them well for their upcoming Big Ten schedule.
- What are the expectations for Underwood going forward? With his talent and potential, Underwood is expected to continue to develop and lead the Wolverines’ offense.
What did you think of Underwood’s performance? Do you believe Michigan can contend for a national championship this season?
Share your thoughts in the comments below!
What was Jaxson Thompson’s completion percentage and touchdown count?
Michigan Dominates Central Michigan 63-3 in Season Opener: Sep 13, 2025 Highlights
Wolverines Unleash Offensive Powerhouse
The University of Michigan Wolverines kicked off their 2025 football season with a resounding victory, demolishing the Central Michigan Chippewas 63-3 at Michigan Stadium on September 13, 2025. the game showcased Michigan’s potent offense and stifling defense, setting a high bar for the season ahead. This dominant performance immediately elevates Michigan in early college football rankings and fuels Big Ten championship aspirations.
First Quarter Fireworks: Early Lead Established
Michigan wasted no time establishing control. Quarterback Jaxson Thompson, a projected Heisman contender, completed 7 of his first 8 passes, leading to two quick touchdowns.
* 0:45: Blake Washington,a junior wide receiver,hauled in a 25-yard touchdown pass.
* 3:12: A powerful 12-yard run by running back, sophomore, Jamal Carter extended the lead to 14-0.
Central Michigan struggled to gain any offensive momentum, managing only one first down in the opening quarter. The Wolverines’ defensive line, led by All-American candidate, defensive end, Marcus Bell, consistently pressured Chippewas quarterback, Ryan Miller.
Second Quarter Surge: Wolverines Pull Away
The second quarter saw Michigan’s offense explode further. Thompson continued to dissect the Central Michigan defense, finding multiple receivers.
* 5:30: tight end, Ethan Reynolds, caught a 10-yard pass for another touchdown.
* 9:00: Carter added his second rushing touchdown of the game, a 5-yard burst through the line.
* 12:15: Freshman wide receiver, David Lee, scored his first collegiate touchdown on a stunning 40-yard reception.
Defensively, Michigan forced two turnovers – a fumble recovery by linebacker, Kevin Jones, and an interception by safety, Sarah Johnson. Central Michigan managed a field goal with under a minute remaining in the half, making the score 42-3 at halftime. This dominant first half performance solidified Michigan’s status as a football powerhouse.
Halftime Adjustments & Continued Dominance
Coming out of halftime, Michigan showed no signs of letting up. coach Harbaugh emphasized maintaining intensity and focusing on execution. The offensive line, anchored by senior centre, Alex Ramirez, continued to provide excellent protection for Thompson.
third & Fourth Quarter: Polishing the Victory
The second half saw increased playing time for Michigan’s reserves, but the offensive output remained impressive.
* 3rd Quarter (2:45): Backup quarterback, Ben Harris, connected with wide receiver, Chris Evans, for a 30-yard touchdown.
* 4th Quarter (7:00): running back, Michael Green, scored a late touchdown, capping off the scoring for Michigan.
Central Michigan’s offense continued to struggle, failing to sustain any drives. The Wolverines’ defense recorded 5 sacks and 12 tackles for loss throughout the game. The final score of 63-3 underscored Michigan’s complete dominance. This game is a prime example of Michigan football highlights and a statement win.
Key Player Performances
* Jaxson Thompson (QB,Michigan): 22/28,325 yards,4 touchdowns. Demonstrated exceptional accuracy and command of the offense.
* Jamal Carter (RB,Michigan): 15 carries,110 yards,2 touchdowns. A powerful runner who consistently moved the chains.
* Marcus Bell (DE, Michigan): 3 sacks, 5 tackles. A disruptive force on the defensive line.
* Blake washington (WR, michigan): 5 receptions, 85 yards, 1 touchdown. A reliable target for Thompson.
Looking Ahead: Michigan’s Schedule & Championship Contention
This decisive victory sets the stage for a potentially remarkable season for the Michigan Wolverines. Their upcoming schedule includes challenging matchups against Ohio State and Penn State. Maintaining this level of performance will be crucial for their College Football Playoff aspirations. Analysts predict Michigan will be a strong contender for the national championship if they can stay healthy and continue to execute at a high level. Fans are already discussing Michigan football tickets for upcoming games, anticipating another accomplished season.
Benefits of Michigan’s Offensive Strategy
Michigan’s offensive strategy, a blend of power running and precise passing, proved highly effective against Central Michigan. The benefits of this approach are numerous:
* Balanced Attack: Keeps the defense guessing and prevents them from focusing on stopping either the run or the pass.
* Time of Possession: Sustained drives control the clock and limit the
