The Michigan Wolverines started the season strong with a solid 34-17 victory at home over the New Mexico Lobos despite the anxiety surrounding the debut of true freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood.
THE GOOD
Bryce Underwood looked like a star in the making, completing 21 of his 31 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown. Underwood’s arm strength and ability to fire strikes but also throw with touch jumped off the screen and Michigan’s passing offense was electric compared to last season as Underwood threw for the most yards in a game by a Michigan quarterback since JJ McCarthy threw for 335 yards vs Purdue in Week 10 of the 2023 season, over 600 days ago.
Transfer portal addition Justice Haynes looks to be worth every penny as he broke multiple huge runs, totaling 159 rushing yards and 3 touchdowns on 16 carries, nearly averaging 10 yards per carry. While Jordan Marshall struggled, the running game overall was extremely effective.
New offensive coordinator Chip Lindsey had a fantastic debut as the Michigan offense scored on 6 of their 11 drives on Saturday. Lindsey kept the physical offensive structure the Wolverines have maintained throughout their history, but Lindsey added wrinkles and creativity to open up the passing game. Notably, Semaj Morgan was finally well utilized as he showcased how dynamic he can be with the ball in his hands. Marlin Klein also had a great day creating separation and catching the ball, finishing with 6 catches for 93 yards and a touchdown.
The Michigan secondary picked off New Mexico quarterback Jack Layne 3 times and largely locked the opposing receivers down during the game. The Wolverines were also stout up front, only allowing 51 rushing yards on 27 attempts and recording 3 sacks along with 9 tackles for loss. Wink Martindale’s defense didn’t lose a step and only allowed 17 points with one touchdown being a trick play on a fourth down conversion and the other being aided by multiple questionable officiating calls.
Michigan got good production from the wide receivers as the position group accounted for 143 of Bryce Underwood’s 251 yards against the Lobos. Sophomore Channing Goodwin and Indiana transfer Donaven Culley both stepped up and made crucial receptions to get the offense going.
THE QUESTIONABLE
Michigan’s linebackers were a liability in coverage on Saturday as New Mexico tight end Dorian Thomas dominated over the middle, recording 10 catches for 71 yards and 2 touchdowns. With promising linebacker Jaishawn Barham likely sitting out of the first half on the road vs Oklahoma, the defense could get off to a rocky start.
Something of note from the first game was the lack of a true alpha on the defensive line. Going from having Aidan Hutchinson and David Ojabo to Mason Graham and Kenneth Grant to having a committee of guys on the defensive line who don’t really stand out at all. If there isn’t a star that emerges on the defensive line, Michigan could struggle against better competition which could lead to their ceiling being lower than a playoff berth.
The Wolverines’ offensive line remains a question mark due to the inconsistent tackle play from Evan Link and Andrew Sprague. Against New Mexico, Sprague got beat consistently and the offensive line allowed 2 sacks while Underwood avoided more.
Michigan’s special teams outside of Dominic Zvada may prove to be an issue once again this year as in the season opener, punter Hudson Hollenbeck had a slightly disappointing outing, averaging 42 yards per punt which is extremely average in college football. There was also a fumble on the kickoff that led to a New Mexico touchdown and a muffed punt by Semaj Morgan that the Lobos nearly recovered. If that isn’t cleaned up, it’ll cost the Wolverines multiple games later in the year.
NEXT WEEK
The Wolverines travel to Norman next week to take on Sherrone Moore’s alma mater, the #18 Oklahoma Sooners who have a notoriously stingy defense. The Wolverines open as a 2.5 point underdog.