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NORMAN, Okla. – If Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood is still the starter after Saturday, he will have saved his job after facing what appears to be an elite Oklahoma defense.
Underwood’s Hail Mary touchdown pass to JJ Buchanan last Saturday gave Michigan a controversial 13-12 win over Western Michigan. But Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham was disappointed in the way the Wolverines played, so he made it clear this week that no one’s position is guaranteed in the future – including Underwood’s.
Underwood seemed caught off guard when learning Whittingham told the media his sophomore signal caller needs to improve to remain the starter.
“I didn't see that,” Underwood said. “It's cool.”
Michigan QB Bryce Underwood reacts to Kyle Whittingham's comments that his job isn't, nor is anybody's starting job, "infinite."
"There were comments about that? That's cool. I didn't see that. It's cool." pic.twitter.com/gGw3JU327V
Saying it’s cool and being cool with Oklahoma’s aggressive defense chasing you are two very different things. The uncertainty adds an extra layer of pressure to an already difficult task. The Sooners led the nation last year in sacks per game and tackles for loss per contest. They led the Southeastern Conference in scoring defense (15.5 points per game), total defense (272.5 yards per game), rushing defense, passing defense efficiency and fewest first downs allowed.
There is carryover. All 11 Sooner starters in the opener against UTEP started their careers at Oklahoma. It showed in the opener – the Sooners held the UTEP to 198 total yards, 2.9 yards per rush and just 10 first downs in a 51-0 rout.
Perhaps scarier than the numbers is the fact that Oklahoma coach Brent Venables wasn’t satisfied with the season-opening performance. He said the energy was their, but not the precision the defensive guru likes to see.
“We just didn’t play with the cleanliness and discipline that you have to play with," he said. "Got a little nosy. … Just got to play a little cleaner, (and) fundamentally trust in our schemes and our systems and where our help is.”
UTEP missed three field goals to help Oklahoma claim the shutout, leaving the Sooners seeing room for improvement.
“I mean, it wasn’t the best feeling in the moment,” Oklahoma linebacker Kip Lewis said. “Sloppy and stuff. … We’re excited to go attack the challenge again. New opportunity every week.”
Another factor working against Underwood is that the Sooners are familiar with him. He completed 9 of 24 passes for 142 yards in Oklahoma’s 24-13 win last season.
All Venables sees when he looks at Underwood is talent and versatility.
“This guy can run it, he can throw it, he's decisive at making decisions and he's a rhythmic player,” Venables said. “He's really good that way. So always look at what a guy is capable of, what's the ceiling, what are they showing you when they're at their best.”
Underwood completed 12 of 22 passes for 170 yards with one touchdown and one interception. Oklahoma linebacker Cole Sullivan, who played for Michigan last year, said Underwood has the mental makeup to bounce back, so the Sooners need to be ready.
“He's super confident,” Sullivan said. “ I don't think he crosses the line of being too cocky. He's very confident. He's a good leader for that team, I believe. And he's very mature. For how young he is, he's very mature.”
Tommy Carr would be first in line to step in if Underwood falters. Whittingham is impressed with what he’s seen from the true freshman.
“He seems to be unflappable,” he said. “Nothing really bothers the kid. He’s really calm and collected. He’s a guy that’s very intelligent. He lives in the film room.”
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