Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood has flashed his rushing ability at times during his freshman season, but his usage in the run game has been inconsistent.
With the 15th-ranked Wolverines’ most important game of the season on tap Saturday against No. 1 Ohio State, the 2025 No. 1 overall recruit’s legs could be an X-factor.
“Something we haven’t talked about a ton because we haven’t seen a lot is his legs and his ability to run,” MLive’s Aaron McMann said on the latest episode of “Wolverine Confidential” podcast. “Michigan’s kind of been guarded with that in the last few weeks. They haven’t had him do it a ton. It would not surprise me at all if you see more designed runs for him on Saturday.”
Underwood rushed for 114 yards and two touchdowns in Week 3 against Central Michigan and totaled 61 yards and a score the following week against Nebraska. However, he hasn’t rushed for more than 45 since then. Running back Jordan Marshall is expected to be back after missing last week’s game against Maryland, but Justice Haynes remains out.
Michigan will need to get creative to have success against Ohio State’s top-ranked defense, and using the 6-foot-4, 228-pounder in the run game could generate some explosive plays.
The Wolverines need a win for a chance at a playoff berth.
“I get trying to protect him as much as possible, but this is when you say, ‘Screw it. We got to win this game by any means possible, even if it means having to do quarterback draws and have him go through a couple defensive tackles. So be it. Your season’s on the line.”
On the episode, the Wolverine Confidential crew previews The Game from all angles and shares their predictions.
You can listen to the entire episode via the YouTube embed above, on Spotify or anywhere you find podcasts.
