Michigan Wolverines Week 3 Recap and Review

Chad Marriott
Sep 14
3 min read

Updated: Sep 20

The Michigan Wolverines dominated in Week 3 against the Central Michigan Chippewas. Following a tough loss to Oklahoma and the start of Sherrone Moore's suspension, the Wolverines need a big victory. They got it: 63-3. CMU is a MAC school, but the willingness to change the game plan should instill long-term confidence in the program. Biff Pogi had the most to say on this:

Sherrone really wanted to open things up with him a little bit when he felt it was the right time to do so. He's young, and you want to scale him into it. Chip Lindsey really took that mandate, and I think, did a great job.

It was a plan to get him using his legs a little more, but I mean, I have a Labrador retriever that could coach that guy. He's unbelievable.

We thought in Oklahoma, we would take the air out of the ball because they're an air raid offense. And we're not taking the air out of the ball ever again -- not with this guy and taking snaps.

So, what were the biggest takeaways this week?

Big House, Ann Arbor, MI — Photo by Alex Mertz on Unsplash

Bryce Underwood Is That Dude

Yes. Again. Underwood continues to improve. The mistakes (overthrows) would be understandable for a senior, let alone a true freshman. When Michigan chose to open it up, let him run, throw, and, you know, play football. Underwood became the first Michigan quarterback to rush for over 100 yards since Devin Gardner in 2013. Underwood also threw for 235 yards. Michigan learned a lesson in Oklahoma: Underwood is that dude... or possibly Batman, according to Biff Poggi.

Sherrone Moore Is Willing to Change

Last week, it seemed that Coach Moore did not want to deviate from his "play it safe" approach. While Poggi was on the sideline this week, the changes came from Moore. The run game remains the bread and butter, but the threat of Underwood to run and throw down the field makes defenses think twice about loading the box. Comparing Moore to Harbaugh is unfair. Harbaugh had been an established Head Coach for a number of years (four in the NFL and seven in college before his nine seasons at Michigan). Moore is in his second season. The criticisms are valid, but when he addresses them, he deserves the praise as well.

Dominant

It's only Central Michigan, but the dominance should serve as an encouragement to everyone. Last season, Michigan struggled against its non-power four opponents. This year, the team dominated all aspects of the game, providing a young roster with much-needed confidence. The Oklahoma loss provided some tough lessons, but what if the team had been able to have this game first? They had over 600 yards on offense and allowed only 140 yards on defense. Heading into a matchup with Nebraska next weekend, this domination reminds the Wolverines and their fan base that they have a talented squad. They just lack the experience and maturity that Harbaugh had provided for several years.

Expectations

The expectations going into the season were difficult to temper due to the numerous unanswered questions. How would the secondary improve? Would the defensive line generate pressure and stop the run? How quickly will Underwood adapt? Are the wide receivers talented enough?

So far, Jaishawn Barham has led the defense to some strong performances. His absence in the first half against Oklahoma didn't receive enough attention for its effect on the game. The secondary still has some question marks, but they appear to be consistently improving. Offensively, Justice Haynes has been a revelation (the best running back since Blake Corrum). Jordan Marshall has not performed up to expectations, but his 52 yards and two touchdowns against CMU should build some confidence going forward.