Michigan Football Faces Major Questions as Big Ten Media Day Arrives
By John Damon, Just The News Iowa
The college football season unofficially kicked off Tuesday with Big Ten media days in Chicago, and Michigan football takes the stage Thursday with a program in transition. After a national title in 2023 followed by two disappointing seasons, new head coach Kyle Whittingham faces critical questions about his team's direction, quarterback development, and a brutal schedule that includes a key matchup with Iowa.
Can Bryce Underwood Deliver a Sophomore Surge?
The biggest factor determining Michigan's success this season is sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood. The former No. 1 recruit in the nation had a rocky first year, posting 2,428 passing yards, 11 touchdowns, and nine interceptions on 60.3% completion. In five of his biggest games against Oklahoma, Nebraska, Michigan State, Ohio State, and Texas, Underwood graded below average according to Pro Football Focus.
Whittingham has brought in dedicated QB coach Koy Detmer Jr. and Underwood has worked with quarterback guru Jordan Palmer, who has helped develop stars like Josh Allen and Patrick Mahomes. But the young signal-caller must improve his processing and decision making to avoid a sophomore slump.
“If Underwood’s processing and decision making don’t improve, there’s no promise of progression,” one analyst noted. “At 6-foot-4 and 228 pounds with a rocket arm, he has all the physical traits, but that alone is not enough to succeed.”
Michigan Faces One of the Nation's Toughest Schedules
The Wolverines have a gauntlet of a schedule this season, including six ranked opponents: No. 1 Ohio State and No. 2 Oregon on the road, plus No. 6 Indiana, No. 13 Oklahoma, No. 15 Penn State, and No. 19 Iowa at home. That's a far cry from last season when Michigan faced just one top-six Big Ten team.
Whittingham is unfazed by the challenge. “It's the Big Ten. You would expect nothing less,” he said. “I never complain or worry about schedules or kickoff times. Give me the schedule, and we'll show up and we'll be there.”
Iowa fans will be watching closely when the Hawkeyes travel to Ann Arbor for a matchup that could have Big Ten title implications. The Wolverines have six of their first seven games at home, but the backloaded schedule means November will be decisive.
Can the Defense Return to Dominance?
Michigan's defense, once a top-10 unit from 2021 to 2023, has slipped to No. 29 nationally in points allowed last season. The Wolverines ranked 53rd in third-down defense, 54th in passing defense, and 76th in red zone defense. New defensive coordinator Jay Hill is implementing a multiple defense with varied fronts and coverages.
“We're going to change up the fronts,” Hill said. “We're going to change up the coverages. We're going to change up the pressure looks. The better we own it, the more we can do.”
The return of edge rusher John Henry Daley and safety Rod Moore from injury could be key to restoring the Wolverines' defensive identity. But whether Michigan has the pieces to be elite again remains an open question.
What This Means for Iowa
For Iowa fans, Michigan's struggles and transition could be good news. The Hawkeyes, ranked No. 19 in ESPN's preseason top 25, visit Ann Arbor this season. If Underwood struggles and the defense remains inconsistent, Iowa could capitalize on a program still finding its footing under Whittingham.
However, Whittingham's track record at Utah suggests he won't use a tough schedule or new staff as excuses. “You better have the vision of winning Big Ten championships and competing for national championships,” he said. “Why are you at Michigan if that's not your goal?”
The Wolverines open the season at home against Oklahoma in Week 2, and the outcome of that game will set the tone for the rest of the year.