Michigan QB Bryce Underwood's fumbles are key concern ahead of Iowa matchup
ANN ARBOR, Mich. — As Michigan football prepares to host Iowa on Saturday, the Wolverines' offensive coordinator says quarterback Bryce Underwood's biggest issue through three games isn't reading defenses or executing the playbook. It's holding onto the football.
Underwood has lost two fumbles this season, and offensive coordinator Jason Beck said ball security has become the top priority for the young signal-caller as he adjusts to live game action.
What is Jason Beck saying about Underwood's fumbles?
Beck told reporters that Underwood has fumbled once in each of Michigan's first three games, and the coaching staff is making it a point of emphasis.
“There's always, with any quarterback, when you hit the real game situations, there's always that learning curve,” Beck said. “The No. 1 thing we're emphasizing right now — we'll kind of take it that way — is the importance of ball security as a runner. So we've put it on the ground one time each game. He's done a really nice job in the run game. It's been a real positive. We just really have to tighten that up and emphasize that at a higher level now that he's live and really getting his nose in there. And that's been a negative we want to address.”
Underwood isn't alone in the turnover department. Running back Savion Hiter lost a fumble last week, Jordan Marshall nearly lost one, and wide receiver Andrew Marsh fumbled on special teams in Week 1.
Has Michigan simplified the offense for Underwood?
After an uneven season opener, Underwood looked sharper in Week 2 against Oklahoma and threw for 223 yards in Week 3 before backup Tommy Carr took over in the fourth quarter with the game out of hand.
Beck said the coaching staff hasn't scaled back the playbook for Underwood. Instead, the focus is on getting the quarterback to trust what he sees and avoid overthinking.
“No, not necessarily,” Beck said. “Bryce has a real good understanding of everything. You get good feedback from him when you ask him, 'Hey, what do you see and why are you doing that?' He has direct answers. He's seeing things. Sometimes the quarterback isn't quite sure. They're not certain. Bryce sees it.
“There's been an emphasis on, 'Hey, don't overthink some of these things. So you're seeing this. Just focus in on the main things and go from there,' versus maybe taking too much into account. But he's doing a nice job with knowing what he's doing and why he's doing it. Seeing the stuff out there, and it's just a matter of kind of building from there and keep growing.”
When do Michigan and Iowa play on Saturday?
Michigan and Iowa are set to kick off at 3:36 p.m. EDT on Saturday at Michigan Stadium. The game will be broadcast live on CBS.
For Iowa fans, the matchup offers a chance to see how the Hawkeyes' defense handles a talented but still-developing quarterback who has shown improvement in recent weeks.
What should Iowa fans watch for against Michigan?
Iowa's defense has historically been strong against the run and opportunistic in creating turnovers. If the Hawkeyes can pressure Underwood and force him into pressure situations, his recent fumbling issues could become a factor.
Underwood's ability to protect the football will be tested against an Iowa defense known for its discipline and physicality. The Hawkeyes will look to capitalize on any mistakes from the young quarterback.
This article originally appeared on Wolverines Wire: Jason Beck identifies Bryce Underwood's biggest issue through 3 games