After just three games, Michigan freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood has already seen the highs and lows of college football. Following a disappointing performance against Oklahoma in Week 2, questions were raised regarding Michigan’s offense. But Underwood had a superb game last weekend against Central Michigan, throwing for 235 yards, running for 114 more, and scoring three touchdowns in a 63–3 crushing win. The No. 21 Wolverines will now focus on a completely different test with a road trip to Memorial Stadium in Nebraska. All eyes are on Underwood’s performance as the Maize and Blue get ready for their second road game of the season.
In an interview with On3’s J.D. PicKell, Bryce Underwood didn’t hesitate to shut down the noise around playing in Lincoln. The freshman QB wasn’t interested in talking up Nebraska’s sellout streak or the raucous environment waiting for him this weekend. Instead, he simply said, “Just do what I do every single day going into the game. Be the best me at practice. Leading our team, keeping our energy up during practice, that’s our main goals.” For Underwood, the conversation isn’t about hostile crowds; it’s about how Michigan shows up together.
As he outlined the most important factors before games, that connection theme kept coming up. “Being the most connected team, being a team, individual stats really isn’t the main thing or thought process going into games,” he said. “It’s about being the most connected team, bringing each other together, and being the best we could possibly be.” The message seems refreshing coming from a rookie quarterback who, instead of seeking individual stats, is directing everyone to teamwork, which is something Michigan desperately needs to do when facing a physically strong Nebraska team.
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That connection was missing against the Sooners. The offense never got going, and the Wolverines lost the game despite winning the turnover battle. Was it the crowd that overwhelmed the freshman QB? We’ll never know, but he throws looked off at times. It also didn’t help that Michigan was chasing the game, and the offense became one-dimensional.
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Dave Portnoy’s desperate plea to Matt Rhule
Dave Portnoy, Barstool Sports founder, shared a video while having a discussion with Matt Rhule. “I love Lincoln. For the most part, I do root for Nebraska unless you’re playing us,” Portnoy said, making it clear where his loyalties lie and just how much he wants to see Michigan walking out of Memorial Stadium with a win. But Nebraska is coming off a 3-0 start, and the Wolverines have already tasted one defeat.
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The discussion soon became lighthearted but still serious as Nebraska head coach Matt Rhule joked that having Portnoy on board would allow him to cross something off his “bucket list.” Despite praising Nebraska as a fantastic program, Portnoy couldn’t conceal his worry about the result. “I have nothing against Nebraska. I think a great Nebraska is great for the Big Ten… but unless you’re playing us,” he reminded everyone. He mixed encouragement and caution in his remarks, saying that the Huskers must take charge if they hope to make it through Saturday.
The tension was real when it came time to make predictions. Michigan is talented but not yet elite, according to Portnoy. “I think Michigan’s good. I don’t think you guys are there yet. I’m gonna go like…,” he said. Portnoy’s request was frantic, a mixture of fear and hope for Nebraska fans everywhere.