The Michigan Wolverines defeated the Wisconsin Badgers 24-10 on Saturday afternoon at Michigan Stadium to improve to 4-1 on the season.
Here are key takeaways from Michigan’s win.
Michigan’s defense dominates
Michigan allowed a touchdown on Wisconsin’s opening drive but only gave up three points the rest of the afternoon. Michigan allowed just 252 yards of total offense (4.4 yards per play), and the Badgers were 4-of-14 on third down. Rod Moore had an interception, Derrick Moore had a sack, and Jimmy Rolder paced the defense with seven tackles. While Wisconsin’s offense isn’t exactly good, this was the type of defensive performance necessary before facing a vastly more talented USC offense next week.
Kicking struggles continue
Dominic Zvada went 1-of-2, making a field goal from 40 yards out but missing a 27-yard chip shot. Zvada is now 8-of-11 on the season after going 21-of-22 last season. To put it simply, Zvada was incredibly reliable last year, and now it’s becoming more dicey as to whether he’ll put the ball through the uprights.
Bryce Underwood fares well, but has room to grow (and that’s a good thing)
Underwood was 19-of-28 with a career high 270 passing yards with one touchdown. Underwood hit Donaven McCulley deep multiple times and threw a laser to Andrew Marsh deep as well. Underwood threw with confidence and authority often and does a great job of evading pressure and extending plays. If there’s anything to gripe about, that Underwood missed a few short throws where he sailed the ball with zip when the completions should have been easy ones. However, Underwood’s numbers could also be better, as Semaj Morgan, Max Bredeson, and Kendrick Bell all dropped a pass. Underwood’s already as good as many veteran collegiate quarterbacks, and he’s still 18 years old with just five starts under his belt. As each quarter and each week go by, it’s apparent that Underwood is growing more confident and comfortable. While the Michigan team is still a work in progress, Underwood looks as advertised and is someone who can help lead this team to the College Football Playoff.
Receivers have a solid day
Andrew Marsh saw the field the most he has all season long, and it paid dividends for the Michigan offense. Marsh had four receptions for 80 yards, and his playing time should only increase from here. Donaven McCulley had an amazing game, hauling in deep balls and going up vertically to get ‘em. McCulley also had a great 29-yard touchdown where he broke multiple tackles and made multiple defenders miss. On the day, McCulley had six receptions for 112 yards with one touchdown. Semaj Morgan also had productive moments despite a drop (his fifth of the season) with five receptions for 44 yards.
Justice Haynes keeps being great
The Alabama transfer running back has been incredible this season and had another great game against Wisconsin. Haynes has speed, power, and great vision, knowing when a lane is clogged and when to bounce a run to the outside. Haynes rushed 19 times for 117 yards and two rushing scores. Haynes has rushed for over 100 yards every game this season and is up to 537 rushing yards and two rushing touchdowns.
It only gets harder from here
It was a slow start for Michigan, leading 10-7 at halftime before pulling away in the second half. Michigan can’t start slow the rest of the month. Their next tilt is on the road against a talented USC offense, then there’s a home tilt against a Washington team that also can hang in there, and the final game of October is at Michigan State against an improved Spartans team. There are many things Michigan can be happy about in its win against Wisconsin, but improvements are necessary because they don’t look like a playoff team yet — that’ll be earned in the battles to come.
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