Michigan v UTEP analysis as the Wolverines overcame a shaky start against UTEP to pull away for a 52-17 win. Chris Howard breaks down Michigan vs. UTEP, including Bryce Underwood’s performance, the Wolverines’ offensive adjustments, offensive line play, the struggling run game and the biggest takeaways from Michigan’s victory.
Bryce Underwood finished 19-of-25 for 223 yards and two touchdowns as the Michigan offense recovered from early mistakes and found its rhythm. We break down Underwood’s development as a passer, what Michigan changed offensively and why his continued growth will be critical for the Wolverines moving forward in the 2026 college football season.
The Breakdown also takes a closer look at Michigan’s offensive line and running game. Why isn’t Michigan producing more explosive runs? Defenses continue to commit extra defenders to stopping the run, but Michigan needs to find better ways to punish loaded boxes and create opportunities for explosive plays.
Michigan Football overcame a shaky start against UTEP to pull away for a 52-17 win. Chris Howard breaks down Michigan vs. UTEP, including Bryce Underwood’s performance, the Wolverines’ offensive adjustments, offensive line play, the struggling run game and the biggest takeaways from Michigan’s victory. Bryce Underwood finished 19-of-25 for 223 yards and two touchdowns as the Michigan offense recovered from early mistakes and found its rhythm. We break down Underwood’s development as a passer, what Michigan changed offensively and why his continued growth will be critical for the Wolverines moving forward in the 2026 college football season. The Breakdown also takes a closer look at Michigan’s offensive line and running game. Why isn’t Michigan producing more explosive runs? Defenses continue to commit extra defenders to stopping the run, but Michigan needs to find better ways to punish loaded boxes and create opportunities for explosive plays. Chris also examines the early offensive drives, turnovers and penalties that contributed to Michigan’s slow start, along with the adjustments that allowed the Wolverines to take control of the game.
On defense, Michigan continues to see young players emerge and contribute. We look at the newcomers making an impact, the development of the Wolverines’ defense and what their performances could mean as the season progresses.
Watch the full episode and subscribe for more Nolan & Hobbs, Michigan women’s basketball, WNBA and women’s basketball coverage from Hail Media.
Find more episodes along with other shows on Hail Media here on the website, and subscribe to our YouTube channel! Find us on all the socials at @HailMediaGroup!
Hail 〽️edia.
Our Stories.
Our University.
Our Team.
Go Blue!
Michigan v UTEP analysis | The Breakdown transcript
Click to Read Full Episode Transcripts
[So, this past weekend was my mother-in-law’s 85th birthday. Happy birthday, BG.
As guests are starting to arrive and starting to get settled, I’m sitting in one of the living rooms watching the first part of the Michigan football game. And initially, I’m like, “Okay, I like what I’m seeing.”
Michigan is moving the football. Bryce looks comfortable. They’re throwing it early and getting Andrew Marsh involved.
And then, holding penalty, fumble, UTEP touchdown.
And suddenly I’m thinking, are we about to watch another version of that Western Michigan game where Michigan lets a team they should be dominating hang around because of penalties, turnovers, and self-inflicted mistakes?
Because while some things looked really good early, some things looked really bad and really familiar early also.
Fortunately for my blood pressure, what happened next over the next three quarters looked a whole lot different.
Michigan wins 52-17. They’re 3-0.
There are a lot of things in the game that I like, but there are also a few things that still have me scratching my head.
This is The Breakdown. Let’s get it.
Let’s start with the offense. I want to go back to the beginning of this game because Michigan’s first drive told us quite a bit.
Michigan came out throwing the football. We saw quick throws to Andrew Marsh. We saw Bryce looking for JJ Buchanan down the field. We saw him moving in the pocket, moving outside of the pocket, and finding Jordan Marshall on the sideline on third-and-long.
And I liked it.
Michigan wasn’t coming out saying, “Hey, we’re Michigan. You’re UTEP. We’re just going to line up and run directly at you and eventually overpower you.”
They were trying to get Bryce into a rhythm, putting the football in his hands and trying to get UTEP to defend the entire field.
Then we get the perfect example of what’s been holding this offense back. A holding penalty, and then a couple plays later, Bryce gets stripped.
Turnover.
Instead of Michigan finishing a promising opening drive with points, UTEP gets the football. Dom Nichols appears to get Michigan off the field with a third-down sack, but of course he was offsides, which gives UTEP another opportunity.
Next thing you know, 45-yard touchdown. UTEP leads 7-0.
That’s not UTEP beating Michigan. That’s Michigan beating Michigan.
And that’s the part that has to disappear as we move into Big Ten play.]
