Michigan football QB Bryce Underwood addresses job security before Oklahoma game

ANN ARBOR, Mich. – Michigan Wolverines quarterback Bryce Underwood isn’t dwelling on the Wolverines’ season-opening performance.

He’s focused on fixing it.

Underwood said Wednesday (Sept. 9) that Michigan’s coaching staff has emphasized fundamentals, mental toughness, and finishing plays as the Wolverines prepare to face the No. 10-ranked Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday.

“Just play football, play the game that I know how to best play,” Underwood said.

Underwood acknowledged that his performance in Michigan’s opener wasn’t his best.

He said about six major plays could have changed the outcome and that he spent the week working to correct those mistakes.

“My performance wasn’t the best,” Underwood said. “Got a lot of stuff to work on coming out this week.”

One moment that drew attention came when Underwood smiled after a pass to tight end Jalen Hoffman that got lit up by the defender as he tried to catch a “Hospital ball.”

Underwood said the expression wasn’t a reaction to Hoffman’s situation or the outcome of the throw.

“Just a better pass,” Underwood said. “Get the area in a better throw.”

Underwood added that he routinely smiles while playing.

“I’m always smiling when I’m playing football, no matter win, lose or draw,” Underwood said. “I play the game with passion.”

The sophomore quarterback also brushed aside questions about his job security after Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham said Underwood’s position as the starter isn’t guaranteed.

“That’s cool,” Underwood said. “I ain’t see that, so it’s cool.”

Underwood said he has stayed away from social media since fall camp, limiting his exposure to reactions to his performance.

“I haven’t been on social media since fall camp,” Underwood said.

Underwood said his motivation hasn’t changed following the opener.

“I’m motivated no matter what,” Underwood said. “Win, lose or draw, I’m ready to go for the next week.”

Michigan’s preparation for the No. 10-ranked Oklahoma Sooners also gives Underwood a chance to draw on last year’s experience against them.

He said he watched the game several times this week but isn’t looking to reinvent himself.

“Honestly, just playing my game is my biggest thing for me,” Underwood said.

Underwood said the transition to Michigan’s new offense hasn’t been difficult, crediting studying and work away from the field with helping him get comfortable with the system.

“It wasn’t tough,” Underwood said. “Just came with a lot of studying and off-the-field work with that. But I mean the comfortability was there, just didn’t perform. That was it.”

Underwood said a team meeting following the opener was important as the Wolverines looked to move forward.

“That meeting was big for us to see how we was going to move forward,” Underwood said. “It’s going to either make or break us.”

The message coming out of the meeting was straightforward: Do more.

“Not much more to say honestly,” Underwood said. “Show everything on the field.”

Underwood also expressed confidence in JJ Buchanan, saying the two have practiced situations similar to the decisive play from the opener for several weeks.

“My guys, we trained that moment probably for the past five to six weeks,” Underwood said. “That moment came true against Western Michigan.”

Asked how much confidence he has that Smith will make a catch if the ball is in his area, Underwood didn’t hesitate.

“Of course. Definitely,” Underwood said.

Now Underwood and the Wolverines turn their attention to Oklahoma.

He called the Sooners’ defense a challenge and praised coach Brent Venables, saying Venables is “a great guy” who has been doing the job for a long time.

And while Michigan-Oklahoma carries plenty of significance in college football, Underwood said his focus remains on the task in front of him.

“Yeah, definitely it’s going to be a big game,” Underwood said. “I’m excited for it. I’m excited for this opportunity for me and my team.”

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