The Michigan Wolverines were led by interim head coach Biff Poggi on Wednesday evening when they faced the Texas Longhorns in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl.
While Michigan stayed competitive deep into the fourth quarter, the Wolverines ultimately fell 41-27. Quarterback Bryce Underwood closed out his freshman season with 199 passing yards, three total touchdowns, and three interceptions, while rushing 12 times for 86 yards.
Despite some late-game mistakes, Underwood received high praise in the middle of the game from Michigan’s new head coach, Kyle Whittingham, who appeared in the ESPN booth to discuss the team as he prepares to take over in Ann Arbor.
“Terrific kid. Carries himself the right way, carries himself how you’d want a quarterback to carry himself, has that it factor and… great parents, great family. He’s the right man to lead this football team,” Whittingham said.
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There remains a small chance that Underwood elects to leave Ann Arbor and enter the transfer portal, which opens on Friday, but that outcome appears unlikely after Whittingham met with him and his family. Underwood already has the starting role secured for the Wolverines, and Whittingham brings a proven track record after 21 successful seasons at Utah.
During his tenure with the Utes, Whittingham compiled a 177–88 record, cementing his reputation as one of the most consistent head coaches in college football.
This season, Underwood posted some underwhelming numbers through the air, though that has been a broader issue for the Michigan offense over the past several seasons—its inability to consistently push the ball downfield.
He entered Thursday completing 61.1% of his passes for 2,229 yards, nine touchdowns, and six interceptions, while also rushing for 323 yards and five touchdowns.
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