Michigan QB Bryce Underwood says 'it's a blessing' to play in rivalry with Ohio State but calls matchup 'just another game'

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Kyle Whittingham is trying to bring stability to Michigan, a program that's been ensnared in scandal for years. While the culture change the former longtime Utah head coach is overseeing appeared convincing at Big Ten media days in Chicago last month, Whittingham's remarks about the Wolverines' longstanding series with Ohio State gave a faction of the maize and blue faithful some pause.

"I just think that a rivalry can be intense and emotional without the hatred factor on it," Whittingham said on July 30. "I don't think there's any place for that, personally."

That response was amenable and arguably refreshing, considering the storied showdown has recently been characterized by personal animosity, chiefly among the teams' head coaches. But a contingent of fans seemingly wanted more from Whittingham. When asked about that flak during Monday's news conference, Whittingham clarified that he's "not trying to downplay" the matchup.

That same day, an interview, in which his quarterback uttered a line that arguably does just that, started its spread across the internet.

Wolverines sophomore signal-caller Bryce Underwood described "The Game" as " just another game" in a 1-on-1 with NBC Sports' John Fanta.

"It's just another game, just with guys in a different color. That's how I see it," Underwood said, when asked how much different the head-to-head with Ohio State is compared to all the other games he's played in.

It's important to note that, moments earlier, Underwood defined The Game as "a blessing to be in" and acknowledged that it's "all-around taxing mentally."

"Mentally, you got to stay strong. Physically, you can't quit, can't give up," he said.

But those words became a footnote as soon as he likened the contest to others on Michigan's menu.

Last season, Underwood registered only 63 yards through the air on 8-of-18 passing in a 27-9 defeat to Ohio State as snow fell on the Big House. He was picked off once, and the Buckeyes' vaunted defense neutralized the threat of his legs.

Fanta inquired about that late November day. He asked Underwood what comes to mind when he thinks about that meeting with Ohio State.

"A loss. That's all it is," Underwood said.

It was Michigan's first to the Buckeyes since 2019 in a series the Wolverines lead all time 62-52-6, according to Winsipedia.

Ohio State redshirt sophomore quarterback Julian Sayin offered commentary about The Game on Tuesday that was starkly distinct from Underwood's.

"You learn very quickly when you get here," said Sayin, who authored last season's over Michigan amid a Heisman Trophy finalist campaign, in an interview with On3's Andy Staples and Ari Wasserman.

"You learn the history of that game. You learn how important it is to this state and to this fan base. It becomes your livelihood."

Whittingham tried to set the record straight this week.

"Do we have a better chance to win if I hated 'em?” Whittingham asked. “I mean, I don't understand. Whatever gives us the best chance to win, I'm all for. I want to beat 'em worse than anybody around. So I don't know how that got to be such a hot topic."

He said that, under his leadership, there are still reminders everywhere about The Game, including practice segments and countdown clocks.

"It's a huge game, which I get," he said. "And it's something that we all have in the back of our mind, 24/7."

Underwood's nonchalant description of the matchup, though, is adding fuel to the fire Whittingham just attempted to put out.

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