5 Things We Learned from Michigan’s Win over UTEP

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Michigan briefly experienced a Western Michigan flashback then flashed forward to a 52-17 win over UTEP Saturday at Michigan Stadium.

The 19th-ranked Wolverines (3-0) rolled up 431 yards of total offense in the first-ever meeting between the two teams. However, Michigan trailed 14-7 in the second quarter before reeling off 38-straight points to take control of the game.

Michigan sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood fired two touchdown passes while much-heralded freshman running back Savion Hiter rushed for two scores – including his first career touchdown – in the rout.

But the story of the day was Michigan’s terrorizing defense which held the Miners (1-2) to 150 yards of total offense and just 57 yards rushing.

So here are five things we learned about a very-young Michigan team that is beginning to find its footing.

Michigan’s Defense is Flatout Nasty

The snarling Wolverines defense tormented UTEP quarterbacks EJ Colson Jr. and Raymond Moore III while recording four sacks, 11 tackles for loss and one interception. The pursuit was so tenacious defensive end Tariq Boney was flagged for roughing the passer when Moore appeared to be actually rushing the ball. The huge penalty led to a UTEP field goal, its lone score of the second half.

Not only did Michigan’s defensive line and linebackers dominate the game, but senior defensive tackle Jonah Lea’ea notched a 9-yard pick-6 to put the Wolverines up 45-14 on the final play of the third quarter.

Michigan’s QB Depth Proves Successful Two Deep

After several weeks of subpar quarterback play dating back to last season and bringing negative national attention to Underwood, the sophomore delivered his finest performance of his young career. Underwood was 19-of-25 for 223 yards passing with two touchdowns while rushing for 22 more.

Underwood’s touchdown strikes – and several other offerings – were on-the-money spirals, which included a 21-yard frozen rope to JJ Buchanan, which knotted the score 14-14 in the second quarter, and a quick dart to sophomore Andrew Marsh which he took to the house for a 34-yard score. It put Michigan up 38-14 in the closing minutes of the third quarter.

Michigan fans finally got a peek at freshman backup quarterback Tommy Carr – the grandson of former head coach Lloyd Carr – when he perfectly placed a 19-yard touchdown pass to Salesi Moa in the corner of the end zone to cap the scoring. Carr finished a perfect 2-of-2 for 23 yards passing in fourth quarter mop-up duty.

The Offensive Line Problems Compound

Michigan offensive tackle Andrew Sprague was scratched from the starting lineup because of injury just a day before kickoff, which did not help the Wolverines offensive line woes. Senior Evan Link (left) and junior Blake Fraizer (right) dug in as the tackle tandem for the first time together this season.

As a result, Michigan struggled to control the line of scrimmage against a vastly smaller UTEP defense, which loaded the box and quickly plugged holes, stifling Wolverine running backs throughout the first half.

4. Ball Security Continues to Plague the Offense

Michigan fumbled twice – Bryce Underwood and Savion Hiter – in the first half, giving the Wolverines six fumbles on the season.

UTEP capitalized, scoring touchdowns on both ensuing possessions to take a 14-7 lead in the second quarter. Underwood’s miscue handed the Miners the ball at Michigan’s 27-yard line and Hiter’s drop gave it to them inside the red zone at the 14.

Both Underwood and Hiter fumbled against Oklahoma but did not lose possession, though Underwood and wideout Andrew Marsh both lost fumbles in the season opener against Western Michigan.

5. Michigan Rises to the Big Challenges

Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham said he challenged his team at halftime and the Wolverines responded with its best half of the season after penalties, turnovers and lackluster play spilled across the first half.

In similar fashion, heavily favored Michigan struggled against Western Michigan and then pulled out a last-second head-scratching controversial win when its backs were completely against the wall.

As an underdog against No.11 Oklahoma, Michigan played inspired football – especially on defense – throughout the game. Which leaves one to wonder how high is the Wolverine ceiling if they play fortified and invigorated throughout the entire schedule.

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5 Things We Learned from Michigan’s Win over UTEP

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