Michigan head coach Sherrone Moore was measured but optimistic after the No. 20 Wolverines secured a 24-10 road win over Wisconsin on Saturday.
His focus was on growth, particularly from freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who continues to settle into the college game with poise and precision. Moore praised Underwood’s progress while maintaining high expectations for what’s next.
“Yeah, just continue to get better and better and better and better and put more on his plate and give him more to do,” Moore said. “And he just continues to learn, never satisfied with himself and his progression.”
Underwood, the nation’s top-ranked recruit from the 2024 class, helped Michigan (4-1, 2-0 Big Ten) pull away in the second half after holding a narrow lead at the break.
He completed 19 of 28 passes for a season-best 270 yards and a touchdown while keeping his composure against a tough Badgers defense.
Moore sees progress in Underwood’s composure and execution
Despite Underwood’s efficient performance, Moore emphasized that there’s still work to be done.
“You know, it’s not perfect. And he knows that, and we all know that, but he’s peaking at the right time for us,” Moore said. “What I’m really proud of is how he’s taking care of the football overall.”
Underwood credited his mindset for staying focused after mistakes.
“Good play, bad play , next play,” he said. “If you’re stuck on the last play, you’ll be stuck on the next one.”
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That approach paid off in the third quarter when he connected with Donaven McCulley on a 29-yard touchdown strike that shifted the momentum.
Running back Justice Haynes added 117 yards on 19 carries, including a 43-yard burst, marking his fourth straight 100-yard game. McCulley finished with six receptions for 112 yards and a score.
Moore also noted positives and areas for improvement from his offensive line after Michigan posted 445 total yards, including 175 on the ground.
“If we score in the red zone twice, it’s a completely different look at the win,” he said. “Our standard is a certain way, so we’re going to attack what we need to attack.”
Wisconsin (2-3, 0-2) struck first with a seven-minute opening touchdown drive but couldn’t find the end zone again until a late field goal.
Michigan’s defense stiffened, highlighted by safety Rod Moore’s interception in his first home appearance since returning from two knee surgeries.
With Underwood “peaking at the right time,” as Sherrone Moore put it, Michigan appears to be finding its rhythm as Big Ten play intensifies.