The Michigan Wolverines finished their season on a downer note, falling to the Texas Longhorns in the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl 41-27, but there appears to be huge upside between new Wolverines coach Kyle Whittingham and quarterback Bryce Underwood.
Whittingham appeared during the TV broadcast of Wednesday's bowl game from Orlando, offering a few words of wisdom for the soon-to-be sophomore.
“Terrific kid. … Just carries himself the right way,” Whittingham said. “Carries himself like a quarterback would carry himself, he has that ‘it’ factor."
Whittingham said he sees how much Underwood rubs off on his family, too.
“In addition, I had a chance to meet with his parents," Whittingham said. "Great parents, great family. He’s the right man to lead this football team.”
“Michigan is synonymous with tradition and excellence — both on the field and beyond — and our entire program is committed to upholding those values while striving for greatness together,” Whittingham said
From a holistic standpoint, though, Whittingham said earlier this month he's ready to lead the Wolverines.
"Michigan is synonymous with tradition and excellence -- both on the field and beyond -- and our entire program is committed to upholding those values while striving for greatness together. My family and I are thrilled to join the University of Michigan community, and we look forward to helping our players grow, develop, and reach their highest potential -- on the gridiron, in the classroom, and as leaders," Whittingham said. "It's a privilege to be part of something that inspires pride in every Wolverine fan. Go Blue!"
It remains to be seen whether the Underwood-Whittingham relationship works out, but now there is optimism in Ann Arbor.