Michigan Survives Western Michigan, But That Was Nowhere Near Good Enough
Michigan won. I’m happy about that.
Outside of the final play, though, there was not much to feel good about.
The Wolverines escaped Western Michigan 13-12 after officials put one second back on the clock, giving Bryce Underwood and the offense one more chance. Underwood threw it toward the end zone, JJ Buchanan came down with it, and Michigan avoided what would have been one of the worst losses in program history.
It was an unbelievable ending, but we also have to be honest about everything that happened before it.
Michigan looked good on its opening drive, going 75 yards before Underwood scored on a one-yard run. After that, the offense completely disappeared until the final 35 seconds.
Michigan finished with three turnovers, nine penalties for 80 yards and only 12 first downs. The offense converted three of its 10 third-down attempts and possessed the ball for less than 20 minutes. Western Michigan held the ball for more than 40 minutes and had a 20-play drive that took almost 14 minutes off the clock.
That is completely unacceptable against a team Michigan was favored to beat comfortably.
The Offense Was a Mess
The biggest problem was the offensive line.
Michigan could not consistently protect Underwood or create running lanes against Western Michigan’s defensive front. There was too much rotation, too much confusion and nowhere near enough physicality.
The running game was supposed to be one of the strengths of this team, but Jordan Marshall finished with only 44 yards on 11 carries, while Savion Hiter barely had an opportunity to get involved.
If Michigan’s offensive line could not control Western Michigan, what is going to happen against Oklahoma?
That is a serious question heading into next week.
The offense also could not stay on the field. Michigan went three-and-out too often, put its defense right back into the game and never established any kind of rhythm after the opening drive.
Bryce Underwood Has to Be Better
Underwood deserves credit for the final drive and the game-winning throw. He had 35 seconds to save Michigan from disaster, and he got it done.
But the rest of his performance cannot be ignored just because Michigan won.
After completing his first five passes, Underwood started forcing throws, his footwork became inconsistent and some of the same issues from last season showed back up. He threw a bad interception before halftime and then lost a fumble late in the fourth quarter with Michigan already trailing.
He finished 12 of 22 for 170 yards, one touchdown and one interception while adding 47 rushing yards and another score.
The talent is clearly there, and that final throw showed exactly what he can do. But Michigan needs a much more complete and controlled performance from its quarterback going forward.
JJ Buchanan Saved Michigan
JJ Buchanan was easily the best player on Michigan’s offense.
He finished with six catches for 126 yards, made a ridiculous one-handed grab earlier in the game and then came down with the biggest catch of the night.
When Michigan needed someone to make a play, Buchanan was the one player Underwood could trust. He looked like a true No. 1 receiver and is a huge reason Michigan is not sitting at 0-1 right now.
The Defense Deserved Better
Michigan’s defense was on the field for more than 40 minutes and still did not allow a touchdown.
Western Michigan finished with only 221 total yards and had to settle for four field goals. Troy Bowles led Michigan with 12 tackles, while Dominic Nichols finished with 1.5 sacks and continued to look like someone who can become a major piece of this defense.
The defense eventually started wearing down, but that is going to happen when the offense cannot sustain a drive and keeps giving the ball away.
Michigan’s defense did more than enough to win this game. The offense and special teams nearly gave it away.
A Win Is a Win—But This Wasn’t Good Enough
I’m glad Michigan won, and I’m glad we got to experience an ending that will probably be remembered for a long time.
But there is no reason to pretend this was anything other than a terrible performance.
Michigan needed two chances at a Hail Mary to beat Western Michigan at home. Without JJ Buchanan making an unbelievable catch, we are having a completely different conversation right now.
The offensive line has to improve. The turnovers have to stop. The penalties need to be cleaned up, and the offense has to find some kind of consistency.
Michigan is 1-0, and that is the only thing that really matters tonight.
But if this team plays like that against Oklahoma, there will not be another miracle waiting at the end.