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Ex-Michigan QB Admits Dissatisfaction With Bryce Underwood After Connor Stalions Makes Demands Clear
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Bryce Underwood is doing it all this season. The freshman has stepped up in every aspect, with his leadership, passing, and even running making a huge difference for Michigan. The latest stat line? Against Wisconsin, Underwood completed 19 of 28 passes for a season-high 270 yards and a touchdown, which boosts his total yardage to 1003 this season. Now that’s huge numbers for a freshman. Add to that 181 yards and three TDs on the ground. However, a former Michigan QB still isn’t quite satisfied with the 18-year-old.

David Cone, one of the co-hosts of the rising sports talk show Crain & Company, played under coaches Lloyd Carr and Rich Rodriguez and knows firsthand what it takes to lead Michigan’s offense. So when talking about Bryce Underwood, Cone kept his opinion very much balanced.

“Michigan regressed in a lot of areas from the win at Nebraska to beating Wisconsin yesterday,” Cone said on the October 5 Crain and Company episode. “A team that I saw in person against Alabama, that’s not a great football team by any means.” On the 31st December, 2024, ReliaQuest Bowl, Michigan eked out a 19-13 win against the No.11 Alabama. But the game lacked sheer dominance. Michigan’s offense was sluggish and conservative, managing only 190 total yards and a meager 2.9 yards per play. Quarterback Davis Warren threw just 73 yards before a sack caused him to limp off the field.

Now compare that to the 2025 one. Against Nebraska, the Wolverines flashed more balanced energy, especially on the ground. Justice Haynes racked up 149 yards and also scored a TD, helping establish a solid running game that kept Nebraska’s defense on their heels. Underwood was more controlled, too. He completed 12 of 22 passes for 105 yards. Against Wisconsin, the Wolverines outgained the Badgers 445 yards to 252. And then Haynes ran for 117 yards and scored two TDs on 19 carries. Looks good, right? But Cone’s problem isn’t really with the entire Wolverines’ offense. “Bryce Underwood certainly not a perfect performance yesterday,” Cone said.

“But man, you can see the development week in and week out, not only with his arm, but also with his legs. If he continues to do that, Michigan’s going to continue to win football games.” It’s like a bittersweet review for the kid. After the win against Wisconsin, Sherrone Moore cleared his thoughts about Underwood, saying, “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. What I’m really proud of is how he’s taking care of the football overall.” Moore praised Underwood’s composure and ball security but emphasized that the freshman QB still needs to keep improving and take on more responsibility.

He also highlighted that while the offense gained 445 total yards and rushed for 175, efficiency in the red zone remains an area needing improvement. Converting twice in the red zone would have changed the complexion of the game entirely, so that’s a clear focus. That said, let’s get a little perspective on Bryce Underwood. Sure, there is still room for improvement, but the way he has leaned into the learning part every week is absolutely commendable. Remember the loss against Oklahoma? Underwood was ineffective. He could complete only four second-half passes.

Connor Stalions’ demand from Bryce Underwood

It feels bizarre when a controversial figure like Connor Stalions puts forth his own Bryce Underwood opinions. Yeah, it happened. But who can blame him? Underwood’s season shows sky-high potential, but he needs to turn those flashes of magic into consistent greatness. The week 6 game against the Badgers backs up all of it. By halftime, Michigan barely clung to a 10-7 lead. It was a clear sign that the offense was still finding its footing.

But that all shifted when Underwood connected with Donaven McCulley for a 29-yard touchdown in the third quarter. It was something that had Stalions buzzing on social media. “Bryce is an RPO connoisseur. More please. Thank you,” he wrote on X. These plays allow Underwood to meld his quarterbacking skills with his exceptional running ability. On top of that, Underwood isn’t really the only one who is taking care of the ground game.

Justice Haynes makes it a lot easier for Underwood. Michigan’s ground game stays a powerful weapon. On top of that, Underwood’s arm talent shines when he has space to throw, and when the offense leans into those RPOs, the rhythm clicks. Still, Stalions’ call for more is a challenge to tap into that electric potential consistently.

This article first appeared on EssentiallySports and was syndicated with permission.

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