Kyle Whittingham Says Michigan 'Deserved' Backlash, Clarifies Bryce Underwood Comments

Following the Michigan Wolverines' 17-10 upset win over the No. 11 Oklahoma Sooners on Saturday, Michigan head coach Kyle Whittingham addressed last week's performance and his comments about quarterback Bryce Underwood's job security.

Michigan escaped with a 13-12 victory over Western Michigan last week thanks in large part to the officials putting one second back on the clock following an unsuccessful Hail Mary. After being given new life, Underwood hit JJ Buchanan for the game-winning touchdown on a second Hail Mary.

MICHIGAN HAIL MARY TO WIN GAME

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Fans on social media were highly critical of Michigan's showing in that game, as well as the manner in which the officials handled the clock. Speaking to reporters on Saturday, Whittingham noted that he didn't see what was being said about the Wolverines throughout the week, but added, "If we were treated badly, we probably deserved it because we didn't play very well."

Whittingham also responded to a question about his analysis of Underwood last week. After Michigan's narrow win over Western Michigan, Whittingham told reporters Underwood was the starting quarterback "right now," and added, "At some point, we've got to turn a corner."

On Saturday, Whittingham suggested that he wasn't trying to create a quarterback controversy with his comments, telling reporters, "No job is ever etched in stone. ... I don't agree that I opened that can of worms, Bryce is our quarterback."

Following what was a struggle of a freshman season in 2025, Underwood entered the 2026 season with hopes of taking the next step and being a viable starting quarterback in the Big Ten.

Aside from the Hail Mary that almost wasn't, Underwood did not get off to a great start in Week 1, going 12-of-22 for 170 yards with one touchdown and one interception, while also rushing for 47 yards and a score.

Underwood didn't exactly light it up as a passer on Saturday either, going 9-of-17 for 111 yards with no touchdowns, but he did not throw a pick, and he did damage with his legs, rushing for 87 yards and a touchdown.

Above all, Underwood did enough to lead the Wolverines to a victory over a team that reached the College Football Playoff last season and is a threat to do so again this season.

Oklahoma Sooners - Michigan Wolverines Highlights

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Michigan dropped out of the Associated Press Top 25 following last week's win over Western Michigan, but beating Oklahoma figures to put the Wolverines back in the mix.

It is clear that huge improvements are still needed, particularly on offense, but a 2-0 record with winnable games against UTEP, Iowa and Minnesota on tap the next three weeks is a much better result than most probably expected amid Michigan's poor outing against WMU.