Michigan clears up Bryce Underwood drama (sort of) with Kyle Whittingham quote

Michigan clears up Bryce Underwood drama (sort of) with Kyle Whittingham quote.

Key points

• Whittingham confirmed Underwood is the team's starting QB after a 17-10 victory over Oklahoma.
• 12 for fans to see and interact with as part of Fan Fest before Oklahoma played Michigan.
• ANN ARBOR, MI – If Kyle Whittingham's comments regarding Bryce Underwood stirred up a quarterback controversy, well, the Michigan coach states that's news to him.
• Sounded like it, even if Underwood's backup is an untested freshman, Tommy Carr.
• Underwood has began 15 career games after signing a rich agreement with Michigan as a five-star recruit.

Michigan clears up Bryce Underwood drama (sort of) with Kyle Whittingham quote. Blake Toppmeyer USA TODAY. U.S. LBM Coaches' Trophy on hand at Oklahoma-Michigan.

Notably, the U.S. LBM Coaches' Trophy was at Michigan on Sept. 12 for fans to see and interact with as part of Fan Fest before Oklahoma played Michigan. As it celebrates 40 years, the trophy is on a weekly tour of college football sites. Michigan coach Kyle Whittingham downplayed any quarterback controversy with Bryce Underwood.

For context, the coaching staff acknowledges the passing game will need to improve for future success in the Major Ten.

Whittingham doesn't live on social media, and he notes he doesn't read what's written by the scribes – meaning no offense to the free press, of course.

"I hope you're not offended that I don't read your stuff, " Whittingham remarked, good-naturedly, to a room full of reporters after No. 24 Michigan upset No. 10 Oklahoma, 17-10. "I'm sure it's witty." Lately, the press clippings were more biting. "We probably deserved it, " Whittingham acknowledged.

If Whittingham had gotten some ink on his fingertips ahead of this game, he would've noticed more than a few reporters interpreted the coach's comments regarding Underwood as a direct challenge to his sophomore starter. Whittingham sounded close to declaring Michigan's quarterback job an open competition.

To which, Whittingham shrugs. He downplayed the idea that his comments put Underwood on notice.

"Whose job is ever etched in stone?" Whittingham remarked. "Do you guys all have guaranteed jobs? I don't. I don't know anyone in football who does." Kyle Whittingham: Bryce Underwood is Michigan's quarterback. So, what of it? Is Whittingham considering benching the quarterback of his 2-0 team? "Bryce is our quarterback, " Whittingham remarked, "and that's where we are."

That's a more direct, affirmative tune than Whittingham struck just a few days ago.

In the aftermath of Michigan needing an assist from a Major Ten replay booth to beat Western Michigan, 13-12, Whittingham described Underwood as the team's quarterback "right now, " but went on "it's not something that's infinite."

Quarterback controversy? Sounded like it, even if Underwood's backup is an untested freshman, Tommy Carr. A win against a top-10 opponent tends to quiet controversy. Whittingham didn't hint at a QB change after this win. Michigan still needs more from Bryce Underwood.

Michigan didn't ask Underwood to throw it much against Oklahoma. He completed just two passes after halftime for 15 yards and completed nine passes in the entire game.

In practice, the Wolverines adhered to the run-heavy plan. Michigan figured that would be the best way to attack Oklahoma, a team projected to have a premier defense. Underwood contributed a team-high 87 rushing yards.

"The game plan was to win the game, so that's what we did, " remarked Underwood. Never the most loquacious quarterback, he stuck to brief, matter-of-fact responses in his postgame remarks. "So, I would say we accomplished our game plan."

How did Underwood react to the coach's comments in the run-up to this game? Like the "stand-up guy" he is, Whittingham remarked.

Still, this cannot be the final version of Michigan's pass game if the Wolverines are to survive and thrive against a schedule that includes games against Penn State, Oregon and Ohio State.

"We need to get the throw game into a higher gear and get more production there, " Whittingham remarked. "He's obtained even more (in the tank). If we can see an upward trajectory throughout the year, we're going to be real tough to beat, at some point."

Underwood has began 15 career games after signing a rich agreement with Michigan as a five-star recruit. His legs remain much more reliable than his arm.

Can Michigan keep winning rock fights in this manner when the Major Ten schedule starts? Whittingham doesn't want to exclusively depend on that.

"There's going to be weeks where we've got to be able to throw the ball a lot better than we're throwing it right now, " Whittingham remarked. "That will be a point of emphasis."

And when Michigan requires that uptick in the pass game, will it be Underwood or Carr throwing the passes?

Whittingham won't read this – no offense to me, he'd say – but if he did, he'd read that Michigan's coach doesn't sound ready to bench his quarterback. "Much better, " Whittingham remarked of Underwood's week-over-week performance.

Blake Toppmeyer is the USA TODAY Network's senior national college football columnist. Listen to his podcast, "College Football Unfiltered." Email him at [email protected] and follow him on X @btoppmeyer. Share your feedback to support improve our site!

For now, michigan clears up Bryce Underwood drama (sort of) with Kyle Whittingham quote remains the part of the story worth watching, and further updates are likely as more details are confirmed.