New Mexico coach Jason Eck on Michigan QB Bryce Underwood: ‘He was awesome’

Michigan quarterback Bryce Underwood was hailed as a “generational talent” before leading the Wolverines to a 34-17 win over New Mexico, and now we see why. His poise, accuracy, arm strength — all of it was on display in his debut, one for which he graded himself a “C+.” 

“He’s too hard on himself,” Michigan coach Sherrone Moore said in the postgame, and New Mexico coach Jason Eck agreed. He was especially impressed with the freshman’s two-minute offense just before halftime after the Lobos had cut a 17-0 lead to 17-10. 

“He was awesome,” he said with a chuckle. “I was impressed. I complimented him afterwards, because we cut it to seven right before the half and then we get it to third and 14 … you feel pretty good. Third and 14, he does a good job sitting in the pocket [and finding Channing Goodwin for 39 yards]. 

“He didn’t turn it over at all. That was our hope, that you could maybe get a young quarterback, get him frazzled and throw it [away]. But he’s very accurate. I was watching him a lot in warmups, and I thought throwing routes on air, every ball was right on the money. I was hoping maybe you get people around him, change some coverages, throw him off a little bit, but he was very impressive.”

Again, especially on the two-minute drive. Underwood was on target and relaxed.

“I thought that was his biggest drive of the game,” Eck added. “You get a little more excited going into halftime if you’re down 7 than down 14. Down 7, get the ball to start, really energized. But that was a heck of a drive. 

“He’s a great player. I’ll be able to tell my grandkids one day I got to coach against Bryce Underwood.”

 The Michigan frosh completed 21 of 31 passes for 251 yards and a touchdown, and he had at least a couple passes dropped. He rarely tried to do anything with his feet, either, a part of his game we might see more of in big games. 

Eck approached Underwood after the game to praise him.

“I told him I was very impressed by his poise and accuracy,” he said.: “I thought the two-minute drive was the biggest drive of the game as far as outcome.” 

And the freshman made it happen.