Northwestern Coach Calls Michigan’s Underwood ‘Extremely Scary’

UPDATE: Northwestern head coach David Braun warned about the potential threat posed by Bryce Underwood ahead of the highly anticipated showdown against Michigan this Saturday at Wrigley Field in Chicago. Braun labeled Underwood as “extremely scary” due to his dual-threat capabilities, emphasizing the urgency of containing him in what promises to be a crucial matchup.

In a press conference held on Monday, Braun highlighted Underwood’s ability to extend plays with his legs, stating, “When things do break down for him, he’s extremely scary when he starts to utilize his legs and take off with the football.” This matchup is set to kick off at noon ET on November 4, 2023, and has significant implications for both teams as they vie for postseason positioning.

Despite Michigan’s impressive 7-2 record, Underwood’s performance has been inconsistent, ranking 13th among Big Ten quarterbacks in completion percentage and 16th in touchdown passes. However, opposing coaches have consistently recognized his talent and poise on the field. Braun recalled a crucial moment from Michigan’s recent game against Purdue, where Underwood turned a potential sack into a successful scramble, showcasing his athleticism and ability to capitalize on defensive mistakes.

“Those are the things that frustrate you as a defensive play caller,” Braun noted, indicating the challenges Northwestern faces in preparing for the young quarterback.

To counter Underwood’s dynamic play, Braun stressed the necessity of keeping him contained within the pocket. He acknowledged the formidable presence of Michigan’s defense, particularly players like Jaishawn Barham, Derrick Moore, and Rod Moore. “They’re problems,” Braun remarked, recognizing their potential to disrupt Northwestern’s offensive strategy.

Barham, although less productive in recent games, remains a key player, while Moore has seen a surge in his performance. The status of Rod Moore, who has been sidelined with an injury for the past three games, is still uncertain as Saturday approaches. Braun emphasized the importance of not over-planning for specific players, as this could disrupt their offensive rhythm.

Northwestern enters this matchup with a record of 5-4 overall and 3-3 in conference play, coming off a challenging 38-17 loss against USC. In that game, Braun faced criticism over a controversial fake punt play that was acknowledged by the Big Ten as a mistake. However, he took full responsibility for the situation, emphasizing the importance of learning from the incident and ensuring it does not recur.

“Ultimately, I don’t put that on the officials… I put this on me,” Braun stated, reflecting on the need for improved pregame preparations.

As Saturday’s clash looms, both teams are gearing up for what promises to be a thrilling encounter. Northwestern’s focus will be on disrupting Underwood’s rhythm while capitalizing on their own offensive opportunities. Fans can expect an electrifying atmosphere at Wrigley Field as these two Big Ten rivals battle for critical conference standings.

Stay tuned for further updates as we approach game day, and prepare for what could be a defining moment in both teams’ seasons.