No. 16 Michigan may have season hinge on Underwood’s development in Year 2 in Whittingham’s debut

The Wolverines' season may hinge on Bryce Underwood's development in his sophomore year, as he is expected to bring stability to a program that desperately needs it, particularly in light of the firing and arrest of former coach Sherrone Moore and NCAA rules violations. Underwood, the No. 1 recruit in the country last year, did not live up to the hype, throwing only 11 touchdowns with nine interceptions in 13 games.

Coach Kyle Whittingham has hired a quarterbacks coach, former NFL QB Koy Detmer, to assist Underwood. Michigan's running game could take some pressure off Underwood, with strengths including the running backs and defensive line. The team will look to Jordan Marshall, who rushed for 932 yards and scored 10 touchdowns last season, and freshman Savion Hiter, a top-rated high school running back.

The defense, led by Utah transfers John Henry Daley and Jonah Lea’ea, and Michigan transfer Troy Bowles, will also be crucial. Weaknesses include tight ends and linebackers, with Michigan sending a strong stream of tight ends to the NFL in recent years and losing its top four linebackers from the previous season. The Wolverines will face No. 10 Oklahoma, No. 6 Indiana, No. 2 Oregon, and No. 1 Ohio State during their remaining games.