No. 19 Michigan starts shaky, finishes strong in 52-17 win over UTEP

ANN ARBOR, Mich. — Michigan's No. 19 team pulled away with a 52-17 victory over UTEP on Saturday, with Bryce Underwood handing over two touchdown passes and Savion Hiter two rushing scores. The Wolverines (3-0) had to overcome being down twice in the first half before scoring 38 straight points to turn a potentially uncomfortable situation into a dominating performance.

UTEPS, who are currently 1-2, capitalized on two turnovers in the first half, resulting in two touchdown drives. E.J. Colston found Carver Cheeks for a 45-yard touchdown and Lamar Sperling caught a 18-yard score. Underwood connected on a 21-yard passing strike to JJ Buchanan and Trey Butkowski's 49-yard field goal sealed the lead for Michigan with just over a minute left in the half.

A 34-yard touchdown pass to Andrew Marsh from Underwood, followed by Jonah Lea's interception return for a touchdown, pushed the Wolverines to a 45-14 lead over the final stretch of the third quarter. Underwood finished the day 19 of 25 for 223 yards, with two touchdowns and a lost fumble. Tommy Carr, making his Michigan debut, threw a 19-yard touchdown pass to Salesi Moa.

Michigan's starting running back, Jordan Marshall, added 59 yards and a touchdown before exiting the game in the third quarter due to a leg injury. Despite facing UTEP for the 4th time this season and losing four of six fumbles in three games, the Wolverines demonstrated their resilience and dominance in this contest. UTEP, after leading twice in the first half, is now 4-63 against AP Top 25 teams and has never defeated a ranked opponent away from home since 1974. Michigan will now host No. 18 Iowa next Saturday.