Wolverines Struggle to Impress in Narrow Victory
The Michigan Wolverines escaped with a 21-16 win over the Purdue Boilermakers on Saturday at the Big House, but the performance raised more questions than confidence as the regular season nears its climax. While the victory technically keeps Michigan’s 2025/2026 College Football Playoff hopes alive, it was far from the dominant display fans have come to expect from the maize and blue.
Head coach Sherrone Moore’s squad looked disjointed on both sides of the ball, with missed tackles, stalled drives, and inconsistent execution plaguing the contest. For a program that has prided itself on physical dominance and precision, the narrow win over a struggling Purdue side felt more like a warning sign than a statement.
Bryce Underwood’s Growing Pains
Much of Michigan’s offensive production continues to revolve around freshman quarterback Bryce Underwood, who has shown flashes of brilliance but also the inexperience of a first-year starter. Against Purdue, Underwood made several key plays but struggled with decision-making and accuracy in crucial moments.
Underwood’s talent is undeniable — his poise, arm strength, and athleticism make him a future star — yet The Athletic’s Austin Meek noted that his inconsistency could spell trouble when Michigan faces tougher defenses, particularly that of their archrival, Ohio State. With the Buckeyes’ ferocious pass rush looming in Week 14, Moore and his staff must quickly iron out the wrinkles in their offensive scheme.
Moore’s Message Raises Eyebrows
Following the game, Coach Moore’s postgame comments didn’t inspire much reassurance. He acknowledged the team’s flaws and admitted that the Wolverines “have a lot to clean up” before the season-defining matchup against Ohio State. While Moore’s honesty reflects accountability, his tone suggested genuine concern about Michigan’s readiness for the Buckeyes.
For a program with national championship aspirations, the lack of dominance against a middling Purdue squad may serve as a wake-up call. As the showdown with Ohio State approaches, Michigan will need more than grit — they’ll need the complete, disciplined performance that has defined their recent success.