Sports

Bryce Underwood, Michigan could see shocking November collapse unfold before OSU game

Nairavoice · Aug 6, 2026 · 2 min read

Bryce Underwood, Michigan could see shocking November collapse unfold before OSU game originally appeared on The Sporting News.
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The Michigan Wolverines are only a few years removed from being at the top of college football. Now, new coach Kyle Whittingham will attempt to lead the Wolverines back to national relevance under sophomore quarterback Bryce Underwood.

Luckily, the Wolverines have a path to the College Football Playoff, with marquee games against the Ohio State Buckeyes and Oklahoma Sooners in rematches from last season, along with a few teams with major question marks, including the Minnesota Golden Gophers and Rutgers Scarlet Knights.

But just before the climax and the potential turning point of the season draws near, CBS Sports’ Brad Crawford predicts another home game the Wolverines will likely be favored in as one that could only be described as a can’t-miss: the UCLA Bruins.

“UCLA may not carry the same national profile, but Bob Chesney’s teams play with discipline, toughness and confidence,” Crawford wrote. “Michigan should have the talent advantage at home, but a sluggish start could create problems. If the Wolverines are still feeling the effects of that trip to Eugene, UCLA could turn what looks like a breather into a four-quarter fight with postseason implications. ”

ESPN’s Heather Dinich also argues a Wolverines postseason berth may be easier said than done.

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“ESPN’s FPI gives Michigan more than a 50% chance to win every game — except for the Big Three (Oregon, Ohio State and Indiana),” Dinich wrote. “If Michigan can beat Oklahoma and Iowa — and they’re both top-25 teams — and the Wolverines pull off at least one upset against the Big Three, a two-loss Michigan would be a good bet for the CFP.”

Dinich added that if the Wolverines do wind up 9-3, it’ll be how the College Football Playoff Committee views those three losses and against whom.

“The committee would consider how close the losses were — what if they were in overtime, by a field goal, and by a touchdown? — but Michigan would still be compared with other teams that have fewer losses and more wins against ranked opponents,” Dinich wrote.

Regardless of how the season plays out, it’s clear Michigan is going to be a team to keep an eye on in a stacked Big Ten.

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