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Michigan is one of several Big Ten teams that are starting quarterbacks in their first or second year of college and are living with good moments and growing pains.
According to On3, Underwood currently has a $3 million annual NIL valuation. That is one of the highest figures ever reported for a college freshman. That number puts him in elite company, not just among his college peers but even compared to NFL quarterbacks.
USA TODAY College Sports Wire on MSN
ESPN ranks Michigan QB Bryce Underwood No. 6 among all first-year players nationwide
ESPN rated all of the best freshmen in college football, including redshirt freshmen. Even still, Underwood comes in the top 10, ranked No. 6 among first-year players, redshirt or not.
Bryce Underwood's one interception against USC was costly, as the pinnacle of Michigan's struggles on third down against the Trojans.
Barstool Sports founder and Michigan superfan Dave Portnoy shared his frustration following the No. 15 Wolverines’ loss 31-13 to USC.
AtoZ Sports on MSN
Final score predictions for Michigan vs. USC: Will Bryce Underwood continue breakout year or does Lincoln Riley's offense prevail?
The Michigan Wolverines and USC Trojans enter Week 7 with 4-1 records. Both teams' only loss came to a top 20 ranked opponent. Both could propel themselves into Big Ten conference contention and rise into College Football Playoff consideration with a victory over the other.
Underwood ran wild against Central Michigan, which is undeniably a far cry from USC. However, since that game, the Michigan coaching staff has openly encouraged Underwood to utilize his legs more. After just six combined rush attempts in his first two weeks, he has averaged 7.3 carries per game in his last three outings.
Bryce Underwood threw for 200 yards in the second half as Michigan football pulled away from Wisconsin in Week 6 at Michigan Stadium.
Bryce Underwood showed impressive poise in Michigan's win over Nebraska, but Joel Klatt wants to see the freshman QB improve in one area next.